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California sues Norwalk over homeless shelter ban
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California sues Norwalk over homeless shelter ban

Governor Gavin Newsom It was announced on Monday California filed a lawsuit against the municipality Norwalk on the regulation banning new homeless shelters and other housing.

“The Norwalk city council’s failure to reverse this ban despite knowing it was illegal is inexcusable. No community should turn its back on its residents in need,” Newsom said in a statement. he said.

The lawsuit was filed after repeated warnings from the city that the ban violated various state planning and housing laws.

RELATED COVERAGE: Newsom warns Norwalk to end ban on homeless shelters

Additionally, the state accuses the city of failing to meet housing goals required by state law.

This all stems from a moratorium voted on in August.

Norwalk City Council first approved an ordinance in August that placed a 45-day moratorium on emergency shelters, one-bedroom units, supportive housing and transitional housing. That led Newsom to warn the city last month that it violated state law, and he called on the city to change course.

But the City Council doubled down on its stance, voting to extend the moratorium for another 10 months.

RELATED COVERAGE: Newsom says Norwalk violated housing requirements

“Today’s lawsuit should come as no surprise. Despite receiving multiple warnings, the City of Norwalk has refused to lift its illegal ban on new supportive housing for our most vulnerable residents. Enough is enough,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Every city and county in California has a legal obligation to help solve our homelessness crisis. We have never and will not hesitate to ensure that everyone with the authority to approve or disapprove housing takes their duties seriously.”

According to Newsom’s office, the city of Norwalk has issued permits for only 175 housing units during the current “housing element cycle”; That’s only 3.5% of the 5,034-unit allotment “necessary to ensure the community has adequate housing.”

On Oct. 3, the state announced it was decertifying Norwalk’s housing element in response to the city’s homeless housing ban. This makes the city ineligible for housing and homeless funding.

RELATED COVERAGE: Norwalk residents react to city expanding ban on homeless shelters