A proposed moratorium on apartment construction in Menifee appears to be off the table, at least for now.
The City Council had been scheduled to hold a public hearing on the idea Wednesday, Aug. 20.
But Councilman Wally Edgerton – who’d put the apartment building ban on the agenda – quickly backed off the proposal.
Earlier that day, the California Apartment Association sent a letter to the council explaining why a moratorium would be bad for Menifee. CAA-Inland Empire Executive Director Tim Johnson also addressed the council.
Johnson pointed out that renters spend 18 percent more than homeowners, generating higher sales tax revenue. Moreover, the city must allow more apartments to attract young professionals into the city, he said.
“A well-planned city requires flexibility and diversity in housing,” Johnson said.
Instead of pursuing the moratorium, Edgerton suggested a study on how future residential development would affect the city’s ability to pay for services. The council directed staff to get quotes on such a study.