HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 210-06City of Palo Alto
City Manager’s Report
TO:
FROM:
HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY MANAGER
7
DEPARTMENT: PLANNING AND
COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT
DATE:
SUBJECT:
MAY 1, 2006 CMR: 210:06
FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION RE: PROPOSED
FISCAL YEAR 2006/07 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
(CDBG) FUNDING ALLOCATIONS AND DRAFT ACTION PLAN
RECOMMENDATION
The Finance Committee recommends to the City Council approval of the following:
1.Allocate CDBG funding as recommended by staff and the Citizens Advisory Committee
(CAC) in the 2006/07 Action Plan update to the Consolidated Plan for the period 2005 to
2010.
2.Authorize staff to submit the 2006/07 Action Plan to the Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD) by the May 15, 2006 deadline.
Authorize the City Manager, on behalf of the City, to execute the 2006/07 application and
Action Plan for CDBG funds and any other necessary documents concerning the
application, and to otherwise bind the City with respect to the application and
commitment of funds.
COMMITTEE REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The staff and the CAC recommendations were presented to the Finance Committee on April 4,
2006. First, staff summarized its recommendations and then the CAC spokesperson gave a brief
overview of the CAC discussions regarding the recommendations. A representative from
Catholic Charities thanked the City for continuing funding of its long term care ombudsman
program. The Committee discussed briefly how the regulations regarding CDBG funding and
the financial limitations of non-profit organizations tend to restrict the ability for non-profits to
apply for capital project funding. The Committee voted unanimously to recommend to Council
the staff and Citizens Advisory Committee recommendations.
CMR: 210:06 Page 1 of 2
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Fiscal Year 2006-07 Funding Recommendation Chart
Attachment B: CDBG Funding Resolution for fiscal year 2006/07
Attachment C: CMR 185:06 (without Attachment B)
Attachment D: April, 2006 Annual Assessment letter from HUD
Attachment E: Revised Draft 2006/2007 Action Plan
Prepared by:~llo-Garcia
CDB~
Department Approv~
Advance Planning Man~er
City Manager Approval: .
EMIL’g HARRI~N
Assistant City Manager
Cc:Citizens Advisory Committee
2006/2007 CDBG Applicant Agencies
CMR: 210:06 Page 2 of 2
ATTACHMENT A
2006-2007 FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS1
APPLICANT AGENCY
1.Catholic Charities
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
2.Emergency Housing Consortium
Palo Alto HOMES Program
3. Palo Alto Housing Corporation
SRO Resident Support Services
4. Shelter Network - Haven Family House
Transitional Housing for Homeless Families
5. InnVision/Clara-Mateo Alliance
Family Shelter & Services/Elsa Segovia
Center
6. InnVision/Clara-Mateo Alliance
Single/Couple Shelter & Services
7. InnVision~rban Ministry
Homeless Drop-in Center
8. Mid-Peninsula Alano Club
MPAC Operations
9. St. Vincent de Paul Society
Dayworker Emergency Services
PUBLIC
2005/2006 2006/2007 CAC/ STAFF
FUNDING FUNDING RECOMMEN-
REQUEST DATIONS
SERVICES
6,000 8,940 5,800
8,000 10,063 7,760
23,000 59,897 20,270
19,000 30,000 16,375
21,392 25,000 18,725
21,000
24,000
5,000
-0-
30,000
30,000
16,000
$10,000
Total Public Services (Cap $113,502) 127,392 224,870
FAIR HOUSING/ADMINISTRATION
10. Project Sentinel 26,800 26,800
11. City of Palo Alto 138,056 155,000
Program Administration
Total Administration (Cap $151,336)164,846 181,800
CAPITAL PROJECTS
18,322
21,250
5,000
-0-
113,502
26,800
124,536
151,336
12. Community Housing Inc.
New Elevator for Health Care Center
13. Stevenson House
Retrofit of Windows and Doors
14. Economic and Social Opportunities
Housing and Energy Services Program
15. Stevenson House - Senior Housing
Fire Alarm Upgrades
16. Community Working Group
Alma Garden Apartments Acquisition
Total Capital Projects (Cap $730,946)
TOTAL
86,575for
countertop
lavatories
-0-
60,000
-0-
$150,000
351,799
60,000
45,100
250,000
-0-
370,0002
63,3002
47,6462
250,000
730,946
995,784
IChanges may be necessary if the amount of funding is increased or decreased when the President signs the
budget.
2Includes approximately 5% for project delivery costs.
NOT YET
ATTACHMENT B
APPROVED
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
APPROVING THE USE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEARS 2006-2007
WHEREAS, on May 9, 2005, the Palo Alto City Council
approved and adopted a document entitled "Consolidated Plan", which
identified and established the Palo Alto housing and non-housing
community deve!opment needs, objectives, and priorities for the
period of July i, 2005 to June 30, 2010; and
WHEREAS, the 2006-07 Action Plan, the annual update to the
Consolidated Plan, was subjected to public review and commentary
during the period of March 27, 2006, through April 27, 2006; and
WHEREAS, the potential uses of Community Development Block
Grant ("CDBG") funds were evaluated in light of the needs and
objectives identified in the Consolidated Plan and reflected in the
recommendations and comments of the Citizens Advisory Committee and
other interested citizens; and
WHEREAS, under the CDBG program, the highest priority is
given to activities which will benefit persons with low and
moderate incomes; and
WHEREAS, the City Council and the Finance Committee of the
City Council have held publicly noticed public hearings on the
proposed uses of the CDBG funds for fiscal year 2006-07; and
WHEREAS, the fiscal year 2006-07 CDBG funds allocated to
the City are proposed to implement the following programs;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Palo Alto does
RESOLVE as follows:
SECTION i. The uses of CDBG funds for fiscal year 2006-07
are hereby approved and authorized for the following programs:
Catholic Charities’ Long-Term Ombudsman
Program - Confidential advocacy and
complaint investigation services to
residents in Palo Alto’s licensed
long-term care facilities.$ 5,8o0
060424 syn 0120113
NOT YET APPROVED
o
o
o
o
Emergency Housing Consortium. EHC
provides temporary shelter and supportive
services for homeless individuals and
families. County-wide.
Palo Alto Housing Corporation. Supportive
counseling program for low income residents
and prospective residents of single-room
occupancy housing in Palo Alto.
Shelter Network’s Mid-Peninsula Housing -
Transitional housing and comprehensive
supportive services for homeless families
at the agency’s Menlo Park and San Mateo
facilities. The Maple Street Shelter
serves single adults in Redwood City.
These programs seek to permanently break
the cycle of homelessness, re-linking
homeless families and individuals with
stable incomes, jobs, and housing.
Clara Mateo Alliance/Innvision Family
Shelter Wing - Emergency and transitional
housing and supportive services for homeless
families with children. Services include
food, clothing and medical care. All
services are provided on the grounds of
the VA Campus in Menlo Park.
Clara Mateo Alliance/Innvision Shelter -
Emergency and transitional housing for
homeless persons at the VA campus in Menlo
Park. The shelter targets a difficult to
serve population such as homeless persons
with disabilities, psychiatric disorders,
substance-abuse issues, and those with
severe mental illness.
Urban Ministry of Palo Alto/Innvision -
Drop-in Center for the local homeless
population. Supportive services include
counseling, case management, light
meals, shelter referral, bus passes,
phone, mail, clothing, and referrals to
other agencies.
7,760
20,270
16,375
18,725
18,322
21,250
060424 syn 0120113
2
NOT YET APPROVED
o
i0.
ii.
12.
13.
