TITLE
Recommendation to authorize the expenditure of Workforce Housing Reward Program grant funds for general street improvements in the neighborhood surrounding Pacific Lights Apartments; and
Increase appropriations in the Fiscal Year 2006 budget of the Housing Development Fund (SR 135) in the Department of Community Development (CD) by $227,098. (District 1)
DISCUSSION
On March 8, 2005, the City Council authorized the submission of an application to the
California State Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for
funding under the 2004 Workforce Housing Reward Program (WHRP). The WHRP was
designed to encourage the development of new housing affordable to lower-income
households and to provide incentives to local governments for approving such housing
projects. Eligible projects under WHRP were those that received final land approval
and building permits in calendar year 2004.
The March 8, 2005 report to the City Council requesting approval for the WHRP
application submission stated that, if the application were approved and grant funds
were awarded, staff would return to City Council to request direction on the expenditure
of the funds.
On June 30, 2005 (see attachment), the City of Long Beach was awarded a total grant
of $227,098, based on permits issued in 2004 for the construction of the 42-unit Pacific
tights Apartments, an affordable rental housing development at 1601 Pacific Avenue, in
Council District 1. Under WHRP regulations, the $227,098 award must be used for
capital asset projects that benefit the community and add to the community's quality of
life. These include projects related to safety, education, recreation and affordable
housing. The funds must be encumbered within one year from the award date and
expended within three years of that date.
Staff recommends that the $227,098 grant funds be used to help finance the cost of
public improvements in the general vicinity of the Pacific Lights Apartments project. The
improvements could include the replacement and reconstruction of sidewalks, curbs,
gutters and alleys, as well as landscaping, lighting and street furniture to enhance the
appearance of the neighborhood surrounding the new apartment project.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
[Timing Considerations]
FISCAL IMPACT
[Fiscal Impact]
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
[Respectfully Submitted,]