California lawmakers advanced Senate Bill 79, a significant housing bill aimed at increasing high-density housing near transit hubs. The bill, approved by the state Senate 21-8 and by the California Congress 41-17, overturns local zoning regulations to allow taller buildings near public transport landmarks. Introduced by Sen. Scott Wiener, the bill permits buildings of up to nine stories near major transit stops and includes various tiers of zoning based on proximity to transportation.
Supporters argue the bill is crucial for addressing California’s housing affordability and homelessness issues, projecting it could lead to the construction of hundreds of thousands of new apartments. Critics, however, express concerns that it undermines local control and could disproportionately impact lower-cost areas.
Despite opposition from groups like the Los Angeles City Council, which called the bill an overreach, support increased after a labor union negotiated amendments to include union jobs for certain projects. The bill is now set to move to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk, with heightened prospects for approval following recent amendments.
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