TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to submit a grant application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development, through the Housing-Related Parks Program, for the rehabilitation of park facilities and park grounds at Drake Park, Peace Park, and Martin Luther King, Jr., Park; accept such grant funding in an amount up to $1,326,350; and, execute all documents necessary to accept the funds and implement the projects. (Districts 1,6)
DISCUSSION
On November 7, 2006, California voters passed the Housing and Emergency Trust Fund Act of 2006 (Proposition 1C), to provide low-cost housing for needy families, seniors, and military veterans, as well as shelters for battered women. Subsequent enabling legislation authorized $200 million in Proposition 1C grant funding for the Housing-Related Parks Program (HRP Program), which is administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The HRP Program creates incentives and rewards local governments for building affordable housing by awarding grant funding to be used for much-needed parks within their communities.
Grant funds are awarded on a per bedroom basis for each affordable housing unit that is newly constructed, substantially rehabilitated, and/or preserved with an extended affordability term. Applicants may also be eligible for bonus funding for units developed as infill projects, developments serving extremely low-income households, and for proposed park projects that will serve disadvantaged and park-deficient communities. Grant funds may be used for the creation, development, or rehabilitation of park and recreation facilities.
On November 21, 2016, HCD released a Notice of Funding Availability for the HRP Program for the 2016 round of funding. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM), with the assistance of the Department of Development Services, is proposing to apply for up to $1,326,350 in grant funding through the HRP Program for the rehabilitation of park facilities and park grounds at Drake Park, Peace Park, and Martin Luther King, Jr., Park.
Eligibility for the $1,326,350 in grant funding is based upon the construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of 902 qualifying affordable housing units within 12 developments. These developments were assisted by Development Services through the Long Beach Community Investment Company and include: Anchor Place, Cabrillo Gateway, Long Beach and 21st Apartments, Immanuel Senior Housing, 1044 Maine Avenue Apartments, The Courtyards in Long Beach, Belwood Arms, St. Mary Tower, American Goldstar Manor, Sea Mist Towers, and several Habitat for Humanity homes.
Drake Park, Peace Park, and Martin Luther King, Jr., Park were selected for a variety of factors. These parks are within the proximity of the newly developed or rehabilitated affordable housing units, and will serve disadvantaged and park-deficient communities, which provide the City of Long Beach (City) with bonus funding. In addition, these parks were selected because the aging facilities have created safety and accessibility issues that impact program and staff functionality. These parks have also suffered from deferred maintenance and have obsolete equipment that is unable to be maintained. Drake Park and Martin Luther King, Jr., Park are highly-used parks with a high volume of visitors and programs, and Peace Park is a small park in need of positive activation. The grant funding available from the HRP Program will be allocated to address issues such as replacing play equipment, refurbishing interior public spaces, addressing exterior accessibility issues, and general site improvements to address critical safety concerns and deferred maintenance. The investment will enhance the overall recreational opportunities for the surrounding community.
HCD has notified applicants that approximately $35 million is available for the 2016 round of funding. If the HRP Program becomes oversubscribed, grant funds will be prorated among eligible applicants. If this occurs, PRM may need to revise the number of park projects. Awards are anticipated to be announced in June 2017. Drake Park, Peace Park, and Martin Luther King, Jr., Park are listed on the City’s unfunded projects list and do not have any associated funding from other funding sources; therefore, they are recommended for this funding.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda T. Vu on January 30, 2017 and by Budget Management Officer Rhutu Amin Gharib on February 3, 2017.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on February 21, 2017, to submit the grant application and Resolution to the California Department of Housing and Community Development by the grant application deadline of February 23, 2017.
FISCAL IMPACT
If grant funding of $1,326,350 is awarded, this amount will offset the direct project costs. The grant does not require matching funds or in-kind services. City staff time directly related to project management can be charged directly to the project; however, City administrative costs are not eligible for reimbursement. An appropriation increase will be requested for the grant funds prior to project initiation. The recommended action will result in a positive impact on jobs, although the exact number is unknown at this time.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
MARIE KNIGHT
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
AMY J. BODEK
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER