HomeMy WebLinkAboutB- 6 request for Approval to submit Application for Grant Funds to the State Department of Housing and Community Development ya
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AZUSA
AGENDA ITEM
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: ROY BRUCKNER, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
VIA: RICK COLE, CITY MANAGER ,a2cic
DATE: MARCH 17, 2003
SUBJECT: A REQUEST FOR APPROVAL TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS
TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
FOR THE JOBS HOUSING BALANCE INCENTIVE GRANT PROGRAM.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council authorize the City Manager to submit an application
to the State Department of Housing and Community Development for grant funds for the Jobs
Housing Balance Incentive Grant Program, and to select one of the three projects listed in the
staff report as the designated project for the use of grant funds.
BACKGROUND
The State of California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has
issued a Notice of Funding Availability for a Jobs Housing Balance Incentive Grant Program as
revised by SB 423. The program goal is to encourage new housing construction, primarily in
high job growth areas where housing has not kept pace with job growth. The program offers a
one-time grant to cities that meet the program eligibility criteria.
In order to be eligible for grant funds, cities must have adopted a housing element as of
December 31, 2001 that HCD has determined to be in compliance with State Housing
Element law. Cities must also have experienced an increase in the number of permits for
housing units during calendar year 2001 of at least 112% over the average number of permits
issued annually for the 3 prior years.
DISCUSSION
The City meets the program criteria, and is eligible to receive grant funds. Our Housing
Element was adopted, and received HCD approval in December of 2001. We've also
experienced more than a 112% increase in the number of building permits for housing units in
2001 over the average for the prior 3 years. The City aver ed 31 permits for residential units
d 3/7
• Jobs Housing Balance Grant
March 17, 2003
Page 2 of 2
during the 3-year grant reporting period. City records show that between January 1, 2001 and
December 31, 2001, the City of Azusa issued building permits for 113 residential units.
Any funds received must be spent on the construction or acquisition of capital assets that
serve to benefit the community. Staff has identified three potential projects that are eligible for
use of these funds:
1) Zacatecas Park improvements.
Zacatecas Park is scheduled to be expanded in conjunction with the Parkside II housing
development. While the City has applied for funding through the Murray-Hayden park
grant program for much of this work, the Jobs Housing Grant funds could be used to
supplement the Murray-Hayden grant to pay for additional or upgraded park
improvements such as replacing the parking lot along 1St Street with turf.
2) The renovation of the historic Santa Fe Train Depot building;
Grant funds can be used to renovate the Depot building for future use as a Gold Line
Light Rail Station. While the Gold Line is not expected to reach Azusa for another eight
to ten years,'the building could be renovated for use as a museum or another civic use
in the interim.
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3) Traffic Calming demonstration project.
Grant funds could be used to create a traffic calming demonstration project, where
calming devices would be installed on a selected street to make it more pedestrian
friendly by slowing down traffic and beautifying the street. North Dalton Avenue
between Eleventh and Thirteenth Streets has been suggested for this project because of
its history of excessive speeding.
FISCAL IMPACT
Under the program criteria, the City of Azusa could receive up to $106,600 (82 units above
the 3-year average x $1,300) in grant funds.
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Jobs Housing Balance Incentive Grant Program Application
Attachment 2 - Grant Program Guidelines
Attachment 3 - Resolution