Industry News

Affordable Housing or NBA Arena? Calif. Judge Picks NBA

Phil Hall
Nov 08, 2019
basketball game

A California judge rejected a community group’s effort to block the construction of an NBA basketball arena on city-owned land in order to build affordable housing.
 
According to Curbed L.A., Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Daniel Murphy sides with the Los Angeles Clippers, who are seeking to build an arena in Inglewood. In exchange for the use of the city-owned land, the Clippers agreed to give the city of Inglewood a $100 million community benefits package, including $75 million to be used on the creation of up to 400 affordable housing units, a rent relief program and financial assistance for first-time homebuyers.
 
However, the city was sued last year by Uplift Inglewood Coalition, which claimed the arena project violated the California Surplus Land Act. It asked the courts to void the contract between the city of Inglewood and the Clippers in order to give affordable housing developers a chance to bid on the land for 60 days. But the judge sided with the city and Clippers, arguing that housing cannot be reintroduced to the site because of its location under a LAX flight path, which the judge added could pose a public health hazard.
 
“We are extremely disappointed and perplexed by the court’s ruling,” the attorneys representing Uplift Inglewood Coalition said in a statement to Curbed L.A. “The court’s decision gives the city a pass on compliance with the Surplus Land Act at a time of grave affordable and homeless crisis.”
 
Inglewood Mayor James Butts felt otherwise, issuing a statement that praised the ruling as a “tremendous victory for the people of Inglewood.”
 
This is the latest battle over affordable housing in a very affordable state as earlier this week, Apple allocated funds to address the lack of affordable housing options, with a $2.5 billion plan to assist both homeowners and renters, following Facebook’s announcement for $1 billion in similar housing-related funding and a $1 billion announcement by Google in May.
(Photo via Amy Meredith / Creative Commons)
 

 
Link copied
Published
Nov 08, 2019
Get the NMP Daily
Courts
Triumph In Texas: Combatting 'Pay-to-Pay' Fees

Bailey Glasser secures class action victory against fees for paying mortgages by phone.

Bailey & Glasser LLP, representing a group of consumers who were unfairly charged fees solely for making phone payments on their mortgages, achieved a substantial summary judgment triumph in a class action case in a federal district court in Houston, Texas. The legal ac...

Continue reading
Industry News
Fannie Mae Introduces Spanish-Language Homebuyer Education Program

The new platform, HomeView en Español, aims to bridge language barriers hindering Hispanic-Americans from purchasing homes..

Fannie Mae has unveiled HomeView en Español, a digital platform tailored to provide Spanish-speaking consumers with accessible information on financial literacy and homeownership. The platform, available 24/7, allows users to either independently navigate the content or seek...

Continue reading
Renew your NMLS License — for free.

Enjoy access to a free NMLS renewal class when you attend an in-person event.

Find an event
More from
Industry News
Fannie Mae Introduces Spanish-Language Homebuyer Education Program

The new platform, HomeView en Español, aims to bridge language barriers hindering Hispanic-Americans from purchasing homes..

Industry News
Sep 29, 2023
Layoffs At Better.com

After a rocky market debut, Better.com has laid off staff.

Industry News
Sep 25, 2023
CFPB Issues Guidance On AI In Credit Underwriting

Creditors must provide specific and accurate reasons for credit denials, even with complex AI models.

Industry News
Sep 19, 2023
Intercontinental Exchange Completes Black Knight Acquisition; Births Dark Matter Technologies Under Constellation Software

Rich Gagliano takes the helm at Dark Matter Technologies, poised to lead the future of Empower LOS with a 1,300-strong team, blending startup agility with decades of industry experience.

Industry News
Sep 18, 2023
FHFA Invites Public Engagement On Modernized Credit Score Transition

Stakeholder forums and listening sessions planned to ensure seamless rollout; extended timeline for bi-merge credit report requirement in play.

Industry News
Sep 11, 2023
Desperation Drives Difficulty in Closing Mortgages in California

Analysis reveals California among top 20 toughest states for mortgage closures.

Industry News
Sep 11, 2023