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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 5.1 Urban HOME ComplexLivermr . . CITY OF DUBLIN AGENDA STATEMENT CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: SUBJECT: REPORT PREPARED BY: EXHIBITS ATTACHED: RECOMMENDATION: ~ tr FINANCIAL STATEMENT: November 8, 1993 Written communication from the Mayor of Livermore regarding Dublin's participation in an application for Alameda County Urban HOME funds for the acquisition and construction of a transitional housing complex in Livermore. Carol R. Cirelli~~ior Planner A. ~etter from Mayor of Livermore, Cathie ~rown, dated August 24, 1993 B. ;f~etter from Barbara Hemphill, Human Services Coordinator, City of Livermore, dated May 17, 1993 c./Letter from Mayor of Livermore, Cathie Brown, dated May 12, 1993 1 ) Consider written communication from Mayor of Livermore and oral communication from Livermore Staff and support Livermore's request for the City to submit an application to the Alameda County HOME Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to help fund a transitional housing project in Livermore. 2) Direct Staff to work with the cities of Pleasanton and Livermore to prepare and submit an application to the Alameda County HOME TAC for FY 1993-94 Urban County HOME funds to be used on a project sponsored by the City of Livermore to acquire land and construct a 12 - 15 unit transitional housing complex to serve displaced women and children in the Tri-Valley area. The only costs would be Staff hours necessary to complete the FY 1993-94 Urban County HOME application (with assistance from the cities of Livermore and Pleasanton). The City of Dublin will not be obligated to provide local matching funds for any HOME funds received. ITEM NO. --------------------------------------------------------------------- COPIES TO: Applicant/Owner Senior Planner Agenda File Application File ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ITEM NO. ;.1 COPIES TO: . . BACKGROUND: The federal HOME ("Housing Opportunities Made Easy") program was established through the Cranston-Gonsalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 to provide funding for the new construction or substantial rehabilitation of affordable housing. This program is separate from other federal housing programs such as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The HOME Consortium and the Alameda County HOME TAC was established by the Alameda county Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) to enable HOME funding for jurisdictions which could not otherwise qualify individually. The HOME Consortium is comprised of the cities of Hayward, Fremont, Union city, San Leandro, Livermore and the "Urban County", which includes the smaller cities (Dublin, Pleasanton, Newark, Piedmont, Albany and Emeryville) and the unincorporated areas of Alameda County. The only Alameda County cities receiving direct HOME allocations outside the HOME Consortium are Oakland and Berkeley. DESCRIPTION: As indicated in the attached letter (Exhibit A), the Mayor of Livermore is requesting the City of Dublin to help fund a transitional housing project in the city of Livermore by applying for the FY 1993- 94 Urban county HOME funds. The city of Pleasanton was also approached with the same request. Pleasanton's city council approved Livermore's request on october 19, 1993. Two years ago, the Tri-Valley Affordable Housing Committee determined that there was a need to provide transitional housing in the Tri-Valley region with strong social services support. The proposed transitional housing project would support this goal. The city of Livermore is proposing to combine its separate HOME allocation (approximately $100,000) with Urban County HOME funds from Dublin and Pleasanton to construct a 12 to 15 unit transitional housing complex to provide housing and related services to homeless Tri-Valley women and children. This type of "transitional" housing would provide the homeless and domestic violence victims from Dublin and throughout the Tri-Valley area much needed shelter and services while helping them return to independent living. The Tri-Valley Haven in Livermore and the Family Crisis center in Pleasanton currently serve homeless and domestic violence victims from Dublin and the Tri- Valley region, and will serve future residents of the proposed transitional housing project in Livermore. Over the past year, the city of Livermore has' been working on a viable project proposal and has contracted with Eden Housing, Inc., to develop a preliminary plan and cost estimates for a new, 12-unit residential project with support services. The estimated total cost -2- . . for purchasing land and constructing the units would be at least $1,200,000. The City of Livermore intends to apply for a McKinney Grant, a federal funding program for projects that benefit