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HomeMy WebLinkAboutA004 - Letters from Central Iowa Board of Realtors Opposing Rental Cap, 2018 Jason Garwood 109 S Maple Ave Ames, IA 50010 April 5-, 2018 Ames City Council City Hall - 515 Clark Ave. Ames, IA 50010 Dear Council, I'm writing to you in regards of the rental concentration limits. I currently reside in an area of town that is accessible for students due to its proximity to the University,therefore, it thrives from rental housing. I'm 36 years old and have lived in Ames for 30 of those years. As a long- time Ames resident, I've witnessed the increase in enrollment in Iowa State University resulting in the profitable development of Ames. When I consider important issues, I not only think about the way they will impact myself,but more importantly how they will affect the community. Will this vote directly influence my property value?Yes. A free market results in a higher real estate value than that of a restricted market. Regretfully, those who don't vote or don't even have a say will be heavily impacted. When I attended Iowa State University,the best part was residing close to campus in a residential home. Often times,parents purchase houses for their college-aged children to live in and rent out. This is very beneficial for the economy in Ames! Who writes letters and shows up to council meetings? Unfortunately, it's not the potential Iowa State students or their parents. The elephant in the room seems to be... investors buying houses, an overabundance of apartments being built, and long-time residents in campus town neighborhoods who are against student housing "taking over their neighborhood."Iowa State is the backbone of our economy and as it grows, so does Ames. Allow free real estate transactions and let the real estate market decide for itself. Sincerely, Jason Garwood April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing, the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS°, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate, we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN), will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers (caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction, which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge, very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction rema ins an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB, which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate, we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN), will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers (caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary.deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction, which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge, very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB, which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, ig ur Date Printed na e i April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS" should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have,_ long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to, represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? in some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed nnplernentataan of awed Restrktioa,Bch old Unut the use of a property try owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed f restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties i%n many portions of the NCR. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sake that would have almost certainly been sold if-not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard,Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pi.nehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. Placing a cap on the number of rental;units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or taps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any netghborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance In these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dweltingto a rerttal dwelling unit. finally,we acknowiedgethere is on occasion-some inappropriate and criminal individual and group,behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature �`�-- Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORSO should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing, the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS°, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate, we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN), will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers (caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction, which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed, the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB, which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods, they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, 1 �L3/,z_ C,h e Signat w Date Printe name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS" should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing, the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate, we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN), will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers (caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction, which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed, the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs, which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e. the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods; the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods, they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally, we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active.neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, ,LY , � ` - 1� �,l e� I���C�YI Signature Date Printed name r April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS° should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS°, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers (caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed 1 restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB, which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signatur Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS°, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs, which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally, we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, -1' J o et a f�,�, e.-t S e.,1 gnature Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing, the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate, we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN), will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge, very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where"the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB, which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed name f April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers (caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers (caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of . government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally, we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, iJ Signature Date Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing, the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS°, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate, we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction, which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS" should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate, we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers (caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed, the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB, which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods; the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, /� 14lea�/, K- ro/%t LIC III Lly/C/ �� ignature Date Printed name / April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS° should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers (caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, � -3- aol� �j l� y Signature Date Printed name «ab Czt ti, dR'D �C I �.�5 , TA- /b 4 April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS" should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing, the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate, we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN), will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers (caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods, the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction, which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed r restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed, the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs, which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods, they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally, we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS', individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied.dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, C17 Signature Date Printed name ��� v ��v f April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS" should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods, they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date 2oltj Printed name / '0 5 April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, _ r S ure Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS" should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers (caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS° should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS°, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, 13Aq M-v(,aM - "u�phT Signature Date Printed name f l April 3,2018 Mayor John Haifa and Members of the Ames City Council: Code of Ethics states, The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtorsde end the survival and "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership P Ize that the interest growth of free insti tutions and of our civilization. REALTORS* should re ogn d stribution of land the the building of functioning cities,the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the tan an a healthful environment." ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing, development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of have intimate of our experience in residential real estate,we al We as members of the Central Iowa Board of REASuORS®, individually and collectively, r rent knowledge of our focal real estate market. Asa re fiance LOC fo ei h l capso n (NCN),will result in negative financial confidently conclude that the imposition of aNeighborhoods ificial caps on new Letters o Comp d dwellings within the proposed Near Campus g negative unintended consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. property rights. Caps Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with maikn�erfere with supply and demand and may have et economics,and individual prop y on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that wil long-term unintended consequences. erty ers ithin the A legally few ind'+victuals in the NCN are assumed to representoallthe d assoc at onnand`the right to defined neighborhoods. Do theNCN rs w thin the defined boundaries? Who defines the f the represent all of the property Do the NCN purport to represent all boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of ese same neighborhoods,the majority f property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. how many property owners voted? owners within their boundaries? Do thestakenghborhoods have an elected boar o property directors and an election of officers? If a vote was Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that ehi'ty are rs given the right to one or vote on more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners certain Neighborhood m atters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property within the Neighborhood boundaries? and force duals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the ert owners within er The fact that some individu support or consensus among the property • government,demonstrates the lack of if thse ese individuals represented the will f their Ne h Associations,and/or a Neighborhood. twat Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and p legal and voluntary deed restrictions successfully encouraged the creation of hundreuse tof o