Mid-Peninsula Alano Club-MPAC Operations.
MPAC provides a physical location where
those in and/or recovering from addictive
substance may gather, meet, share and
support one another. MPAC provides a
safe, clean and sober environment for
all those seeking or in recovery from
addictive substances.
Fair Housing Services. Agency will be
determined through a joint request for
Proposals (RFP) issued in collaboration
with the Cities of Mountain View and
Sunnyvale. Agency wil! provide services
to promote fair housing, including
complaint investigation, counseling,
advocacy and education. City-wide.
City of Palo Alto. Department of Planning
and Community Environment. Overall CDBG
grant administration and capital improve-
ment project delivery costs associated
with federal funding. City-wide.
Stevenson House - Window and Door
Retrofit. Project is to replace the
windows and doors in the common areas
and the "B" building.
Stevenson House - Fire Alarm Upgrades.
Project will involve upgrades to the
existing fire alarm system and will
bring it up to date with current
regulations.
Economic and Social Opportunities. The
project will assist a minimum of 26 low-
income Pa!o Alto households with home
improvements services. These services
are designed to identify and improve
hazardous conditions in homes, improve
accessibility and use for seniors and
individuals with disabilities, improve
energy efficiency and make necessary
minor repairs in order to avoid more
expensive solutions in the future.
5,000
26,800
124,536
370,000
47,646
63,300
060424 syn 0120113
NOT YET APPROVED
14.City of Palo Alto - CDBG Housing
Development Fund. Provision of funds
to be used to reimburse the City
Commercial Housing Fund for a loan
made to the Community Working Group
for the acquisition of the Alma Garden
Apartments located at 2507-2533 Alma
Street.
TOTAL
250,000
$995,784
SECTION 2. The total amount set forth under Section 1 of
this resolution represents the proposed allocation of $711,680 in
CDBG funds, from the United States Department of Housing and Urban
Deve!opment ("HUD") for fiscal year 2006-07, $45,000 in anticipated
program income for fiscal year 2006-07, $78,319 in prior years
program income and $160,785 in miscellaneous reallocated funds.
SECTION 3. The City staff is hereby authorized to submit
the 2006-07 annual Action Plan update and appropriate application
forms to HUD for the fiscal year 2006-07 CDBG funds, and such money
shall be spent as set forth in this resolution. The Mayor, City
Manager and any other designated City staff or officials are hereby
authorized to execute such application forms and any other
necessary documents to secure these funds.
SECTION 4. The City Council hereby finds that the fiscal
year 2006-07 CDBG program authorized under Section 1 of this
resolution is not a project under the California Environmental
Quality Act ("CEQA"). However, the Council further authorizes and
directs City staff to conduct any further environmental review, and
prepare any additional environmental assessments and certificates
that may be required, under CEQA and the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA) for each project under the fiscal year 2006-07
CDBG program prior to the release of funds for any such project.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
060424 syn 0120113
NOT YET APPROVED
ATTEST:APPROVED:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FOR!~:
Mayor
City Manager
Sr. Deputy City Attorney
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
CDBG Coordinator
Director of Planning
and Community Environment
Director of Administrative
Services
060424 syn 0120113
ATTACHM3ENT C
City of Palo Alto
City Manager’s Report
TO:
ATTENTION:
HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
FINANCE COMMITTEE
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
CITY MANAGER
APRIL 4, 2006
DEPARTMENT: PLANNING AND
COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT
CMR: 185:06
PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2006/07 COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDING
ALLOCATIONS AND DRAFT ACTION PLAN
REPORT IN BRIEF
This report, transmits the recommendations of City staff and the Citizens Advisory
Committee (CAC) for the expenditure of $995,784 in FY 2006/07 Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The draft Fiscal Year 2006/07 Action Plan
includes the funding recommendations and the second year of a two-year funding cycle
coordinated with the Human Services Resource Allocation Process (HSRAP) begirming
in fiscal year 2005/06.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff and the CDBG Citizen’s Advisory Committee recommend
Committee recommend to the City Council approval of the following:
that the Finance
Allocate-CDBG funding as recommended by staff and the Citizens Advisory
Committee (CAC) in the 2006/07 Action Plan update to the Consolidated Plan for the
period 2005 to 2010.
2.Authorize staff to submit the 2006/07 Action Plan to the Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD) by the May 15, 2006 deadline.
Authorize the City Manager, on behalf of the City, to execute the 2006/07 application
and Action Plan for CDBG funds and any other necessary documents concerning the
application, and to otherwise bind the City with respect to the application and
commitment of funds.
CMR: 185:06 Page 1 of 9
BACKGROUND
Consolidated Plan
The 2005-2010 Consolidated Plan, adopted by Council on May 9, 2005, is a 5-year
strategic plan of action that addresses priority housing and community development
needs and sets specific goals for attaining identified objectives. Each year an Annual
Action Plan is prepared to identify specific projects to be funded to implement the
Consolidated Plan. The Consolidated Plan and the Annual Action Plan updates are
required by HUD in order for the City to receive federal funding from programs such-as
the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) or HOME Investment Partnership
Act.
The primary need identified in the Consolidated Plan is for affordable housing for low-
income persons or persons with special needs. The goal for the five-year period is to
provide 125 units of permanent, affordable housing. Palo Alto’s CDBG program is
directed toward expanding and maintaining the affordable housing supply, promoting
housing opportunities and choices, maintaining and improving community facilities, and
providing supportive services for targeted low-income groups, including persons who are
homeless, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and other special needs groups. In 2002,
the City Council approved a two-year funding cycle for CDBG applications, similar to
the HSRAP process. All of the proposed projects for CDBG funding for fiscal year
2006/07 address the priority housing and supportive service needs identified in the
adopted Consolidated Plan. The Draft 2006/07 Annual Action Plan update has been made
available for public review and comment during the period March 27 to April 27, 2006
(Attachment B).
CDBG Regulations
The City of Palo Alto receives funds annually from HUD as an entitlement city under the
CDBG Program, authorized by Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act
of 1974 (the Act), as amended. The primary objective of the Act is "the development of
viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment,
and expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate
income."
HUD regulations require_that all activities must meet one of the three national objectives
of the CDBG Program:
Benefit low- and very low-income persons;
Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight; or
Meet other community development needs having a particular urgency, or
posing a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the
community.
Palo Alto has historically expended all of its CDBG funds on projects benefiting low- and
very-low-income persons.
CMR: 185:06 Page 2 of 9
There are three primary CDBG program activity areas:
Public Services: Social service activities that benefit low-income persons. The
maximum amount that can be expended under this category is 15 percent of the grant
allocation and 15 percent of the program income for the previous year.For fiscal
year 2006/07, the maximum available for public services is $113,502.
Public Service Cap Calculation:
2006/07 Entitlement Grant
Program Income - HIP 2005/06" (Est.)
Program Income - PAHC 2005/06’ (Est.)
$113,502
$711,680
$10,000
$35.000
$756,680 x 15% =
o Planning and Administration: This category may be used to reimburse fair housing
activities, CDBG program management, oversight and coordination, environmental
reviews, and general planning activities. Federal regulations limit the amount that
can be spent in this category to 20 percent of the grant and 20 percentof the estimated
program income for the following year. For fiscal year 2006/07, funding is limited to
a maximum of $151,336.
Planning/Administration Cap Calculation:
2006/07 Entitlement Grant
Program Income - HIP 2006/07" (Est.)
Program Income - PAHC 2006/07’ (Est.)
