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Economy
Could Troubled San Jose Hotels Be Transformed Into Affordable Housing?
A San Jose City Councilman is calling for the conversion of "nuisance" hotels and motels in the city into affordable housing. Councilman Sam Liccardo cites widespread complaints of prostitution, drug dealing and other criminal activity at motels just outside the downtown core.
He says he wants to find ways to help struggling owners convert their properties. Liccardo says the death of redevelopment agencies has limited the city’s ability to finance affordable housing. “Based on conversations with developers, many of these motel units can be converted with the installations of kitchenettes and other minor modifications that can make for high quality, affordable housing for our workforce," Liccardo says.
Liccardo wants the city to use tax credit financing or other methods to encourage owners to convert the units, but he says that idea needs more study.
