Sample Letter
Dear Senator
NAME,
I am writing to extend my gratitude for the leadership and hard work you have undertaken to address the state’s housing crisis and to convey my support for legislation that would incentivize housing development near transit areas in a targeted manner yet protect historic structures. The authors of both SB-4 and SB-50 have stated their intent to adhere to the letter and spirit of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the CEQA guidelines. To that end, I respectfully request that the legislation be amended to protect structures placed on, or that have been identified by a public agency as eligible for, inclusion on a national, state, or local historic register in order to prevent the demolition of historic resources, which is no one’s intent with either bill.
On April 15, San Diego’s Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO), along with the California Preservation Foundation (CPF), the Los Angeles Conservancy, and eight more of California’s leading historic preservation organizations sent you suggested language to incorporate into the bills in order to ensure consistency with CEQA and the protection of historic places. I kindly ask that you adopt this language to promote housing and protect historic structures.
Thank you,
YOUR NAME
Note:
When sending this letter, you are encouraged to make it more personal by including examples of historic places in your community that could be threatened under this bill, and if possible to send a letter on your firm’s or organization’s letterhead, if applicable. Thank you!
