TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager to submit a grant application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development, through the Housing-Related Parks Program, for the replacement of the playground, and the rehabilitation of park amenities and park grounds at MacArthur Park, at an estimated total project cost of $584,250. (District 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 with grant money to fund much-needed parks in their communities. Grant awards are based on the number of bedrooms in newly constructed ownership and the rehabilitation of rental housing units that are classified as being affordable to very low-income and low-income households. Applicants may be eligible for bonus funding for units developed as infill projects and for park projects that will serve disadvantaged communities. Grant funds may be used for the creation, development, or rehabilitation of park and recreation facilities.
On October 2, 2013, HCD released a Notice of Funding Availability for the HRP Program for the 2013 round of funding. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM), with the assistance of the Development Services Department, is proposing to apply for $584,250 in grant funding through the HRP Program for the replacement of the playground, the installation of fitness zone equipment, and the rehabilitation of park grounds and facilities at MacArthur Park, at an estimated total project cost of $584,250. MacArthur Park has been identified as one of the most heavily utilized parks in the City. The playground was rehabilitated in 1995 and does not currently meet ADA compliance or playground safety standards. The heavy use has impacted maintenance resources and availability of amenities to the public. Additional investment in the park will help address the ongoing maintenance efforts and will enhance the overall recreational opportunities to the surrounding community.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on December 19, 2013, and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on December 20, 2013.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on January 7, 2014, in order to submit the grant application and Resolution to the California Department of Housing and Community Development in Sacramento by the grant application deadline of January 22, 2014.
FISCAL IMPACT
If awarded, $584,250 in grant funds 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. Should the grant application be selected for funding, a recommendation will be made to the City Council to accept the grant and appropriate the funding. There is no impact to jobs associated with the recommended action.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR HOUSING RELATED PARKS GRANT FUNDS
Respectfully Submitted,
GEORGE CHAPJIAN
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
AMY BODEK
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER