After the initial resolution to sell all of Hemet’s surplus land was defeated in a 2-2 vote, the Hemet City Council Tuesday, Oct. 27, decided to declare that all but the downtown Covel Building surplus land could be sold if there was any interest.With the decision, Hemet is now in compliance with the new state legislation that requires all local agencies to prioritize affordable housing, as well as parks and open space, when disposing of surplus land.The California Surplus Land Act that took effect Jan. 1 is part of an effort by the state to make the extensive inventory of local agency property held for future use available for development as affordable housing. The new law also declares that holding property for the purpose of future industrial, commercial or retail development