homeless persons. Livermore believes they can prepare a stronger MCKinney Grant application if they get the financial and transitional housing support from neighboring cities that will also benefit from the project. It is anticipated that a maximum of $400,000 would come from this source. Additional funding would come from Livermore's federal CDBG and HOME allocations and, if approved, from the proposed FY 1993-94 Urban County HOME allocation. Applications for FY 1993-94 Urban County HOME funds are not due until February 17, 1994. To date, the Alameda County HOME TAC has not received any applications for funding from the Urban County cities. HCD staff advised that if both Dublin and Pleasanton agree to apply for HOME funds, both cities should fill out one application. The Urban County's share of the FY 1993-94 Urban County HOME allocation is $508,461. HCD staff would allow a maximum HOME funding request of $100,000 for both cities since other Urban County jurisdictions (i.e., Emeryville, unincorporated Alameda County) have expressed tentative interest in applying for funding. Any project funded with FY 1993-94 HOME funds must provide local matching funds in the amount of 30 percent for new construction and 25 percent for other HOME activities. HCD Staff stated that the City of Livermore would be obligated to provide this match. HCD staff has reacted favorably to Livermore's joint funding concept and will most likely support the funding request. According to the HOME program guidelines, the transitional housing project is eligible for HOME funding consideration and multiple jurisdictions may pool funding on a single project serving a regional need. The transitional housing project has a good chance to receive approval from the Alameda County HOME TAC based on the fact that no HOME funds have been used in either Pleasanton or Dublin since the HOME program began. While no direct state "credit" for the new affordable units would be gained by Dublin at this time (unless a new regional affordable housing bill is passed in the near future), the transitional housing project would provide a good example to state legislators of how such regional, cooperative projects can succeed. The proposed transitional housing project is consistent with the goals and objectives set forth in the Dublin General Plan Housing Element to provide housing units for all economic segments of the community, including low income individuals and families. The Housing Element policy objectives encourage the construction of lower income housing units through adoption of new regulations and ongoing city efforts using existing programs. -3- . . Dublin can benefit from the transitional housing project since there are no immediate plans for low income housing projects in Dublin. To emphasize that the project is intended to serve the Tri- Valley region, the Council may wish to include a stipulation that the future name of the facility include a reference to the city of Dublin or designation as a "Tri-valley" facility. In addition, the council may wish to require the execution of an agreement with the city of Livermore to guarantee that the facility would perpetually be open to serve Dublin residents since Dublin/Urban county HOME funds would be used for the project. ~ Staff recommends that the city council: 1) support Dublin'S submittal of an application to the Alameda county HOME TAC to help fund the proposed transitional housing project in Livermore; and 2) direct staff to work with the cities of Pleasanton and Livermore to prepare and submit an application for FY 1993-94 HOME funding. -4- L....-.-.....~~'__......,I'\__.....~............W~____.~..._...~.._... _,.n.. -..... . ~ 1ii...t.;'Jli.'lli&1I -t < o ~ . . August 24) 1993 Mr. Pete Snyder) Mayor City of Dublin 100 Civic Plaza Dublin) California 94568 Subject: Transitional Housing Dear Pete: ADMINISTRATi:>N BUILDING 1052 South Livermore Avenue Livermore, CA 94550 (415) 373.5100 FAX (415) 373.5135 My May 12) 1993 letter to your City Council provided information about the progress being made) with the assistance of Eden Housing) Inc.) toward the goal of either acquiring and rehabilitating or constructing suitable transitional housing for women and children. As my letter pointed out) the existing shelters in Livermore serve homeless people from throughout the Valley) and the out of shelter services provided by TriMValley Haven and Family Crisis Center serve hundreds more of our residents. At this time) I am specifically requesting that your City Council approve submitting an application to the Alameda County Urban County HOME (Housing Opportunities Made Easy) Technical Advisory Committee for use of the County funds for transitional housing. Applications from members of the Urban County HOME Technical Advisory Committee for the use of 1993 HOME funds need to be in to the County by February 1994) and it is our understanding that) thus far) no other applications have been received. The 1992 HOME project) which was funded by the County) was located in Emeryville) and it is appropriate for 1993 resources to be allocated to a different area of the County. Transitional housing is eligible for HOME funding) and your assistance in making this project possible would be greatly appreciated. The Transitional Housing Committee is currently considering a fifteen unit complex with supportive services. Eden Housing) Inc.) has provided some financial figures for such a project) and plans are moving forward to request a McKinney Grant in early 1994. However) even if the grant is received) additional financial resources will be required)' and the HOME funds would play an important role in meeting this need. n)~RMOR~ EXHI IT ~ . A~.,,,*~ jn v ~ . . '. ...._..~ _.-.I...l'i..........;...'~ ...._ ..."'.~.,,~..bII,..:_.""...&. '..........;;.~.c:,;"".........:,. . " ,iI,. J_...... .I..........; ..~~W'_.. .,.... ..' ..,.. . .~... ,'~' ;....~'.!..A..... .': ,.......:;,~:. .."'......:.:."'_..,.,.....~ ;...4. ......':.. ..;:,.I..I.-~:": r.' . ........ '. . Mr. Pete Snyder) Mayor Page 2 Transitional Housing Please let me know whether t~e City of Livermore has your support for the transitional housing project through this application for 1993 County HOME funds. - It is also important to us to have your input as planning proceeds. The Committee staff will notify your staff of the next Committee meeting. Sincerely) W~ Cathie Brown Mayor CB/plf " , \U ere o S ,,'''' \IJJ ::) - CITV Of-" , , ;. . MULTI-SER'I!CE CENTER 331, Paciiic Avenue livermQre. CA 94550 (5iO) 373-5147 FAX ISiO) 455-8323 May 17. 1993 RECEIVED MAY 18 1993 CITY OF DUBLIN Richard Ambrose. City Manager City of Dublin 100 Civic Plaza Dublin. California 94568 Subject: Transitional Housing Dear Mr. Ambrose: Vice Mayor Vargas and Councilmember Ayn Wieskamp have been meeting for several months now with representatives from Eden Housing. Inc.. and numerous human service agencies to discuss the possibility of providing transitional housing with supportive services for women with children who have been in a shelter for victims of domestic violence or a shelter for the homeless. Although the Committee discussed the possibility of applying for a McKinney Grant this year. it was decided to take more time to define the population to be served and to determine the most appropriate type of housing and supportive services. On May 10th. the Livermore City Council approved sending a letter to the Dublin City Council describing what has been done already and what it is hoped to accomplish. The letter also invites your City to participate in the planning process and asks your Council to consider the cooperative use of CDBG or HOME funds for this project. r'\ ....E~~II --t < o ~ The Committee would very much like to have a representative from the City of Dublin attend its meetings) and I am enclosing an agenda for the upcoming June 9th meeting. I would be glad to answer any questions you may have. Sincerely) ~d""LL' Barbara Hempill ~ Human Services Coordinator BH/plf Enclosure/Agenda -...........-... --...........-... EXHlall~ B '-~:~,. r-'':.: ~ - =,:::-iJ'..:;J ;"3mJ ___ t?~l ...~,:~;J i~~ ,\ ^'J ;~y .-._~ -:';'~1~ Jl ;.J tw14. ~~\~",f.:J T ,'." .---~. ----------~ ~--~_......-~~_..~ . AO,'I\i~j:S;~,~ ;,:.-" ::..,' ~:: ,': i':'-52 &:...:... L - ~ : I':e'-:.~. ::;. :..:-:::' , . _ ~ r, ~ ~.., ~ " ' .. _ I ~ ".....J; - . ,,/ . ~ ~ ~ ,A . _. . ~ - ,-\,' ,. .:. .; ~,.: :.: May 12) 1993 RECEIVED' MAY 17 1993' CITY OF nueu'N The Honorable Mayor Members of the City of Dublin 100 Civic Center Dublin, California Pete Snyder and Dublin City Council 94568 Subject: Transitional Housing for Homeless Women and Children Dear Mayor Snyder and Members of the City Council: For several years, shelters for homeless people and victims of domestic violence in the Valley have felt the need for transitional housing which would help their clients move from group living situations to independence. However, because of the high cost of rental housing in the Bay Area) staff at these shelters have been hard pressed to find apartments affordable to their clients when it is time for them to leave the shelters. In response to the perceived need for transitional housing, Vice Mayor Vargas and Councilmember Ayn Wieskamp have held meetings with developers of housing, providers of social services) operators of transitional housing elsewhere, and representatives of related agencies to try to determine how feasible it would be for Livermore to seek McKinney Program Funding for supportive transitional housing. The City of Livermore has also sent Requests for Proposals to developers of housing and to providers of social services in order to put together a team to pursue funding. The responses to the Requests for Proposals were reviewed by a