"It's really sad, there are so many people in mid-management positions, for example, who make good money, but for whatever reason, the down payment is out of reach or the monthly payments are just out of reach," he said. "Many people around here want to live where they grew up, and it's a shame and unfortunate when they can't."
Costa Mesa has what Planning Commissioner Bruce Garlich refers to as an upside-down ratio of renters and homeowners. About 60% rent and 40% own, percentages that are generally flip-flopped in similar-sized cities.
"The city is always trying to improve that ratio … and it's better to have that ratio the other way around," he said.
Lately the planning commission has seen many condo conversion projects, Garlich said. Generally they are older units being upgraded. Siler is focused on retaining the character of the area that, if approved, will attract young buyers and those who are just starting out.
"We're really trying to take some existing structures and create something very desirable by using a lot of imagination," he said. "We're working with the city to create a nice project that's unique in retaining the charm [we] grew up with. I think some people have gotten away and forgotten about that."
Siler's bungalow project consists of one detached front house and six attached condos behind it that need fixing up. Siler was told the front house was built in 1943, although he suspects, because of old wiring, wear and tear and its construction, that it may have been built prior to the 1940s.
It's evident the house was worked on and added to throughout the years and Siler even found a March 1964 Orange Coast Daily Pilot used as insulation in the walls.
