Wilmont Board Meeting Minutes - March 12, 2024

Wilshire Montana Neighborhood Coalition Monthly Board meeting minutes Date: March 12, 2024 Time: 7:00 PM - 8:45 PM Location: Online MeetingBoard Members in Attendance:

• Stephen Martin 
  
• John Cyrus Smith
  
• Rosemary Sostarich
  
• Elizabeth Brooks 
  
• Kate Bransfield
  

I. Guest Speakers:
    David Martin: Planning Director City of Santa Monica 
II. Discussion:
The meeting with David Martin focused on affordable housing challenges in Santa Monica. Key points include:

• The high cost of land makes affordable housing development financially difficult.
  
• The city is looking at ways to advocate for changes to state requirements and incentivize development.
  
• There is a concern that current inclusionary zoning requirements do not provide enough affordable units.
  
• There is a lack of homeownership opportunities, with most new development being rentals.
  
• Residents expressed concerns about feeling shut out of the development process and the lack of parking in new developments.
  
• David Martin clarified that some parking requirement exemptions are due to both city and state actions promoting transit-oriented development.
  

John Cyrus Smith: 
Led a discussion about 2024 public events and outreach possibilities, such as the Montana Artwalk and Wilmont’s “Second Saturday” Summer music/movie series. We need to join these events to let people know about Wilmont and give more visibility. We need help and volunteers.   
Led brief discussion of city elections coming up… four seats on the Council. Various scenarios, etc.
IV. Adjournment:

• The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM.
  

V. Additional Notes: 
  None 

​