TITLE
Recommendation to approve the Relocation Plan for 1725 Long Beach Boulevard (Assessor Parcel Number 7269-019-049). (District 1)
DISCUSSION
On November 17, 2020, the City Council authorized the acquisition of 1725 Long Beach Boulevard, Assessor Parcel Number 7269-019-049 (Subject Property), for conversion into interim housing options for people experiencing homelessness (Attachment A). The Subject Property is approximately 34,740 square feet and is improved with a 102-room hotel, known as the Best Western of Long Beach.
Under California law, a Relocation Plan for people who are living on a site that was purchased must be prepared and approved by the City Council, demonstrating the needs and characteristics of the displaced population, the available relocation resources, and the City’s program to provide assistance to each affected displaced party, including monetary compensation for moving and related expenses and for replacement housing (Attachment B). The establishment of interim housing at the Subject Property requires the relocation of two residential households. The City’s relocation consultant, Overland, Pacific and Cutler, Inc., has worked diligently with each of the two households to find a suitable accommodation and both relocations were successfully completed as of March 24, 2021.
In accordance with Title 25 of the California Code of Regulations, the Relocation Plan must be available for public review and comment for at least 30 days prior to consideration by the City Council for approval. On December 10, 2020, a notification letter was sent to all onsite occupants and the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) indicating the Relocation Plan was available for public review. No comments were received from the occupants during the 30-day review period, which ended January 9, 2021. Comments were received from HCD and are included in the Relocation Plan. Approval of the Relocation Plan will complete the City’s acquisition process.
In addition, the City has put substantial effort into offering job placement services to individuals who previously worked at the Best Western and has provided a separate report to the City Council on that issue.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Richard F. Anthony on March 15, 2021 and by Budget Management Officer Rhutu Amin Gharib on March 18, 2021.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on April 6, 2021, to ensure that relocation activities can occur in a timely manner.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total estimated cost of relocation payments associated with the Relocation Plan is $60,000 for 1725 Long Beach Boulevard. an additional amount ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 will be needed for the implementation of the Relocation Plan once adopted. Sufficient funds are currently budgeted in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department, offset by Homeless Emergency Aid Program (HEAP) grant funding. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
JOHN KEISLER
DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
KELLY COLOPY
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER