Event Coverage

SAMCAR Legislative Committee celebrates 2006 accomplishments

Members of SAMCAR’s Legislative Committee celebrated a year of accomplishments at their annual luncheon held at Menlo Circus Club on Thursday, December 7. 2006 has been a successful year with a long list of accomplishments, thanks to the hard work of committee members and SAMCAR’s Government Affairs staff, Legislative Committee Co-Chairs John Brook and Dan Rogers told the group.

Brook noted, “Our Realtors being active in the different city councils and planning commissions and warm relationships committee members and SAMCAR’s Government Affairs staff have developed with civic leaders helped tremendously in redirecting poor legislation into more positive channels.”

The Legislative Committee’s list of successes in 2006 include: 

* In Redwood City: A proposed Park Fee (proposed $20k/unit or $1k-$8k/bdrm proposed for new development/remodels) appeared to be an attempt to raise money without raising taxes, and would have handicapped residential development and owners improving their property. A subcommittee met with city officials and persuaded them to consider other ways to finance park improvements. A special thanks to Michael Verdone for his special effort.

* In San Mateo: In the city’s Single Family Design Review, the Legislative Committee and SAMCAR’s Government Affairs staff were able to work with the City to remove overly restrictive elements and add exemptions which give property owners and developers more flexibility. Also, the Committee provided consistent support for the Bay Meadows Development Agreement. The agreement will bring 1,200 new residential units and an opportunity for SAMCAR’s membership to assist in the sales process.

* Statewide: Proposition 90 (Eminent Domain), a well-intentioned but poorly thought-out measure, was successfully defeated by voters.

Looking ahead to 2007, Brook then briefed members on these upcoming issues:

* The cities of San Mateo and Burlingame are investigating allowing residential development in commercially zoned areas.

* With regard to the redevelopment of the Peninsula Avenue Freeway Interchange, under some scenarios, houses may be removed to improve freeway access. This could be a possible disclosure item.

* The cities of San Mateo and Redwood City are considering revisions to their sign ordinances.

* SAMCAR’s Government Affairs staff will be finalizing the review of a housing element which includes the Below Market Residential (BMR) requirement for new development.

* The problem of low Realtor voter turnout needs to be addressed.

“We are plagued by the extremely low rate of Realtor voter turnout,” said Brook. “We can be our own enemy. We are harming ourselves by not voting for candidates that represent our interests. We need to identify objections and encourage Realtors to vote in overwhelming numbers.”

SAMCAR Executive Officer Janet Case congratulated committee members and noted, “You are the only reason we exist as a trade association. You are the heart of what SAMCAR is and you are the purpose.”

The Committee also recognized the hard work and contributions made by longtime member Dimitri Melas and awarded him the Nicky Award (see GAD column). Melas was unable to attend the luncheon, but on Tuesday, December 12, he was honored by his peers at the South Tour Christmas Auction in Redwood City.

The San Mateo County Association of REALTORS® (SAMCAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 3,800 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula. SAMCAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in San Mateo County.

The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

For further information, please contact Julie Ziemelis, Director of Public Affairs, e-mail , or phone (650) 696-8214.

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