As the housing crisis continues in California, the state requires all counties and cities to adopt a local housing plan which includes affordable housing. On Wednesday, City leaders in Carmel held a special public meeting for people to learn more about the City’s planning process to bring in 349 new housing units over the next eight years. The meeting was hosted by the Housing Ad Hoc Committee at City Hall. City of Carmel planning president, Marnie Waffle, said the city is looking to increase multifamily housing through many different opportunities. “We're looking at existing buildings that can be converted into housing. We're looking at one story, buildings that maybe have the potential to add a second floor,” Waffles said, adding that city leaders are also looking into accessory dwelling units (ADU) and hotel properties. Although, the city faces some challenges— lack of space and water supply. “Cal-Am is our water purveyor and a number of years ago they had been overdrawing from the Carmel River, which resulted in the state issuing a cease-and-desist order. So, we’re not allowed to set any new meters,” Waffle explained. On top of those challenges, some residents have mixed feelings. During public comment, one person unhappy about the idea said, “I don’t like any of this. I come from a Carmel where we make up our own mind.” While the majority of people who attended the meeting spoke in favor of it. One person said, “I urge to enthusiastically embrace this opportunity to do exactly what you’ve come up with.”So far, city leaders have identified a total of 35 potential sites and say they’re aiming to create more diversity and develop more homes, making living opportunities more available to people who work in the city. "It's time for us to be responsible for affordable housing that we need in this town. we have lots of jobs that are low paying and that would be helpful if people can live closer to their work,” said City Councilmember Karen Felito. As of right now, the city is in the process of collecting community feedback. The next meeting is set for June 15, 2023.For more information: https://homecarmelbythesea.com/