**Present**

Michael Sondermann, Sondermann Ring Partners
Michael Tripp, Planning Division Chief, Department of Beaches & Harbors
Leo Simone, Arborist, Biologist, LSA
Richard Erickson, Ornithologist, Biologist, LSA

More than 250 community members attended the meeting, which occurred in the Community Room at Mariners Village. Michael Sondermann with Sondermann Ring Partners began the meeting by stating that the previous renovation program for Mariners Village was no longer being considered. He then outlined elements of the new renovation.

Key presentation points included:

Providing 196 affordable housing units,
Preserving the architectural aesthetic of Mariners Village,
Preserving the urban forest and protection of the 950 trees, and
Protecting the heron rookery.

Sondermann also explained that:

The renovations will be privately funded (no public subsidies).
Residents will not be required to move during the renovation.
Rent increases for existing residents will be limited to 5.5 percent annually retroactive to July 2018.
The renovation will have two phases – a planning phase of 18 months to 2 years, and the renovation phase, which will last 6 years.
The promenade is being constructed per requirements of the Coastal Act and the County’s Local Coastal Program.

Questions were asked by various community members, with responses provided by the most appropriate representative. The following is a synopsis of the issues and responses, largely in the order in which they were first raised.

Lead and Asbestos

Sondermann said that since this renovation will be focused on the interiors of the buildings, there will be no removal of the lead and asbestos because the buildings cannot be cleared out during the renovation process.

Length of Renovation Period

Sondermann confirmed the goal is to have the renovation program permitted in approximately two years and then begin six years of renovations.

Affordable Housing Units Sondermann said the affordable housing program isn’t a County requirement and that Marina Admiralty Company (Lessee) has volunteered to do this as a part of the Lease Extension. He added that occupancy would be determined based on a lottery system to be fair. A community member expressed concern about the criteria being a lottery system. In response to a community member’s question, Sondermann explained the definition of “low-income” as 50 percent of area median income. For Marina del Rey, he said that is $33,950 for a family of one and $48,450 for a family of four. A community resident expressed concerns about the low-income residents who could end up living in the affordable housing units and asked Sondermann to keep those issues in mind. He responded that he would. Sondermann noted that E&S Ring manages 2,000-plus units in Marina del Rey, including affordable housing units. Sondermann said that Section 8 will not be considered for the affordable housing units. A community member asked if the affordable housing criteria could be changed to affordable senior housing. Sondermann said no, but noted that seniors would not be disqualified if they applied for the affordable housing units. **Unit Renovation Details** Sondermann said renovations will occur as units are vacated. He said washer and dryers will not be installed in the units because necessary plumbing cannot be done without emptying the buildings. Sondermann said energy efficiency is a focus of the renovations, with all units being outfitted with energy-efficient lights, appliances and heating. **Promenade Details** Michael Tripp said the Coastal Act and Department of Beaches and Harbors want to increase public access to the water. As such, the promenade will be a public walkway – it will not be a street. He said the yachts (boat slips) will not be extended. In response to a question, Tripp said the boat docks are on the Marina harbor and are not part of this renovation program. Community members expressed concern about security at the apartment buildings if public access is allowed. **Promenade Timeline** Sondermann said the management team will be working with residents. He said there is no construction schedule at this time. The promenade would be built at some point during the six-year renovation period, but not before two years. **Status of Tennis Courts** Sondermann said the tennis courts will be renovated. **Parking Details** Sondermann said gated parking may be a possibility. He also said there will be no increase in the number of available parking spaces. **Rent Increase Details** Sondermann clarified that rent increases for existing residents will be limited to 5.5 percent annually. Community residents expressed concern about that. One member asked for clarification as to whether the County is limiting rent increases to 3 percent. Michael Tripp responded that the County has been asked to examine that, but it has not been adopted yet. **Rent Reduction During Renovation Process** Several community members asked whether rent will be reduced when renovations are occurring in nearby units or within their own unit. Sondermann replied there are no plans at this time to reduce rent for residents during the renovation process though he said that it may be considered. **Air Conditioning in Units** Sondermann said there are no plans to install air conditioning in the units, but that extra ceiling fans can be included in the renovation budget. **Trees and Heron Rookery** A community member asked if a committee of residents could be set up to address the rookery and trees, and if the residents could work with specialists to improve the rookery. That person was advised to send those questions to management. Another community member asked if any new trees will be planted to replace the missing trees. Sondermann responded that an audit by LSA is being conducted of their 2014 tree survey. **Exterior Features** Sondermann said the water features will be renovated. **Next Steps** Michael Tripp said the next public meeting will be a Board of Supervisors meeting.