committee, and the consensus was that Eden Housing, Inc., because of its vast experience with various types of housing and its familiarity with the area, should be requested to be the developer of the housing; and that The Center, because of its location in the Tri-Valley Area and contacts with social service agencies throughout the County) should be requested to coordinate the delivery of social services. The transitional housing program envisioned would serve approximately twelve individuals/families living in separate apartments in order to establish their own identity and to strengthen the family unit. The residents could remain in the apartments for eighteen months while they found employment) completed their education) located child care, and became able to move out into the larger community. '"'.j ~\ 11 :1-\ I '1 i ) i~~;;~ri"i i(~')N -,:1;!.':ll ~e;:~ EXHIBIT G . The Honorable Mayor Pete Snyder and Members of the DUbli4ltity Council Page 2 During the time people live in the transitional housing) they will be assisted by a case manager who will assist them in finding the programs and services needed to establish their independence. It is our understanding that because this case management is so intensive) the number of people in transitional housing needs to be limited. It is also important to have a gathering place to meet to share and socialize. For this reason) a social hall or meeting room, in addition to the apartments, will be an essential part of the program. It is the Transitional Housing Committee's understanding that the maximum amount of funding available from the McKinney Program for acquisition, construction) rehabilitation, and social services is $400,000. However, it is estimated that a core group of twelve apartments and a meeting facility will cost at least $1,200,000. In addition, a match is required for the first five years the program is in operation. This match is twenty-five percent the first two years and increases to fifty percent the last three years. The City of Livermore is asking the Cities of Pleasanton and Dublin to consider participating in the transitional housing project through the Housing Opportunities Made Easy (HOME) and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Programs. This acquisition and substantial rehabilitation program would be of benefit to low income women and children living in your community. A new provision permits HOME funds to be used in adjacent communities for transitional housing. The Alameda County Urban County Technical Advisory Committee and Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee will be receiving applications for the use of 1993/94 HOME funds until June 17, 1993. The City of Livermore is requesting that the City of Dublin submit a recommendation to the Technical Advisory Committee that it would like to have HOME funds used on its behalf for the transitional housing project. The process for this procedure was decided by the Technical Advisory Committee in March) and the project applications will be accepted after that. The County feels that having all three Valley Cities applying for McKinney funds will add weight to the request. Also, the City of Livermore understands that although the Cities of Pleasanton and Dublin have already applied for their CDBG allocation for the current year) there is about $50,000 in the Urban County pool next year. The City of Livermore would appreciate the Dublin City Council requesting that the Urban County allocate the money in the pool on their behalf to the transitional housing project. For some time now, the Cities of Pleasanton, Dublin, and Livermore have been participating in the Tri-Valley Affordable Housing Committee. Last year, the principle focus of this Committee was to pass SB 2037 which would make it possible for a city to receive credit toward its fair share of affordable housing by assisting in the provision of low income housing in a neighboring city. If the Cities of Pleasanton, Dublin, and Livermore can successfully work on this transitional housing project cooperatively, it would provide a good example to the State of how workable this type of legislation would be. \U tX 0', -, > E.,' ..-c: v <<' '. i , " \~j' .~, ~ ~ ~ (ITV 01' , . The Honorable Mayor P~ Snyder and Members of the DUbl~ity Council Page 3 Enclosed is information describing one of the transitional housing projects the Committee visited. While the program envisioned for this area is different in several aspects. this description may be of interest to you. Your assistance in this important endeavor will be greatly appreciated. Sincerely) . : ,-,.----... r--... . ,,\ '- ...-2. { \., "~" " -:-..~ ..-:----... ,,-------.:- \. ~-."',. ----..,.......-..-' Cathie Brown Mayor CB/plf Enclosure ~J.lJ' '..~:' ;. ..~<~~ ,\ ('1.I.r.:~" t. -~ ~ ~;:, ,.- [:..."". '. ' ~ " '{;'t,~" ~"..",. ~?~ ~~ ~~.. ,(.,., ~ 1". ~ \ \13 ~~ ~ ~~ (iTV