Senator Portantino Introduces Legislation Giving County Assessor, Caltrans Tools to Help Keep 710 Properties Affordable

Wednesday, Senator Anthony J. Portantino introduced SB 275 that gives the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office the ability to assess single-family homes within the 710 corridor appropriately.

Keeping properties affordable in the 710 corridor has been the goal and intent of the state legislature since passing the Roberti Bill in 1979.

The Roberti Bill planned and outlined the process for the disposition of the 710 properties acquired by Caltrans. The Bill directed the Department of Transportation to sell surplus residential properties along SR 710 in a manner that would preserve, upgrade, and expand the supply of housing available in the region. It also put an emphasis on making those homes and properties affordable. The affordable housing crisis continues to be one of California’s biggest issues and the disposition of the Caltrans homes has finally arrived. Legislation is now needed to help the Los Angeles County Assessor meet the spirit and intent of Roberti.

“This legislation will allow many of the residents who live in the SR 710 corridor to purchase property with an assessed valuation that would not price them out of that purchase,” stated Portantino. “As the 710 surface freeway and tunnel’s days are numbered it is imperative that we enact practical legislation to help facilitate the proper disposition of the Caltrans homes and properties. I am very grateful to the Los Angeles County Assessor’s office for working collaboratively on this important fix for the residents in my district,” concluded Portantino.

It was always intended that many of the 710 homes and properties would go to existing tenants and be affordable at the time of purchase. As the affordable housing crisis continues to be one of Los Angeles’ biggest issues, this bill has taken on even more importance.

“Assisting people who will purchase 710 corridor homes by valuing the properties for affordability is the right thing to do,” said Jeffrey Prang, Los Angeles County Assessor. “I support Senator Portantino’s efforts to resolve the long-standing concern about residential properties in the path of the former 710 Freeway.”

Assessor Prang emphasized that the clear direction provided in Senator Portantino’s legislation to assist the residents of the area by making the homes as affordable as possible.