The Monterey Park City Council earlier this month passed a resolution supporting Measure HOM, a proposed ballot measure to establish housing overlays in designated commercial and industrial areas.
If voters in the city approve Measure HOM in November, the amended Land Use and Urban Design Element would allow for “optional flexible residential housing development” on underutilized and vacant commercial and industrial sites, officials said Sept. 17. The measure does not change residential area zoning.
The council’s action follows community engagement under the city’s “Vacant-to-Vibrant” outreach effort. Residents and local stakeholders identified long-term vacancies and underutilized properties within commercial and industrial corridors as areas that would benefit from reinvestment, new services and more housing options.
The council resolution notes that changes in the commercial and retail real estate market since 2020 have led to economic shifts. Following the state’s elimination of redevelopment agencies, land use policy and zoning serve as the primary local mechanisms to encourage investment and job creation. Officials said the proposed housing overlays are designed to align local planning policies with current economic and housing conditions.
“Our community shared their desire for more attainable housing options, economic opportunity for retail and business and the revitalization of vacant buildings throughout Monterey Park,” Mayor Henry Lo said in a statement. “If approved by voters, Measure HOM would provide new zoning overlay options to encourage residential development in limited commercial and industrial areas that could help promote new services, new housing and new investments. This resolution reflects the City Council’s ongoing commitment to land use policies that respond to local economic conditions and honor resident input.”
For more information on Measure HOM, go to MontereyPark.CA.gov/HOME.