HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-03-2023_Open Session_Item 27_Robles, Flizardo Jr - GFR Homes_any links sanitizedCad � �i� C���l�.�
Land Developers
Homes Builders
May 3, 2023
VIA CITY CLERK
Mayor and Councilmembers
City o£San Bernardino
201 N. "E" Street
San Bernardino, CA 92401
Re: May 3, 2023 City Council Meeting
Agenda Item No. 27
Community Facilities District No. 2018-2 (Verdemont Ranch) Special Tax Bonds
Dear Mayor Tran and Councilmembers:
GFR Homes is the developer of the 74 homes within CFD 2018-2. On behalF of GFR
Homes, we are requesting your support and approval of the CFD 2018-2 Special Tax Bonds item
appearing on tonight's agenda.
CFD's have existed in California since 1982. They were approved by the legislature in
response to the property tax reductions resulting from Proposition 13. CFD's are a fmancing tool
that permits cities to continue to provide essential public infrastructure in azeas where it is lacking
or insufficient. It was for this purpose that the Council previously approved and funded two other
CFD's in the Verdemont area, Century Homes CFD No. 2021-1 and Trumark CFD No. 2020-1.
The City of San Bernardino needs more housing of all types. The development community
is willing and eager to invest in San Bemazdino and create that housing, but we need the Council's
support. CFD fmancing provides that support, at no cost to the City.
We recognize that not everyone understands or appreciates the benefit of CFD financing_
Some incorrectly claim that CFD financing is a government give-away. That is a false belief. As
the developer of the homes in question, GFR Homes sets reduced sale prices based on the
expectation that CFD financing would be available. To be cleaz, e� homeowner who has
purchased or who will purchase a home within CFD 2018-2 has been or will be fully aware that
their home is within the CFD and sssbject to CFD taxes. The choice to purchase a home in the
CFD was not Forced on any homebuyeq every one of which had or will have the opportunity to
purchase a home anywhere else they preferred. The Council should respect their choice to accept
the burdens and benefits of the CFD.
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In some instances, and perhaps even in this instance, people who have a general aversion
for development anywhere will object to CFD financing when no other ploy is available to them.
We are concerned that may be occurring in this case. It is difficult to understand why any party
who does not live within lire CFD and who will not be affected by the CFD would have any
legitimate interest in the outcome oftonight's Council action. Why should any unaffected property
owner have the right to dictate policy as to a matter that involves another part of the community?
Well -planned development is an asset to San Bernardino. Development provides both jobs
and housing for the City's residents. Development increases property values and the City's share
of property tax revenues. In this case, development also serves as a catalyst for the buildout of
critical water infrastructure to serve the broader Verdemont con�niunity, facilities which will
provide revenue to the City and essential public services to your current and future constituents.
As the City's elected leaders, we encourage you to support the measured growth necessary
to sustain the City in the future by approving the CFD 2018-2 (Verdemont Ranch) Special Tax
Bonds item before you this evening.
Sincerely,
Felizardo Robles Jr.
President of JEC Enterprises Inc.,
Dba: GFR Homes
29I 86661.1202188.0011