HomeMy WebLinkAboutB- 6 Library Staff Report
AGENDA ITEM
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: ROY BRUCKNER, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
VIA: RICK COLE, CITY MANAGER
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 averaged 31 permits for residential units 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.
Jobs Housing Balance Grant
March 17, 2003
Page 2 of 2
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.
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