I don’t mind saying there are a few things that strike fear in my heart. Snakes of any sort, Barry Zito pitching in a must-win situation and extra firm tofu are among them.
Affordable housing isn’t one of these things and this, apparently, makes me different from many people who live in Marin County.
Banging on affordable housing has reached the point of being a blood sport, just ask Marin Supervisor Susan Adams. She’s watching folks gather signatures for her possible recall because they don’t believe she’s been listening to their opposition to any affordable housing, including a proposed 82-unit affordable housing development in Marinwood. The development would include 72 affordable and 10 market rate units. Critics of the development by Bridge Housing Corp. say the complex would mean more traffic, pollution and crime for the neighborhood. They also say the complex wouldn’t generate property taxes to pay for additional public services nor would it contribute to the local school district.
Ironically, the opponents have failed to connect the dots that some prospective residents would include local teachers and police officers who work in the community and can’t afford Marin’s expensive housing market.
Thanks to a combination of regional housing studies, local governments looking at higher-density housing zoning and the high-profile decision by George Lucas to abandon his Grady Ranch project in favor of turning over the land for affordable housing (even with the Marin Community Foundation walking away from the project), affordable housing is an issue slicing through the community.
Because Marin is ground zero for politically correct dialog, those opposed to such housing are said to be against it, not because it’s a bad idea, but because the location is wrong. Or it will hurt property values. Or it will destroy the “small town feel.”
Meanwhile, in whispers you don’t hear in polite chatter at the market, there are those who say these excuses are code for classism and racism.
With an eye toward making sure nobody sues over buying a home where affordable housing might one day rear its non-property-tax-paying head, the Marin Association of Realtors (MAR) has decided to add the following to its 15-page list of disclosures that’s included voluntarily in most transactions. “From time to time, the county, cities and towns of Marin identify areas of Marin for possible housing developments. Buyers and sellers should get information from their local governments about these housing developments. Real estate brokers and their agents are not responsible for investigating or identifying properties that may be rezoned or affected by future housing developments.”
No mention of affordable housing here, but that is in fact what drove this little addition.
The simplicity of the paragraph is a thing of beauty. Non-threatening, straightforward and it takes realtors off the hook should some do-gooder have the bad taste to suggest housing that’s not a starter castle.
I don’t fault MAR for wanting to cover the collective tush of its members. Buying or selling a house is a high-octane pursuit and money and stainless steel appliances tend to make people crazy. Plus, there are people in Marin who have their legal representative on speed dial—and some who actually have more than one.
It’s an age of specialization.
Fact is, MAR has inspired me. So here are a few more disclosures that make as much sense as the disclosure list.
“Marin loves its animals, and there’s the possibility that someone may move in next door with a yippy dog who has a precious name and will not only annoy you with his constant noise but will also use your garden as his personal outhouse. Your realtor or his agents is not responsible for this beast or for shagging its piles out of your petunias.”
What about a holiday alert? Let’s say you’re considering buying the perfect three bedroom, two bathroom home with crown molding and original oak floors—but it’s March. “Your realtor is not responsible for providing an explanation of the neighborhood competition for brightest Christmas lights or the contest for most mechanical deer on the front lawn. Buyer is responsible for learning the appropriate holiday carols. Moreover, when Halloween arrives, buyer should be aware of neighborhood requirement for a minimum number of skeletons and witches in the front yard. Also please be aware of how much Halloween candy costs and the social cost for running out.”
And what about curb appeal? “Buyers are advised to research appropriate automobiles for the desired neighborhood as well as parking traditions. Realtors hold no responsibility for make and model selection nor for notes left on your car urging you to have your ride properly detailed.”
Maybe those aren’t going to get the job done. Here’s one that seems to make more sense: “People are free to buy and sell homes. One day, someone may purchase a home next door to you and they may favor affordable housing. Your realtor is not responsible for their wrongheaded views nor for the guilt you may feel should you actually listen to their arguments and begin caring about those who live and work in your community.”
Your Marin moment
Three Twins Ice Cream, which got its start in San Rafael and has two of its four scoop shops in Marin, will debut a new flavor next month: Sergio Romo’s Mexican Chocolate.
The new ice cream is the product of a deal hammered out between Three Twins Founder Neal Gottlieb and Romo, and a portion of the sale proceeds will go toward changing immigration law. Romo was born in the United States, but his parents entered the country illegally.
Romo created shirt sale frenzy in 2012 when he showed up for the Giants’ World Series victory parade wearing a shirt that read, “I Just Look Illegal.”
The label on the new flavor will be emblazoned with “It Only Tastes Illegal,” along with a likeness of Romo’s distinctive mug.