owner-occupied dwellings. limiting the property's current and osed some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imp implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- • ears. To our knowledge,very few home owners have occupied properties for a period up to 21 ytive home buyers,and option,as it limits the number°o Perty ec voluntarily chosen this This self-imposed deed therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the prop ner as an individual right but does not impede on restriction, remains an option for the home ow any other home owner's rights. onions of the Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many p council, • NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially) is as a dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of rental es this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, sold if not for the mo atorium and ithe currently for sale that would have almost certainly been proposed caps. Caps se LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or ng a rental ing effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied mandating'on aolarge scale that which Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City wouldprocess. can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary Creating a cap, would effectively be creating along-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of ed pressure to convert owner these NCNB,which in turn will only serve toacreate scent non-NCN's areas,i e the Brookridge, occupied dwellings into rental dwellings i 1 pines and Pinehurst Ridgewood,Orchard,Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. on the percentage of rental dwellings There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap • would positively affect the community. ems Placing a cap on the number of rental units within aad d i��duct Enford area will ocement of et solve the xisting laws that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity b the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods Y for all residents. EALTORS request that the City In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board tenof tage off rental dwellings in any Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on t pe in these NCN be neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new o limit the s of Cnumber of rental dwe I nomplianc gs in their neig property owners wish to lima immediately. Should like-minded prop Y home owner's association and/or take neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntaryting f an by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions ,e ge there is on occaseven ionosome aproperty owner-occupied dwelling l i a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we among occupants of some of the rental inappropriate and criminal individual and group enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch dwelling units. We recommend increased law groups. Sincerely, L �{ Date rin ed name Si nature r April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon Its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS", individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers (caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed ! restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard,Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. I i • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems I that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Sig ture Date Printed name { i April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN), will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers (caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction, which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB, which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally, we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, 'nature *te Print& name 1 . April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS° should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS°, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate, we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN), will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers (caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to, represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods, these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction, which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed i restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB, which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods; the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally, we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active.neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Sign t e Date Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use"(financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature � Date Printed name "_ V April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined-boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS" should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should.instead create a legal and voluntary homeowner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Si rely, _34 Sign a Date Printed nude 4 April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers (caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, 4�3118 �I 1't �?�►11 Signature Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary homeowner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Si cerely, c Signatu Date Printed name r April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership.'They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and.farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN), will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary.deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction, which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active.neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, -Z4- �8 Signature Date Printed name s April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed r restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, L/ 1 / 3 eY- r1 r) \ i a Date Printed na e �a� zi i April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS'should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®,individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary.deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB, which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should,,like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed name ` A T April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the,National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers (caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? if a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use"(financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary homeowner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, -6 Signa u Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, ign ture Date Prin name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to . represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use"(financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary homeowner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, ,�i-�. L 3 S ci V, -kh:C�ea- b��e r Signature Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers (caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • -There is not enough data or evidence to,suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa.Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary,deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, -�� gnat re Date P fined ame y April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers (caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, 4Signae Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS' should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property-owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, c Signature Date Printed name f April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property,owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincere , tu Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. ely, i Signature Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORSO should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers (caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are.being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. There is not enough data or evidence to,suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed na' April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals,in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners withn the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Nhborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain'Neighborhood matters Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals.within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a:legal and volur4ary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed r0Strictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, —1 U j Signature Date Printed nam April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS" should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use"(financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to,suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa,Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signatur Date Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment" We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORSe,individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken,how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are-being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use"(financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of. these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard,Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch group Since ly, ignature Date Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first;paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association:of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS6 should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®,individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods{NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Arethe property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to:corivert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brockridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary homeowner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions,preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group,behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Pa?) Printed name 4 i i {t f i April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning.cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment" We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®,individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers jcaps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken,how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have. voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed s . Y r E J P restriction,remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on K any other home owner's rights. A Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the i NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use"(financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties E currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard,Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, y 3 c 11 ignature Date Printed name I i April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS" should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers (caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed f restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary homeowner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, UNIV Signature Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS*should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment" We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®,individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary.deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge, very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the-property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. . • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, nIA601- Ll 1511-3 To min &CL Signature U Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN), will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to- represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods, these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their . neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally, we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincer 1,0 'gnature Date r 1 I�IZ Printed name v April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers (caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to- represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their . neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally, we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, ` � s Signature Date Printed name j April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and recogze that the interest growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORand andshoulthe w Nest distribution of land the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®,individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NO are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of vote was taken, how many property owners voted? directors and an election of officers? If a Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? .Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their . neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active:neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed name l� April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to. represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their . neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Q-) ftnQ 919n-OWIK S gnature Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN), will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21'years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their . neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active:neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, _.... � ��_,�✓� Ste, hN W Signature Date Printed name A April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haifa and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS", individually and collectively, have.intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an-elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods, they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, I J/- fez Signature Date Printed name r T April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS*should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOG)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Sig ature Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property,owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to, represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? j • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied swellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-,imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental propertie in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in disc ssion with city council," there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and bes use (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant o ner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as them are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for�he moratorium and the proposed caps. i+ Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Dee Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling t a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mand ting on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary pro ess. Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium In new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure o convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, I e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. i • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. I i • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. EnfoMement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result i'better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTOR request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of r ntal dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of'rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's'association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions prevent' g the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge thre is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of tome of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. i Sincerely, i Signa u Date Pri ted name l i April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®,individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an.elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction,remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the.moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the.Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of-REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, A4� A Signature Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS*should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORSO, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fad that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of, these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®,individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use"(financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the.moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the.Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. ncerely, ` SSipr ature Date Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS's should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS*,individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken,how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote.on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and,self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction,remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use"(financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard,Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units, We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. Please consider the following bullet points in your decision. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use"(financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, �;A-F-f X-- 1 42nature Date Printed nam r4_S j:1.0 April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS*should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®,individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. Please consider the following bullet points in your decision. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken,how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary homeowner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. Please consider the following bullet points in your decision. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use"(financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. Please consider the following bullet points in your decision. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use"(financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, ignature Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. Please consider the following bullet points in your decision. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions, limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use"(financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, S Date Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences.Please consider the following bullet points in your decision. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period,up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed r r restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use"(financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, Le:the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed name f April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORSO should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORSO,individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences.Please consider the following bullet points in your decision. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken,how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction,remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e. the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard,Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally, we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Rod Copple Friedrich Iowa Realty dottoop signature verification:www.dotloop.com/my/verification/DL-331741532-3-2T3H i April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real.estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN), will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. Please consider the following bullet points in your decision. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed dotloop signature verification:www,dotloop.cOm/my/verification/DL-331741532-3-2T3H restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use"(financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, GM 333PM EDT X1Y8.9JS&9JSP-YMVX•PW33 Signature Date Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS*should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS",,individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real.estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. Please consider the following bullet points in your decision. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use"(financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, 'S*ignatre r Date Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS* should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. Please consider the following bullet points in your decision. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary homeowner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. S' cerely, r; 1 Sig ure to Printed name dod p signature verification:www.dotloop.com/my/verification/DL-331767169-3-32V2 April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®,individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers (caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. Please consider the following bullet points in your decision. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? in some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the.Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed dotlooa signature verification:www.dotloop.com/my/verification/DL-331767169-3-32V2 j restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, dotswItfied 18 326PM CDT III LIQD-WCRH-RQ68-WII9 Signature . Date Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. Please consider the following bullet points in your decision. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use"(financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signat Date Printed n me April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®,individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. Please consider the following bullet points in your decision. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use"(financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, fulki t LG gnature Date Printed name h p r April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. Please consider the following bullet points in your decision. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use"(financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental.dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary homeowner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature D t Printed name t April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®,individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences.Please consider the following bullet points in your decision. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use"(financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary homeowner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, y /� G.-, . , ; , sin Signature Date Printed name w f April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment" We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. Please consider the following bullet points in your decision. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use"(financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. A • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed name r t April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed I restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally, we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, yx� Sign ture Date Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®,individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken,how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed f restriction,remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use"(financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We.recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, w Joy ig at a ate Printe name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®,individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience In residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to. represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken,how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction,remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use"(financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There Is not enough data or evidence'to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board-of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, !��ture Date Printed name F April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board'of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, AA Signature Date Printed name f April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS* should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed f restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, i Signature Q 4/.Ot�_ , Date Printed name /S!o wh/M?Mwey April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,.demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use"(financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, • ��/ll/ Gil Signature Data Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwelli.ngs. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, nJr4- k 4F F Signature Da a Printed name F April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN), will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use"(financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, J8 /� n Signature I Date Printed name 1 April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken,how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use"(financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, igna ure Date Printed name fe April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames'City Council: + The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the.NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these 'Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it'limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. , Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use"(financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in.the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to Ii.mit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Jr , Q id Si ature Date Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN), will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or. successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®,individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a.Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the,moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, " S nature Date Printed name C or April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best se of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation o adequate iousi�ng,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa,Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial bar rie aps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. �� /} Amdt • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represe aN"the pr6pert owne hey defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines thei- boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the J property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all / property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of^l-C directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one o more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners 7�/�/v within the Neighborhood boundaries? IPN y • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of � government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within P� a Neighborhood: If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or,,, successfully encouraged the crea o of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridg%'� Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst. neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. / /f► • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental d"€�Tfi s� y would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problemvsloe_el's that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing la r`/J� by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa oar of REALTORS request that the City �� Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any -- neighbor oo We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellines i�heir�,���. neighborhoods,the _iLle al aNd voluntaa home owner's association and/or take O a property by property initiative to create voluntary dee restrictions preventing the conversion of an�� owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some C �� inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watche A <f groups. - , Sincer , Signature Date Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted?. Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to ail property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request-that-the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally, we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, got Signature Dat Printed name —�' April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary.deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, a)m Si nature ate Printed name r April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN), will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed name l( April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain.Ne-ighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed r' restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request thatthe moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be Lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally, we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, r Signatur Date Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®,individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary.deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on an other home owner's rights. Y g • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, tt Signature Date Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the in of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®,individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? in some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owners rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of-Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally, we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Iq lg PAL4L Signature Date Printed name r April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use"(financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community: • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request-that-the moratorium of new letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signatur Da a Printe ame April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, 'Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain_Neighborhood-matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open-t-a all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale-is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood-: We request-that-the-moratorium of new Letters of Compfiiaiince in these NCIV be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally, we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, ignatu Date Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain.Neighborhood-matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to.afl property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed i restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and,where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on,.a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighberheed-: We request-that-the moratorium of new LettersofCompria ice in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their. neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the in of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®,individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain_Neighborhood-matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use,,(financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. in conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request-that-the moratorium of new Letters-ofComptiannce in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincer il , Signa �re Date Print d name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and.the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken,how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood?,Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of . government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction,remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognize in discussion with city best use" (financially)is as,a there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where the highest rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riversrtainle1rsold�f not for the moratorium and the ,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been proposed caps. Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose some very similar to a Deed Restriction;or • effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium newcon LOCowner- s in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to ert occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings • would positively affect the community. Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number o srental dwelllition gs in their take neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®,individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the. defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the ' boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood-matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open-to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use"(financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood: We request-that-thernoratoriium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, � J ' �{ S �6 Signatu a Date Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®,individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the • boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken,how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NO aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain.Neighborhood-m-atters? Are the Neighborhood meetings oern-to ail-property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. if these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective self-me buyers, self-imposed deed therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use"(financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on'a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. , , • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighbor-hood. We request-that-the. moratorium of new Letters ofCompl once in these NCN be lied immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a properly by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally, we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. WSincerell v' L d Signature Date Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORSO should recognize that the in of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS•, individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the. defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? if a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood-matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open--to all-property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will.of their Neighborhoods,these - Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighbor-head: We request-that-the moratorium of new Letters'of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally, we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood'watch groups. Sincerely, ign ure ate rl�n_a�mle April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? if a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain_Neighborhood-m-a-tters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open-to al+-property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use"(financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if.not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood: We request-that-the-moratorium of nevv Letters-of Cam pUnce in these NCN be rifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincer y, Si Lure Date Printed name April 3,2018 Nfayorlohn Hails and Members of the Armes City Council_ The very first paragraph of the Prearnbte to the Natiorral Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land: Upon its wise utilization and widely albcated ownership depend the survival and ,growth of free inst�i¢ns and of our civilization. REAITORS*should recogrize that the tntamt of the nation and dtitens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership_ They require the creation of adequate housing,the bundling of functioning cities,the development of productive indus;Mes and farm*,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central lowwa Board of REALTQRS",individually ands collectively,have intimate knowledge of our lso+ccal real estate market, As a result of our experience in residential real estate.,we Confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of CompHance(LOC)for remal dwellings within the proposed Near Carnpus Neighborhoods(NCN),MR result in negative financial r.onsequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owriers outside of the lurid area. Artificial barriers(taps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that wia interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequenom A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined rneigltiborhoods. Io the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who define►the boundaries of a Neigh boyhood? I n s,ome of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-oviiiner occupied dwellings: Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors,and an election of officers? if a vote was taken,how many;property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that thattbey are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that name individuals within the NCNB are aslargg the City to use the power and force of gorrerinrner t,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus amtang the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented:the wail of their Neighborhood. ,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Borne Owrrw Associations,and/or suo-essfulty encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dw.eifings. • Some individuals als within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self imposed implernentatron of a Geed Restriction,whkfl would limit the use of a property to owner.. properties for a period rip to 22 years. To our knowledge,veryr few. home owners have vok6rttarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,.and therefore eras an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed Win,remains an option for the horns owner as an individual right but does not imWe+on any other home owner's rights. Property values maV likely decrease for sellers of non-rental Properties in many portions of the NCN, (As the Manning and Housing Department has rer, nked in discusmon with city council. there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"tthe'highest and bestuse'"(finandally)is as a rental dwelling and whe:ne resale is unlikely if not to a.non-occupant owner, We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Nothborhmd,as there are several propenies cuarently for sale that would have almost certaiinly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps, i daps on LOCs in they NCNB will irnpcx�e sornething very sirnRor to a lit Restriction,or fly prohibiting oonversions.from an owner-oomoed dwelling to a rental rdwellin& Should an arbitrary tap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large=le that which can be legally accompCshed individually through a voluntary process- Creating a cap,would e&Cth*be aealing a long-tern;moratorium on new Locs in met of. these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increasW pressure to convert owner• ,o=pied dwellings into rental dvit4u gs in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridgk Ridigewood,Orr-hard,Roosevelt School neighborhoods:the ToirreY Pines and pinehurst rretighborhood,•and the Somersetne~oc4. There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community- - Piacong a tap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that area result of bad behavior and illegal activ4 and conduct. Enforcement of eodsting laws by the Ames llorwA and by tine Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods kw all residents. In conclusion,we as indhiduai members of the Central Iowa Soerd of REAL70RS request that the city Ce Uncil Pelect airy PrOPOled wring overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any nekoborhood. We request that the Moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lftd immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rend dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should insteod create a legal and voluntary hoone ovwnees aMciation and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrkVorts preventing the onversion of an owner-otctrpied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Fidrally,we ackrtowlledge there is onoccasion some inappropriate and ertminal indiMual and group behavior among actupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We neCommend incmased low a nforcement presence,arW active neighborhood watch groups- Sincerely, 5ignatre Printed an April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®,individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. I Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? . Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are,being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner., occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction,remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner-. occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard,Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of.REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signa re Date Printed name J April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended .consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. ' • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, d L Jan I�. �¢ff.YY1 Signa re Date Printed name Y' April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken,how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to ownerr occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction,remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the,Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,.or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a capon the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, ?atur ate Printed name h April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®,individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to . represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, 1_0 1�►C-���- II Signature ate Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment:" We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken,how many property owners voted?Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed i restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use"(financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectivelyprohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandatingon a large scalethat which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take . a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, 7-D o N Ltd c o(iJ �1-3-1 R Signature Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken,how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,.or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary homeowner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, 114, r S nature Date Printed name i April 3,2018 Honorable Mayor John Haila, and members of the Ames city council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC) for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(cap on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial barrier that will interfere with market economics of supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN (Neighborhoods) are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the Neighborhoods purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have by- laws? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within a Neighborhood aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain j Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? j • The fact that the leadership within the NCNs is asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If the leadership represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home sellers have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and it therefore has an adverse financial impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, limiting the property's use, remains an option for the home owner in any case. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the affected NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council,there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale, that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs, which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we,as individual homeowners in the City of Ames request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, SigtQture Date Printed name i r April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their. neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary,home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active.neighborhood watch groups. Sincere 3 /y I� ) A �� 1 ��� Signat a Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board*of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, xw_ Signature l5ate Printed name 4 April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge, very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence.of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. . ' Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB, which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS" should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers (caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB, which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Si & ature Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS" should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB, which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. I • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, _ Ll 1 Jt CAA-c,Is fllm drys cm- SignatureDate Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC) for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB, which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where"the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB, which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Sig ature Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS'should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers (caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, ghborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School nei neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Sign ture D to Printed name M April 3,2018 Honorable Mayor John Haila, and members of the Ames city council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC) for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(cap on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial barrier that will interfere with market economics of supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN (Neighborhoods) are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the Neighborhoods purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have by- laws? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? if a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within a Neighborhood aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that the leadership within the NCNB is asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If the leadership represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home sellers have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse financial impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, limiting the property's use, remains an option for the home owner in any case. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the affected NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council,there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale, that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we, as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of Realtors request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish limit the number of rental dwellings in their . neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed name April 3,2018 Honorable Mayor John Haila, and members of the Ames city council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(cap on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial barrier that will interfere with market economics of supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN (Neighborhoods) are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the Neighborhoods purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have by- laws? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within a Neighborhood aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that the leadership within the NCNB is asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If the leadership represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home sellers have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and This self-imposed deed f theproperty. p value o e has an adverse financial im act on the therefor p restriction, limiting the property's use, remains an option for the home owner in any case. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the affected NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council,there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale, that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we, as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of Realtors request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally, we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Dar Printed name , April 3 2018 p Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS'should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN), will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken,how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner.Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction, which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REAL TORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, I LC Signatur Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN), will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner,Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed F restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods, they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally, we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, I Signature /� �t ) Printed n e 1 ` -1 ,"' • April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN), will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken,how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction, which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Sig ture Date Printed name J April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTOW, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers (caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken,how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their . neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Sig ture Date Printed name Y April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers (caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken,how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary.deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity.and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their . neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN), will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction, which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. Thisself-im posed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similarto a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods, they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, LaAL c.vr-- 9S�igne Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN), will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods, they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally, we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, z/ma/ Sig ture Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities, the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN), will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, l Si natu Date Printed name h April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use.of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing, the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods, they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. 2 Sincerely, 3 <�' -Tp/yv D� Signature Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS" should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN), will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods, they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally, we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Z), Oub Signature Date Printed name r April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS" should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN), will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods, they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally, we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sinc rely, rk OAIJ Signature Date Printed name M restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the.moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings, would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence ano active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers (caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real.estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers (caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken; how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a.period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their . neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sin rely, Sig to ate b Printed name r April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers (caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, -5-18 v Signature U U Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS" should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN), will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who.defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary, deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods, they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN-have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and.the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods, they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, ig ture Date Printed name f April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS'should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN), will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction, which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed i restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods; the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods, they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, _ n �.� . A ,(=bier � ,K,✓1 Signature Date ZO/Z Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN), will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods, they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, kka4er Ar4M i nature Da a Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and wide) allocated ownership depend the survival and Y p p growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN), will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction remains an option for h home owner as an individual right but does not impede on the o p g p any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods, they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature v Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN), will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction, which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods, they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, a e Date Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities, the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction, which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed M restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request-that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally, we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood-matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an indiv idual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where"the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood We request-that-the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally, we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, �ignature Date Printed name � April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods; the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods, they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, (Ce ILI koke Ex cP f I Signature j��201 v Date Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORSO should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORSO,individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. Asa result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative-financial I consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences:for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with Market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A;few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and"the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken,how many property owners voted? Are the'property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are askingthe City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and.private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option;as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed 3 t a restriction,remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use"(.financially}is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling-. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which In turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN`s areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard,Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the'Somerset neighborhood There is,not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents.. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage:of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN,be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to.limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Da a Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council; The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a:healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®,Individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative_financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A:few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the ' property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken,how many property owners voted? Are the:property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being'represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal'and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,.and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed i' i l!. r a restriction,remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has.recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restrictlon,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling.. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,,the City would be mandating on,a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. Creating a cap,would effectively be creating along-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which In turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCH's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard,Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood, • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of'bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents.: In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number Of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups Sincerely, Sign, Lure Date Printed nam E E L April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®,individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(Lot.)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative_financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences:for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences: A,few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Nei gh.borho.od? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their'boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? if a vote was taken,how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of govern.ment,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of the Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed I 4 restriction,remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use"(financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there'are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupled dwelling to a rental dwelling: Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on.a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which In turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard,Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the'Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a Gap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and.illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and,by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents.. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, L� giT_ Signature �i�?�y, Date Printed name 4 April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS*,individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? in some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? if a vote was taken,how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed 3 restriction,remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as'there'are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCH's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard,Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincer,01y, � y Signature Date Printed name f April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS° should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? in some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction,remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use"(financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard,Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed name • April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®,individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken,how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use"(financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, K Signature Date Printed name l April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed 1 r n individual ri ht but does not impede on restriction, remains an option for the home owner as a , pg p any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed nam L April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN), will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed 4 restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods; the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, q13 9 r eE. nature Date Printed name L April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS" should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS°, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN), will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed t restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods; the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally, we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, <y� C(3—I 8 Mmde(_ Le`A,:�A Signature Date Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS" should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed t restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods, they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally, we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed nam r April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. -Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. if these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed f restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm.already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed, the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating along-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. There is n-o--t enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. Placing a capon the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that area result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the'City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sinc r ly, Sig ature Date Printed name A April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS°, individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative,financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers-(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps - on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the - boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken,how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of.prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed M restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where"the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of - these NCNs, which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. - • There is not.enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that area result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature �- g Date Printed name 1 April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS*should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORSO, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few-individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the `defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the _boundaries of a Neighborhood? in some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the propertyowners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property.to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed t restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, - Ridgewood,Orchard,Roosevelt`School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. - a There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. in conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately.-Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, - � C, cycj /� e Signature Date Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS°, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of_artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. .Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of-a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where"the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB;which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- - 'occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, _- Ridgewood;Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not-enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings - would positively affect the community. Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems - that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately.r Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their - neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, 1JJ/r N�Mlly 13 Signature Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS°,individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NON),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. - Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps .on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. .Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed l restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard,Roosevelt School neighborhoods; the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods, they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally, we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature '� v at Printed name April 3,2418 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS°, individually and collectively, have intimate .knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for-property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • Afew individuals.in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all - property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on - certain_Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood;Orchard,'Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • - There-is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. Placing a cap on the number-of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that area result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion;we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create°a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed name s 1 April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALtoks"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the- land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate'market. Asa result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries;and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps .on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in theNCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to - represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? Income of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the = property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. 'Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property_owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of - government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. if these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private.Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed i restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a-result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members,of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, J4T ggnature Date Printed name t April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS°, individually and collectively,have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers-(caps-on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on_LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals.in the.NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the -property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? . - The-fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed 1 restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of _ these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, - Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There-is-not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems - that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. -Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods, they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally, we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincere) , 10_rVkA1 iN�#3PuA) Signs ure ate Printed name r +. April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS" should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS°,individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)_interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps - - -on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. - • - A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. -Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to - - represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the .property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a - rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of - these:NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. •--There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, ,/ 1 Signature Date P ' ed name s April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS°should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS°, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the -property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on - certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed w restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB;which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City -Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods, they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Si-gnature Date Printed n e A V April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haifa and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best.use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN), will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs;will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to _ represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non=owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed 4 restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap, would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of fhese_`NCNs,which ihturn._will on serve'"to create increased-pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, - .Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods; the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded,property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, / �J���rrz l Ali+c lti0 lS Si atu a Date Printed narrW April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states,"Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken,how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner-occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. t Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council,there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use"(financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner-occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge,Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. in conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like- minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary dee&restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit."Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. I attach my signature to this document not as a member of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, but in agreement with the above stated Central Iowa Board of R€ALTORS" positions and also as a concerned property owner in the City of Ames, Iowa. Sincerely, o4-os-ZV Gene M.Asklof Signature Date Printed name e April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS'should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries, and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods;-`Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to -represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the -boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction, which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. . • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a.Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap, would effectively be creating along-term moratorium on new LOCs in of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard,;Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a capon the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit-the-number-of ren-tal dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a.legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, �midrk .L00 ��) q/t-1/19 Signature 1 Date Printed name April 3,2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code;of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They'require the creation of adequate housing,the building`of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a hea thful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs)interfere with market economics,and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs wi!(impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN.are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined.neighborhoods._Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied_dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? :Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNs are asking the City to use the power and force of government,demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully.encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction, which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use" (financially)is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. . • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a.Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating along-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB, which in turn will only serve,to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,_Orchard; Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap-on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. ; We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the-number-of-rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally, we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, / Loo- .rL) I � Signature :qa Printed name C Vq S April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS°, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers (caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where"the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood, as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, L/-J=/8 e,,/� �i—/'a n 6J.►Jrr.e./ Signature Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS°, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance (LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings, where "the highest and best use"(financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods, they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, y �8 _ ess►wL 4Signat Date Printed name April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors,Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS'should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms,and the preservation of a healthful environment." We,as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS', individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods (NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers (caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association,and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations, and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNs have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option,as it limits the number of prospective home buyers,and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where "the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNB will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction,or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNB,which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas,i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood,Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood; and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion,we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, Signature Date Printed n 4 April 3, 2018 Mayor John Haila and Members of the Ames City Council: The very first paragraph of the Preamble to the National Association of Realtors, Code of Ethics states, "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS"should recognize that the interest of the nation and citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,the building of functioning cities,the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment." We, as members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS°, individually and collectively, have intimate knowledge of our local real estate market. As a result of our experience in residential real estate,we confidently conclude that the imposition of artificial caps on new Letters of Compliance(LOC)for rental dwellings within the proposed Near Campus Neighborhoods(NCN),will result in negative financial consequences to many property owners within those boundaries,and negative unintended consequences for property owners outside of the NCN areas. Artificial barriers(caps on LOCs) interfere with market economics, and individual property rights. Caps on LOCs will impose an artificial restriction that will interfere with supply and demand and may have long-term unintended consequences. • A few individuals in the NCN are assumed to represent all the property owners within the defined neighborhoods. Do the NCN have a legally recognized association, and the right to represent all of the property owners within the defined boundaries? Who defines the boundaries of a Neighborhood? In some of these same neighborhoods,the majority of the property owners are non-owner occupied dwellings. Do the NCN purport to represent all property owners within their boundaries? Do these Neighborhoods have an elected board of directors and an election of officers? If a vote was taken, how many property owners voted? Are the property owners within the NCN aware that that they are being represented by one or more spokespersons of the Neighborhood? Are the property owners given the right to vote on certain Neighborhood matters? Are the Neighborhood meetings open to all property owners within the Neighborhood boundaries? • The fact that some individuals within the NCNB are asking the City to use the power and force of government, demonstrates the lack of support or consensus among the property owners within a Neighborhood. If these individuals represented the will of their Neighborhoods,these Neighborhoods would have created voluntary and private Home Owner Associations,and/or successfully encouraged the creation of hundreds of legal and voluntary deed restrictions limiting the property's current and subsequent use to owner-occupied dwellings. • Some individuals within these NCNB have been advocating for the voluntary and self-imposed implementation of a Deed Restriction,which would limit the use of a property to owner- occupied properties for a period up to 21 years. To our knowledge,very few home owners have voluntarily chosen this option, as it limits the number of prospective home buyers, and therefore has an adverse impact on the value of the property. This self-imposed deed t restriction, remains an option for the home owner as an individual right but does not impede on any other home owner's rights. • Property values may likely decrease for sellers of non-rental properties in many portions of the NCN. (As the Planning and Housing Department has recognized in discussion with city council, there are some owner-occupied dwellings,where"the highest and best use" (financially) is as a rental dwelling and where resale is unlikely if not to a non-occupant owner. We see evidence of this financial harm already in the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood,as there are several properties currently for sale that would have almost certainly been sold if not for the moratorium and the proposed caps. • Caps on LOCs in the NCNs will impose something very similar to a Deed Restriction, or effectively prohibiting conversions from an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling. Should an arbitrary cap be imposed,the City would be mandating on a large scale that which can be legally accomplished individually through a voluntary process. • Creating a cap,would effectively be creating a long-term moratorium on new LOCs in most of these NCNs, which in turn will only serve to create increased pressure to convert owner- occupied dwellings into rental dwellings in adjacent non-NCN's areas, i.e.the Brookridge, Ridgewood, Orchard, Roosevelt School neighborhoods;the Torrey Pines and Pinehurst neighborhood;and the Somerset neighborhood. • There is not enough data or evidence to suggest a cap on the percentage of rental dwellings would positively affect the community. • Placing a cap on the number of rental units within a defined area will not solve the problems that are a result of bad behavior and illegal activity and conduct. Enforcement of existing laws by the Ames Police and by the Rental Housing Department will result in better neighborhoods for all residents. In conclusion, we as individual members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS request that the City Council reject any proposed zoning overlay and/or caps on the percentage of rental dwellings in any neighborhood. We request that the moratorium of new Letters of Compliance in these NCN be lifted immediately. Should like-minded property owners wish to limit the number of rental dwellings in their neighborhoods,they should instead create a legal and voluntary home owner's association and/or take a property by property initiative to create voluntary deed restrictions preventing the conversion of an owner-occupied dwelling to a rental dwelling unit. Finally,we acknowledge there is on occasion some inappropriate and criminal individual and group behavior among occupants of some of the rental dwelling units. We recommend increased law enforcement presence and active neighborhood watch groups. Sincerely, 65 v, vk Signature Date Printed name