$711,680
10,000
35,000
$756,680 x 20%=$151,336
*Federal regulations require the public service and planning/administration caps be
calculated on program income for different years.
o Capital Projects: Capital improvement activities such as housing acquisition,
rehabilitation, accessibility, and public improvements are the primary focus of the
CDBG program. There are no funding limitations in this category.
CDBG Applications
Applications for 2005/07 funding were mailed to area housing and human service
providers on October 12, 2004 and posted to the City’s website. A notice announcing the
availability of applications for 2005/06 and 2006/07 CDBG funding was published in the
Palo Alto Weekly in October 2004. A proposal-writing workshop was conducted in
November 2004 to assist applicants with program regulations and project eligibility
questions. The City received 18 applications for funding totaling $1,447,058 for FY
2005/06 and 14 applications for funding totaling $1,029,918 for FY 2006/07.
Because there were only two capital projects submitted during the initial application
request period in October 2004, the City issued a special RFP for housing and capital
projects only in October 2005. Two applications were received for housing acquisition
CMR: 185:06 Page 3 of 9
projects and four additional applications for capital projects were received totaling
$856,899.
Citizen Participation
The City follows a Citizen Participation Plan to encourage public participation in the
CDBG allocation and assessment process. The Citizen Participation Plan calls for a
seven-member Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC), six of whom are selected by the
Mayor. One slot on the CAC is reserved for a member of the City’s Human Relations
Commission (HRC). Members of this year’s CAC were: Eve Agiewich (HRC Liaison),
Susie Brain, Dave Charleson, Lynn Fielder, Michael Jakoby, Steve Mullen and George
Vizvary. Steve Mullen was selected by the Committee as spokesperson. The funding
recommendations made by the Committee and supported by Council in 2005 were
preliminary for fiscal year 2006/07; therefore, the CAC met on four occasions in January
and February 2006 to review and finalize those funding recommendations. The new
capital projects and housing applications that were received during the special RFP
process were also discussed at these meetings.
DISCUSSION
2006/07 Funds Available for Allocation
The total amount available for allocation this year is $995,784. The City’s. 2006/07
CDBG grant is $711,680, an 8.7 percent decrease over the prior year’s grant of $779,281.
$160,785 in funds remaining from previous projects being reallocated to new projects.
Also included is $45,000 in program income (income generated directly from the use of
CDBG funds) expected to be received in 2006/07, plus $78,319 in program income
received in previous years in excess of the estimated amount.
In summary:
$711,680
160,785
10,000
35,000
78.319
$ 995,784
FY 2006/07 CDBG entitlement grant from HUD*
Reallocation of other previous funds
Estimated program income for 2006/07 from the City’s Housing
Improvement Program (HIP), a single-family residential
rehabilitation program that is no longer operational
Estimated program income for 2006/07 from the Palo Alto
Housing Corporation that is generated when rental income exceeds
expenses on specific properties acquired or rehabilitated with
CDBG funds
Actual program income received in previous years in excess of the
estimated amounts that were allocated
*The amount of entitlement grant is not officially confirmed until the President has
signed a budget bill approved by the United States Congress.
CMR: 185:06 Page 4 of 9
Funding Recommendations - FY 06/07
The chart on the following page shows the applications that were received and the CAC
and staff funding recommendations. It should be noted that changes may be necessary in
the event that the City’s entitlement grant is increased or decreased when the President
signs the actual budget. Attachment A is a narrative explaining the funding requests and
funding recommendations in more detail.
The CAC and staff made preliminary funding recommendations for fiscal year 2006/07
during the fiscal year 2005/06 funding process. The CAC and staff reviewed the
preliminary recommendations when the actual funding amount for fiscal year 2006/07
was available. The actual funding available for the public services category was
approximately $10,000 less than had previously been estimated. Staff and the CAC
recommend a decrease in funding of approximately $2,000 from the five applicants with
the largest funding requests: Urban Ministry/IImVision, Clara-Mateo Alliance/InnVision
(2 applications), Shelter Network, and Palo Alto Housing Corporation based on the levels
that were proposed in the preliminary recommendations. Staff and the CAC recommend
that three remaining applicants, Emergency Housing Consortium, Catholic Charities, and
Mid-Peninsula Alano Club be funded at the level proposed in the preliminary
recommendations that were approved by Council in May 2005. Staff and the CAC
believe that funding cuts would be more detrimental to those applicants with smaller
grant amounts because the same grant administration requirements apply. If the grant
amount is too small, it is not cost effective to administer it.
In the fair housing/administration category, staff and the CAC recommend funding at the
same level for fair housing services with the balance being allocated for CDBG program
administration and support. The funding for CDBG program administration will be
decreased from the previous fiscal year because of the limited amount of funding
available in this category. In order to make up the difference, the City will add
approximately five percent to each capital project to compensate for staff work for
project delivery.
Six app!ications for capital projects were received in fiscal year 2006/07. Staff and the
CAC recommend funding for five of the six capital projects. Funding for one of these
projects, the Community Working Group Alma Garden Apartments acquisition, was
already approved by Council on March 6, 2006.
Staff and the CAC recommend funding for four additional projects. Stevenson House.
had previously submitted an application for the retrofit of windows and doors in the
common areas of its building. During the special RFP process that was undertaken in
October 2005, Stevenson House submitted an additional application to expand its project
to retrofit the windows in doors in the "B" building. The window and door retrofit
project will make the building more energy efficient and Stevenson House will save on
its heating and cooling costs. Stevenson House also submitted an additional request for
the upgrade of its fire alarm system so that it will meet current code requirements. Its
existing system was installed in 1968 and it is not possible to obtain replacement parts
because the company that installed the system has since gone out of business. Staff and
CMR: 185:06 Page 5 of 9
the CAC also recommend continued funding for Economic and Social Opportunities for
its Housing and Energy services program, which provides minor home repairs and
accessibility upgrades to income-eligible Palo Alto residents.
Lytton Gardens submitted a funding application for a new elevator for its health care
center. Staff and the CAC do not recommend funding for this project because only a
portion of the occupants at the health care facility qualify as low-income. One of the
primary missions of the CDBG program is to provide services for low-income persons. In
addition, CDBG assistance for public facilities is a lower priority in the City’s adopted
Consolidated Plan for 2005-2010. The top priority identified in the Consolidated Plan is
affordable housing. These activities include the creation of new affordable housing and
the preservation of existing affordable housing. The Stevenson House and Economic and
Social Opportunities projects address high priority needs identified in the Consolidated
Plan.
CMR: 185:06 Page 6 of 9
FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONSa
APPLICANT AGENCY
1.Catholic Charities
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
2.Emergency Housing Consortium
Palo Alto HOMES Program
3. Palo Alto Housing Corporation
SRO Resident Support Services
4. Shelter Network- Haven Family House
Transitional Housing for Homeless Families
5. InnVision!Clara-Mateo Alliance
Family Shelter & Services/Elsa Segovia
Center
6. InnVision/Clara-Mateo Alliance
Single/Couple Shelter & Services
7. InnVision/Urban Ministry
Homeless Drop-in Center
8. Mid-Peninsula Alano Club
MPAC Operations
9. St. Vincent de Paul Society
Dayworker Emergency Services
2005/2006
FUNDING
PUBLIC SERVICES
6,000
8,000
23,000
19,000
21,392
21,000
24,000
5,000
-0-
2006/2007
FUNDING
REQUEST
8,940
10,063
59,897
30,000
25,000
30,000
30,000
16,000
$10,000
Total Public Services (Cap $113,502) 127,392 224,870
FAIR HOUSING/ADMINISTRATION
9. Project Sentinel 26,800 26,800
10. City of Palo Alto 138,056 155,000
Program Administration
Total Administration (Cap $151,336)164,846 181,800
CAPITAL PROJECTS
CAC/ STAFF
RECOMMEN-
DATIONS
5,800
7,760
20,270
16,375
18,725
18,322
21,250
5,000
-0-
113,502
26,800
124,536
151,336
-0-11. Community Housing Inc.86,575 for $150,000
New Elevator for Health Care Center countertop
lavatories
12. Stevenson House -0-351,799 370,0002
Retrofit of Windows and Doors
13. Economic and Social Opportunities 60,000 60,000 63,3002
Housing and Energy Services Program
14. Stevenson House - Senior Housing 0 45,100 47,6462
Fire Alarm Upgrades
CMR: 185:06 Page 7 of 9
FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS1
APPLICANT AGENCY
15. Community Working Group
Alma Garden Apartments Acquisition
Total Capital Projects (Cap $730,946)
TOTAL
~Changes may be necessary if the amount of funding
President signs the budget.
2005/2006
FUNDING
-0-
2006/2007
FUNDING
REQUEST
250,000
CAC/ STAFF
RECOMMEN-
DATIONS
250,000
730,946
995,784
2Includes approximately 5% for project delivery costs.
is increased or decreased when the
Commitment of CDBG Funds
As mentioned in the previous section, Council approved an allocation of fiscal year
2006/07 CDBG funds to the Community Working Group for the acquisition of the Alma
Garden Apartments. The approval for this project had to be expedited in order for the
City to meet its timeliness standard, in which the HUD regulations say that the City can
have no more than 1.5 times its Current grant amount in its letter of credit balance by
April 30, 2006. Council approved $900,000 in funding from the CDBG housing
development fund as well as $250,000 from the fiscal year 2006/07 CDBG allocation for
a total allocation of $1.15 million. The $250,000 from the fiscal year 2006/07 CDBG
allocation will be advanced from the City commercial housing fund; the City housing
fund will be reimbursed with CDBG funds when they are available in fiscal year
2006/07.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
All of the applications recommended for funding in fiscal year 2006/07 are consistent
with the priorities established in the City’s adopted Consolidated Plan for the period 2005
to 2010. They are also consistent with the housing programs and policies in the
Comprehensive Plan.
RESOURCE IMPACT
CDBG regulations require that CDBG entitlement jurisdictions provide funding for fair
housing services. The CAC and staff recommend that the City’s fair housing provider be
funded at the same level as the previous fiscal year. Because of this, the amount
available for allocation to the City for CDBG administration will be reduced. In order to
make up the difference, approximately 5% has been added to each capital project to
compensate for staff work for project delivery. In the event that any cost overruns occur,
they will be allocated to the General Fund portion of CDBG administration. The
remaining proposed projects will be funded solely with CDBG funds and will not have an
impact on the General Fund.
CMR: 185:06 Page 8 of 9
TIMELINE
Funding recommendations made by the Finance Committee will be forwarded to the City
Council for review and approval at a public hearing scheduled for May 1, 2006. The
funding allocations and Annual Action Plan update will be submitted to HUD by the May
15, 2006 deadline.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
For purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), budgeting in itself is not a project. HUD
environmental regulations for the CDBG program are contained in 24 CFR 58
"Environmental Review Procedures for Entities Assuming HUD Environmental
Responsibilities". The regulations require that entitlement jurisdictions assume the
responsibility for environmental review and decision-making under NEPA. Prior to the
commitment or release of funds for each of the proposed projects, staff will carry out the
required environmental reviews or assessments, and. certify that the review procedures
under CEQA, and HUD and NEPA regulations have been satisfied for each particular
project.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A:
Attachment B:
Staff and CAC recommendations for FY 2006/07 CDBG Funding
2006/07 Draft Annual Action Plan Update of the Consolidated
Plan for the period 2005 to 2010
PREPARED BY:
DEPARTMENT HEAD:
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
Eloiza Murillo-Garcia, CDBG Planner
O~ager
E~Y HARRISON
Assistant City Manager
CC."CDBG Citizens Advisory Committee Members
2006/07 CDBG Applicant Agencies
CMR: 185:06 Page 9 of 9
ATTACHMENT A
STAFF AND CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CAC)
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006/07
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDING
PUBLIC SERVICE APPLICATIONS
1.Emergency Housing Consortium (EHC) - Palo Alto HOMES Program
2665 North First Street, Ste. 210, San Jose, CA 95134
2005/06 Funding
FY 06/07 $8,000
2006/07 Funding Request
$10,063
Staff/CAC Recommendation
$7,76O
Proposal: Agency provides emergency shelter and comprehensive supportive services to homeless
men, women, families with children, and youth in various facilities in Santa Clara County. EHC
operates a youth shelter in San Jose, the winter shelters at the National Guard Armories in Sunnyvale
and Gilroy, the regional Reception Center in San Jose, the Sobrato Family Living Center in Santa
Clara, and various other transitional housing programs in the County. Supportive services include
prepared meals, counseling, child care, transportation, case management, job counseling, and skills
workshops to help secure housing and/or employment.
Priori _ty Need: Shelter and services for persons who are homeless
Discussion: Current contract objectives are being met. This agency provides the majority of
homeless shelter services in Santa Clara County, and is an important resource for persons from the
Pa!o Alto area. Agency anticipates providing 2,800 person/shelter nights to 50 unduplicated
homeless persons from Palo Alto.
Palo Alto Housing Corporation (PAHC) - SRO Resident Support Services
Barker Hotel: 439 Emerson Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Alma Place: 753 Alma Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301
FY 06/07
2005/06 Funding
$23,000
2006/07 Funding Request
$59,867
Staff/CAC Recommendation
$20,270
Proposal: The Palo Alto Housing Corporation maintains two SRO properties: the Barker Hotel and
Alma Place. The 26-unit Barker Hotel serves a very low-income population of residents with a
history ofhomelessness and special needs. Alma Place is a 106-unit SRO apartment building that
serves very low-income residents. Two service coordinators, one at Alma Place and one at Barker
Hotel, provide support to individual tenants as needs or problems arise, and on an on-going basis.
These intensive case management and supportive services play a vital role in helping the residents
maintain their stability and housing.
Priority Need: Prevention of homelessness
Discussion: Current contract objectives are being met. The service program has dramatically
reduced turnover and eviction rates. PAHC requested additional funding in fiscal year 2006/07
because they have a grant for the program that will expire in 2005/06. Staff and the CAC do not
recommend in increase in funding in the second year because of the limited funds available in the
public services category. The City would need to reduce funding to other programs in order to
increase PAHC’s funding.
3. Catholic Charities- Long-Term Care Ombudsman
2625 Zanker Road, San Jose, CA 95134
FY 06/07
2005/06 Funding
$6,000
2006/07 Funding Request
$8,940
Staff/CAC Recommendation
$5,800
Proposal: Agency provides confidential advocacy and complaint investigation services to the
approximately 897 residents in Palo Alto’s licensed long-term care facilities. Program beneficiaries
are the frail, chronically ill, primarily elderly residents in Palo Alto’s licensed skilled nursing and
residential care facilities. Agency staff and trained community volunteer ombudsmen visit residents
on a regular basis and as special circumstances dictate (i.e., in response to specific, complaints).
Agency staff and volunteers investigate complaints, including allegations of abuse and neglect, seek
fair resolution to problems, and promote residents’ rights for quality care and quality of life in the
long-term care setting.
Priority Need: Supportive services for lower-income persons.
Discussion: The Ombudsman Program services are not duplicated by any other agency, and provide
an important presence in long-term care facilities. Local volunteers are utilized to provide the
majority of site visits. Agency proposes contacting/interviewing 495 Palo Alto residents and
conducting 40 complaint investigations.
4. Shelter Network - Mid-Peninsula Housing Programs
Haven Family House: 260 Van Buren Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025
First Step for Families: 325 Villa Terrace, San Mateo, CA 94402
Maple Street Shelter: 1580 -A Maple Street, Redwood City, CA 94063
FY 06/07
2005/06 Funding
$19,000
2006/07 Funding Request
$30,000
Staff/CAC Recommendation
$16,375
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Proposal: Shelter Network operates several facilities that provide housing opportunities-for the
homeless. Haven Family House.and First Step for Families provide transitional housing and a
comprehensive array of supportive services to homeless families in newly constructed facilities
located in Menlo Park and San Mateo respectively. An on-site licensed childcare facility is also
available at Haven Family House and First Step for Families. In addition, the Maple Street Shelter
serves single adults in Redwood City. Shelter Network’s housing programs allow residents to re-
connect with permanent housing, jobs, and the skills and resources necessary to break the cycle of
homelessness.
PrioriW Need: Transitional housing and supportive services for homeless families with children.
Discussion: Shelter Network’s facilities are important resources for homeless individuals and
families with children from northern Santa Clara County. Shelter NetwOrk expects to serve 20-30
single adults and three to eight families.
5.Clara-Mateo Alliance (CMA)/InnVision - Family Shelter Wing
795 Willow Road, Bldg. 323-D, Menlo Park, CA 94025
FY 06/07
2005/06 Funding
$21,392
2006/07 Funding Request
$25,000
Staff/CAC Recommendation
$18,725
Proposal: The Clara-Mateo Alliance has 18 emergency shelter beds and six transitional housing
units devoted to homeless families. Annually, 125-160 individuals are provided with housing and
supportive services. The agency is proposing to serve a minimum of three homeless families with
children from Palo Alto. In addition, they will provide extensive on-site supportive services to all
program participants, including food, c!othing and medical care.
Priority Need: Shelter, supportive services, and transitional housing for homeless families, and a Day
Center for homeless women and children.
Discussion: This project is an important resource for the growing number of homeless families with
children in northern Santa Clara County. The family program has accomplished its goals of serving
Palo Alto families in the last fiscal year.
6.Clara-Mateo Alliance/InnVision - Shelter and Supportive Services
795 Willow Road, Bldg: 323-D, Menlo Park, CA 94025
2005/06 Funding 2006/07 Funding Request Staff/CAC Recommendation
FY 06/07 $21,000 $35,000 $18,322
Proposal: Clara-Mateo Alliance (CMA) provides a 63-bed shelter for homeless individuals and
couples, and thirty transitional housing rooms for graduates of the shelter. They provide supportive
services aimed at increasing self-sufficiency and finding and maintaining stable housing. The shelter
targets the under-served populations such as homeless persons with disabilities, mental illness,
psychiatric disorders, and chronic substanceabusers.
Priority Need: Shelter and services for persons who are homeless
Discussion: This program is an important link in the county’s homeless continuum of care. It has
been operating since 1997 and serves individuals and couples. It is a collaborative effort with the
Veterans Administration, other shelter and service providers and the counties of Santa Clara and San
Mateo. The facility serves the homeless sub-populations with some of the greatest needs. It is
anticipated that the total program will provide 1,000 nights of care to a minimum of 50 Palo Alto
individuals and couples. The adult program is meeting its current objectives for the current fiscal
year.
7.Urban Ministry of Palo Alto/InnVision - Drop-In Center
400 Mitchell Lane, Palo Alto 94301
2005/06 Funding
FY 06/07 $24,000
2006/07 Funding Request
$30,000
Staff/CAC Recommendation
$21,250
Proposal: Agency-proposes to provide basic survival services to the local homeles.s population.
Services include a light breakfast, used clothing, toiletries, phone, mail, messages, bus passes, and
referrals to other agencies. Urban Ministry caseworkers are available to assist clients find shelter,
medical care, employment and to help with other problems. The Drop-In Center operates from the
back of the Red Cross building at 400 Mitchell Lane in Palo Alto and serves an average of 150
persons each weekday morning. In addition, the Hotel de Zink Emergency Shelter serves 15-17
persons each night.
Priority Need: Shelter and services for persons who are homeless.
Discussion: Urban Ministry/InnVision has exceeded their goals in the current fiscal year. This
program is an important community resource in that it provides many basic support services to
homeless and low-income persons.
8.St. Vincent de Paul Society- Dayworker Emergency Services
2044 Old Middlefield Way, Mountain View, CA 94043
FY 06/07
2005/06 Funding
-0-
2006/07 Funding Request
$10,000
Staff/CAC Recommendation
-0-
Proposal: The St. Vincent de Paul Society formerly operated the St. Joseph the Worker Center that
was formed in Mountain View to connect day laborers with employers. The St. Vincent de Paul
Society is no longer operating the day worker center and they are seeking funding to provide
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emergency services for dayworkers, such as food, clothing and housing assistance out of an existing
location where they currently conduct business.
Priority Need: Supportive services for lower-income persons.
Discussion: Staff and the CAC do not recommend funding for this program because they are no
longer operating the dayworker center. They are also requesting 52% of the program costs from the
City of Palo Alto, while they only propose to serve 5 Palo Alto individuals throughout the fiscal year.
9.Mid-Peninsula Alano Club - MPAC Operations
1155 Reed Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94086
FY 06/07
2005/06 Funding
$5,000
2006/07 Funding Request
$16,000
Staff/CACRecommendation
$5,000
Proposal: The Mid-Peninsula Alano Club (MPAC) provides a physical location where those in and
or seeking recovery from addictive substances may gather, meet, share and support one another.
MPAC exists to provide a safe, clean and sober environment for all those seeking and/or in recovery
from addictive substances, welcoming all their friends, family members and guests. MPAC is
proposing to expand its outreach and services to more people with the assistance from the City.
They currently have 141 dues-paying members and another 250-300 people frequent the club every
month.
Priority Need: Supportive services for lower-income persons.
Discussion: Staff and the CAC recommend partial funding for this program. MPAC is the only
center of its kind in the local area and provides an important service to the community.
FAIR HOUSING/ADMINISTRATION
9. Project Sentinel - Fair Housing Services
FY 06/07
2005/06 Funding
$26,800
2006/07 Funding Request
$28,140
Staff/CAC Recommendation
$26,800
Proposal: The City of Palo Alto issued a joint Request for Proposals (RFP) to Provide Fair Housing
Services for portions of Santa Clara County with the Cities of Gilroy, Mountain View and
Sunnyvale. Project Sentinel was selected through this process. They will provide investigation,
counseling and legal referrals for victims of housing discrimination; community education and
outreach regarding fair housing law and practices; research, analyses, and reporting for City staff and
officials regarding fair housing practices.
Priori _ty Need: Fair Housing Services
Discussion: This is the second time that the cities are collaborating on fair housing services. A joint
RFP was issued in 2003 for a two-year contract and the jurisdictions jointly selected one fair housing
provider. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations require CDBG
entitlement jurisdiction.s to affirmatively further fair housing choice.
10.City of Palo Alto - Department of Planning and Community Environment
250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301
FY 06/07
2005/06 Funding
$138,056
2006/07 Funding Request
$155,000
Staff/CAC Recommendation
$124,536
Proposal: Funding is requested to reimburse the City General Fund for costs related to th~ overall
management, coordination, monitoring and evaluation of the CDBG Program, including oversight of
public service contracts, data gathering, studies, analysis, plan preparation, and the identification of
actions for implementation of plans.
Priority Need: CDBG Program Administration and support
Discussion: A reimbursement of $124,536 from grant funds is well within the 20% administrative
cap and helps alleviate General Fund budgeting constraints. Staff and the CAC would like to
continue to fund fair housing services at the same level, which has caused a reduction in funds
allocated to CDBG administration. In order to offset some of the costs charged, to CDBG
administration, the City will build in a project delivery set-aside for each capital project to
compensate for staff time spent on each particular project.
CAPITAL AND/OR HOUSING PROJECTS
11.Community Housing Inc. - Lytton Gardens New Elevator Project
437 Webster Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301
FY 06/07
2005/06 Funding
$86,575 for
countertop
lavatory project
2006/07 Funding Request
$150,000
Staff/CAC Recommendation
-0-
Proposal: Lytton Gardens owns and operates several facilities that provide affordable housing for
seniors. In addition, they operate a skilled nursing facility that provides various medical sen, ices.
They are proposing to build a new elevator at the skilled nursing facility. There is one other main
elevator in the facility that i~ used to transport patients, as well as a smaller elevator that is used as
needed.
Priorit’g Need: Rehabilitation of a public facility
Discussion: Staff and. CAC do not recommend funding for this project because not all of the
patients qualify as low-income. The primary goal of the CDBG program is to provide services that
benefit low-income persons. In addition, the rehabilitation of a public facility is a lower priority in
the City’s adopted 2005-2010 Consolidated Plan. The top priority in the Consolidated Plan is to
provide assistance to activities that support affordable housing, such as acquisition, rehabilitation and
preservation.
12.Economic and Social Opportunities - Housing and Energy Services Program
1445 Oakland Road, San Jose, CA 95112
FY 06/07
2005/06 Funding
$60,000
2006/07 Funding Request
$60,000
Staff/CAC Recommendation
$63,300
Proposal: Agency proposes to assist a minimum of 26 low-income Palo Alto households with home
improvement services. These services are designed to identify and improve hazardous conditions in
homes, improve accessibility and use for seniors and individuals with disabilities, improve energy
efficiency and make necessary minor repairs in order to avoid more expensive solutions in the future.
Priority Need: Conservation Of energy and improved accessibility for individuals with physical
disabilities
Discussion: Staff and the CAC recommend that this project receive $63,300 in funding. $3,300 of
the funding allocation will be used to compensate for staff time spent on carrying out the project.
Energy efficiency and the modification of units for those who are physically disabled are identified
as priorities in the City’s Housing Element Update, 1999-2006. Economic and Social Opportunities
addresses these needs by providing services designed to improve safety and use, enhance
affordability and preserve affordable housing.
13.Stevenson House-Windo~v and Door Retrofit
455 E. Charleston Road, Palo Alto, CA 94306
FY 06/07
2005/06 Funding
-0-
2006/07 Funding Request
$351,799
Staff/CAC Recommendation
$370,000
Proposal: Stevenson House provides 120 units of affordable rental housing to low-income seniors.
Since seniors are living longer, and there are almost no assisted living facilities for low-income
seniors, Stevenson House is attempting to provide supportive services to their residents to help them
maintain their independence as long as possible. Their proposal is to retrofit the windows and doors
in the "B" building and in the common areas.
Priority Need: Rehabilitation of affordable rental housing
Discussion: Staffand the CAC recommend $370,000 in flmding for this project. Of the $370,000
recommended allocation, $18,201 will be retained by the City for costs associated with administering
the project. The window and door retrofit is an important project because it will allow for a
reduction in energy costs and will enable residents to better enjoy their units and the common areas.
14. Stevenson House - Fire Alarm Project
455 E. Charleston Road, Palo Alto, CA 94306
FY 06/07
2005/06 Funding
-0-
2006/07 Funding Request
$45,100
Staff/CAC Recommendation
$47,646
Proposal: Stevenson House provides 120 units of affordable rental housing to low-income seniors.
Since seniors are living longer, and there are almost no assisted living facilities for low-income
seniors, Stevenson House is attempting to provide supportive services to their residents to help them
maintain their independence as long as possible. Their proposal is to upgrade the existing ftre alarm
system.
Priority Need: Rehabilitation of affordable rental housing
Discussion: Staff and the CAC recommend $47,646 in funding for this project. Of the $47,646
recommended allocation, $2,546 will be retained by the City for costs associated with administering
the project. The fire alarm upgrade is an important project because it will bring the existing fire
alarm up to date with current regulations.
15.City of Palo Alto - CDBG Housing Development Fund
250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301
FY 06/07
2005/06 Funding
$401,816
2006/07 Funding Request
$250,000
Staff/CAC Recommendation
$250,000
Proposal: Community Working Group will be acquiring an existing 10-unit apartment complex
located at 2507-2533 Alma Street to be occupied by income-eligible tenants. The project
consists of 8 studio apartments and two one-bedroom apartments. The creation of affordable
housing is the top priority in the City’s 2005-2010 Consolidated Plan.
Priority Need: Affordable rental housing
Discussion: City Council approved a total allocation of $1,150,000 for this project on March 6,
2006. It is anticipated that the property will be acquired by Community Working Group in April
2006. Of the $1,150,000 allocation, $900,000 will come from the CDBG housing development
fund and $250,000 will be loaned to the CDBG housing fund from the City commercial housing
fund in order to complete the transaction. When fiscal year 2006/07 CDBG funding becomes
available, the $250,000 .will be allocated to the CDBG housing fund in order to reimburse the
City commercial housing fund.
ATTACHMENT D
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
San Francisco Regional Office - Region IX
600 Harrison Street
San Francisco, California 94107-1387
www.hud.g0v
espanol.hud.gov
Honorable Judy Kleinberg
Mayor of Palo Alto
P.O. Box 10250
Palo Alto, CA 94303
Dear Mayor Kleinberg:
Subject: Annual Community Assessment for the 2004-05 Fiscal Year
City of Palo Alto, California
We have completed our Annual Community Assessment (ACA) of the City of
Palo Alto’s performance in implementing its FY 2004 Annual Action Plan objectives,
based on the City’s Five-year Consolidated Plan. The period covered by this
assessment is July 1,2004 - June 30, 2005. As a result of this assessment, we have
determined that the City has the continuing capacity to implement and administer the
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and is in compliance with the
statutes and regulations governing the program. This determination is based upon the
information available to thisoffice through the City’s Consolidated Annual Performance
and Evaluation Report and program performance data contained in HUD’s Integrated
Distribution and Information System (IDIS).
The lack of affordable housing is the number one priority need identified in the
City of Palo Alto’s five-year Consolidated Plan. The City has one of the most expensive
housing markets in the country, due in large part to the lack of land suitable for new
housing. We wish to commend the City of Palo Alto for.its strong financial and political
support of affordable housing, as well as its successful collaboration with non-profit
organizations and other local government entities during FY2004, which will generate
new affordable housing benefiting individuals and families who are low and moderate
income or homeless. The City has continued its successful effort to leverage local and
State funded housing trust funds, as well as CDBG acquisition funds, in order to finance
new affordable housing developments.
During this fifth year of its five-year Consolidated Plan, the City and its non-profit
partners completed the construction and occupancy of the Oak Court Apartments, a 52-
unit multi-family rental project. Another significant affordable housing project began
construction during the reporting year, namely the Opportunity Center. This project
comprises 89 units of permanent and transitional housing, as well as a multi-service
center to provide services to homeless adults and families, and is scheduled for-
completion in the Fall of 2006. The combined number of 142 affordable housing units
generated by these projects will exceed the City’s Consolidated Plan housing goal of
125 units.
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The City of Palo Alto continued to provide significant local support to non-profit
organizations, with almost $1.3 million in General Funds, .plus approximately $290,000
in CDBG funding, to support the delivery of a variety of essential public services and the
improvement and operation of senior, homeless and neighborhood facilities. The
number of low and moderate-income persons, individuals with special needs and the
homeless population, which benefited from City General Funds plus other local
resources and CDBG funds, was estimated at over 11,900 and 8,300 persons,
respectively.
Based on our review of annual performance information and IDIS system data,
we have determined that CDBG Program statutory and regulatory requirements were
met during the reporting period, in terms of benefit to low and moderate-income persons
and the timeliness of expenditure of funds.
The Department is working with national public interest groups that represent
grantees and OMB to develop a new Performance Measurement framework for formula
programs, administered by the Office of Community Planning and Development. The
intention is to try to better capture the significant national accomplishments of
outstanding programs. This effort should complement locally focused performance
measurement systems. We are pleased that the City is considering developing a locally
focused performance measurement system, which will help ascertain how well
programs and projects are meeting identified needs, provide useful information to
improve performance and better target resources. We would be glad to work with City
staff and also utilize our contracted technical assistance providers to assist you
regarding the development of a performance measurement system, as well as to
address any other technical assistance needs.
We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the City of Palo Alto, in
order to help the City continue to achieve its immediate and long-range affordable
housing and community development goals and objectives.
Sincerely,
Steven B. Sachs
Director, Community Planning
and Development Division
Frank Benest, City Manager
Steve Enslie, Director
Department of Planning and Community Environment
Julie Caporgno, Advance Planning Manager,
v~lPlanning Division/DPCEoiza E. Murillo-Garcia, CDBG Program Coordinator, PD-DPCE
Cathy Siegel, Housing Coordinator., PD-DPCE
CITY OF PALO ALTO
Housing and Community Development
DRAFT
2006/2007 ACTION PLAN
Annual Update of the City’s Consolidated Plan for the Period
July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2010
Public Review Period March 27, 2006 - April 27, 2006
Prepared by Department of Planning & Community Environment
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, California 94301
Steve Emslie, Director
For Information, Please Contact: Eloiza Murillo-Garcia, CDBG Planner
Planning Division, City of Palo Alto (650) 329-2428
Executive Summary
This one year Action Plan describes the eligible activities that the City intends to undertake in
fiscal year 2006/07 to address the needs and implement the strategies identified in the City’s
Consolidated Plan for the period July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2010. It describes the activities that the
City will fund with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds in fiscal year 2006/07
to address priority housing and non-housing community development needs and to affirmatively
further fair housing choice. It serves as the City’s application for federal funds under the
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) formula grant programs.
Performance Measurement Obiectives and Outcomes
HUD has recently issued guidance on the development of a new performance measurement
system to be implemented in the fiscal year 2006/07 Action Plan. The purpose of the
performance measurement system is to better capture data for the activities that are undertaken
with CDBG funding. As a result of the new policy, the City will be required to identify both an
objective and outcome for each proposed activity.
The City intends to provide funding for various activities, which are consistent with City’s
adopted Consolidated Plan. The City will undertake several housing activities which all meet the
objective of providing decent affordable housing. Housing projects that are planned for 2006/07
include assistance to the Community Working Group for the acquisition of an affordable housing
complex, which has the outcome providing new housing affordability by creating decent
affordable housing. Stevenson House will undertake two projects, a window and door retrofit
project and a fire alarm project, which will both have the outcome of improving sustainability by
enhancing decent affordable housing. Finally, Economic and Social Opportunities will provide
minor home repairs and accessibility upgrades which will have the outcome of improving the
availability of decent affordable housing.
The City will also provide funding for several public services projects, which all have the
objective of creating a suitable living environment, and the outcome of these projects will be that
the accessibility to a suitable living environment or decent affordable housing will be enhanced.
The proposed public service projects are: Emergency Housing Consortium - Emergency Shelter;
Palo Alto Housing Corporation - SRO Resident Support Services; InnVision/Clara-Mateo
Alliance - Family Housing Program; InnVision/Clara-Mateo Alliance - Adult and Couples
Housing Program; Shelter Network - Mid-Peninsula Housing Program; InnVision/Urban
Ministry - Drop-In Center; Mid-Peninsula Alano Club - program operations; and Catholic
Charities - Long-Term Care Ombudsman program.
Evaluation of Past Performance
The City has historically allocated CDBG funds to activities that benefit low and moderate
income persons, with the top priority being increasing affordability housing opportunities in the
City. The City has one of the most expensive housing markets in the country, due to the lack of
available land. In recent years, the City has assisted in the creation of 142 affordable housing
units, with Oak Court apartments, a 52-unit affordable housing complex and the Opportunity
Center, a multi-service center with 89 units of affordable housing. Oak Court is fully occupied
and it is estimated that the Opportunity Center will be open for occupancy in the summer of
2006. The City intends to continue to support the creation of affordable housing and to maintain
the existing affordable housing stock, through preservation or rehabilitation activities.
Citizen Participation
The City of Palo Alto has an adopted Citizen Participation Plan that provides for a seven-
member CDBG Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). The CAC process encourages public
participation in the CDBG allocation and evaluation review process. Fiscal year 2006-2007 is
the second year of a two-year funding cycle. The CAC met on January 20 and 25, February 3, 8,
15, 22 and March 3 and 24, 2005 to review and evaluate the applications, interview the applicant
agencies, review the Consolidated Plan priorities, and make funding recommendations on the
applications submitted for 2005/06 CDBG funding and preliminary recommendations for
applications submitted for 2006/07 CDBG funding. In addition, the CAC met on January 26 and
31 and February 7 and 16 in 2006. The CAC also toured some of the applicant agencies on
February 4, 2005 and February 3, 2006.
The City made the draft Action Plan available for public review from March 27 to April 27,
2006. The City placed an ad in the Palo Alto Weekly on March 22, 2006 and also sent numerous
notifications to interested parties. The draft Action Plan was available at the Planning
Department in City Hall and was also posted to the City’s CDBG website for the duration of the
public review period. The public was also invited to attend two public hearings, one before ~he
City’s finance committee on April 4 and one before the full City Council on May 1. There was
one comment received and it is attached to this report as Appendix E.
RESOURCES AVAILABLE
The City of Palo Alto encourages local non-profit housing and public service agencies to pursue
all available public and private funding sources in order to achieve the goals of the Consolidated
Plan. Most projects and activities secure funding from a variety of sources including private
donations, charitable foundations, and church and community fundraising to leverage federal,
state and local funding.
Federal Resources
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds
The City receives CDBG funds as an entitlement grant through the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD). In fiscal year 2006/07, the City will allocate $995,784 in
CDBG funds to eligible activities that address the needs identified in the Consolidated Plan. The
amount of the City’s 2006/07 CDBG entitlement grant from HUD is estimated to be $711,680,
estimated program income is $45,000 and reallocated funds total $160,785. Program income is
income directly generated from the use of CDBG funds that is returned to the CDBG program
and reallocated to new activities.
Estimated FY 2006/067 CDBG Entitlement Grant $711,680
Program Income:
Estimated Program Income 2006/07 (HIP)
Estimated Program Income 2006/07 (PAHC)
Excess Prior Year Program Income
Reallocated Funds:
Miscellaneous Reallocations
TOTAL ALLOCATION
10,000
35,000
78,319
160,785
$995,784
Loan repayments from the City’s former Housing Improvement Program (HIP) single-family
rehabilitation loan program are estimated to be $10,000 for next year. Income from the Palo
Alto Housing Corporation (PAHC) is also estimated to be $35,000 for next year. PAHC funds
are collected when rental income exceeds expenses on properties acquired or rehabilitated with
CDBG funds. Prior year program income funds are funds received in prior years that were in
excess of the estimated program income amounts, and were not previously allocated to projects.
HOME Program
The City of Palo Alto is not an entitlement grantee under the federal HOME program and thus
does not receive a direct grant of HOME Program funds from HUD. The only way to access
HOME funds for housing projects located within the City of Palo Alto is for the City, or eligible
nonprofit organizations to apply to the State of California for the funds in an annual competition.
Due to excessive demand for the State’s HOME allocation, and rating criteria that does not favor
areas like Palo Alto, it is difficult to secure an award. In the past, the State has limited the
maximum HOME award per project to one million dollars. When a Notice of Funding
Availability (NOFA) is published, the City evaluates all potentially suitable projects to determine
whether or not to apply for a HOME grant.
State, Local and Other Resources
City Affordable Housing Fund (formerly the Housing Reserve)
The Affordable Housing Fund is a local housing trust fund established by the City Council to
provide financial assistance for the development, acquisition and rehabilitation of housing
affordable to extremely low, very low, low and moderate-income households. The Affordable
Housing Fund is the umbrella name for five distinct sub-funds for affordable housing. The two
primary local housing trust funds were formerly known as the Housing Reserve Fund, but on
October 27, 2003, the City Council approved new guidelines for all of the City’s affordable
housing funds including the ones composed of federal housing monies; the funds were renamed
as part of those changes. The Affordable Housing Fund is now composed of:
,/Commercial Housing Fund - this fund is used primarily to increase the number of new
affordable housing units for Palo Alto’s work force. It is funded with mitigation fees
required from developers of commercial and industrial projects. As of April 30, 2006, the
Commercial Fund had an available balance of approximately $2,000,000.
Residential Housing Fund - this fund can be used for acquisition, rehabilitation, new
construction and predevelopment of low-income housing. It is funded with mitigation fees
provided under Palo Alto’s Below Market Rate (BMR) housing program from residential
developers, and money from other miscellaneous sources, such as proceeds from the sale or
lease of City property. It is also used to pay for administration and consultant contracts
necessary to carry out the BMR program. As of April 30, 2006, the Residential Fund had an
available balance of approximately $200,000.
CDBG Housing Fund - The purpose of the CDBG Housing Fund is to have funds available
on an ongoing basis to utilize when necessary to facilitate the development, rehabilitation and
preservation of low-income housing. Housing development oppommities, especially
opportunities to acquire land for new housing construction, may come up at any time
throughout the year and, due to the nature of the real estate market; a quick response is
frequently necessary. CDBG Housing Funds may be used to pay for costs associated with
the investigation of the feasibility of sites or properties for potential acquisition by the City,
or nonprofit organizations, for affordable housing. These costs usually need to be paid prior
to a project being officially created in the budget. Typically these costs are for appraisals,
environmental studies and soil testing, title reports and conceptual design studies.
HOME Program Income Fund - the City has only one HOME funded project, the Barker
Hotel Single Room Occupancy. This project was fimded in part with a $1 million 1992
HOME grant from the State. The City’s funding is in the form a long-term, deferred loan
and there has not been any program income from that loan.
Below Market Rate (BMR) Emergency Fund - This fund was authorized by Council in
September 2002 in order to provide funding on an ongoing basis for loans to BMR owners
for special assessment loans and for rehabilitation and preservation of the City’s stock of
BMR ownership units.
The actual process for initiating an application for City Affordable Housing Funds will vary
depending on the particular circumstances. Usually, a nonprofit sponsor will apply to the
Department of Planning and Community Environment for housing subsidy funds when they are
in negotiation for a particular site. At other times, the City may issue a Request for Proposals
once it has secured or identified a potential housing site.
The Planning Department will present recommendations for each project together with a
proposed funding package to the City Council for approval. In almost all cases, funds will be
provided as a loan secured by the property. The repayment terms and interest rate have to be
tailored to the particular project since affordable housing typically is financed from multiple
sources withspecific requirements.
4
Housing Trust of Santa Clara County_ (HTSCC)
The HTSCC is a public/private initiative, dedicated to creating more affordable housing in Santa
Clara County, using a revolving loan fund and grant-making program to complement and
leverage other housing resources. The City of Palo Alto contributed $500,000 toward the initial
$20 million investment capitalization and provided an additional commitment of $150,000 in
fiscal years 2004-05 and 2005-06. The City’s contribution will be used exclusively for
qualifying affordable housing projects located within the City.
Multifamily Housing Program (MHP)
The Multifamily Housing Program (MHP) is a relatively new source of funding for affordable
housing as a result of the passage of Proposition 46 in November 2002. The purpose of this
program is to provide low-interest loans to developers of affordable housing. The MHP General
funds may be used for multifamily rental and transitional housing projects involving new
construction, rehabilitation, or conversion of nonresidential structures. MHP Supportive
Housing funds may be used for multifamily rental housing projects involving new construction,
rehabilitation, acquisition and rehabilitation, or conversion of nonresidential structures for
permanent rental housing only. Palo Alto Housing Corporation and Community Working
Group/Housing Authority of Santa Clara County (Opportunity Center) applied for and received
funds since the inception of the program.
Multifamily Housing Program (MHP) Local Housing Trust Funds
Another component of Proposition 46, the housing bond approved by voters in November 2002,
is funding for new and existing local housing trust funds. A local housing trust fund is a public
or private partnership created to receive on-going revenues for affordable housing production.
Local revenues supporting the fund can include commercial impact fees, ongoing fundraising, or
local taxes such as Transient Occupancy Tax, as well as local government’s general funds. The
City of Palo Alto applied for and received an award of $1,000,000 in February 2004. The City’s
$1,000,000 award will be used to help subsidize a future rental housing project, either new
construction or acquisition and rehabilitation, to be determined in the next two years by the City
Council.
Santa Clara County Affordable Housing Fund (AHF)
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors created the Office of Affordable Housing in July
2002 and established a set-aside of $18.6 million for projects. One of the objectives for this fund
is to leverage funding to affordable housing projects. The Community Working Group
(Opportunity Center) received one of five awards in the first round of funding.
Section 8
The Housing Authority of the County of Santa Clara administers the Section 8 program
countywide. In the previous fiscal year, a total of 294 households received assistance through
the Section 8 program. Of those, 251 were housing choice vouchers, 11 were Shelter Plus Care
vouchers and 32 were part of the moderate rehabilitation program. The City anticipates that
Section 8 vouchers will continue to be available to Palo Alto residents in fiscal year 2006/07.
5
Low-Income Housing Tax Credits
The California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (CTCAC) holds two application cycles each
year. Typically, the first cycle is held in March and the second is held in July. Local non-profits
apply directly to the CTCAC for these funds when they have identified a project.
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance
Each year between 35 and 40 non-profits in Santa Clara County receive approximately $9
million for programs assisting the homeless. These funds benefit programs on a countywide
basis.
STATE, LOCAL, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE RESOURCES FOR AFFORDABLE
HOUSING
Activity Acq uisition
STATE, LOCAL, and PUBLIC
Commercial Housing
Fund
Residential Housing X
Fund
State MHP X
City Owned Land
MCC Program
Housing Bond Trust X
Housing Trust of X
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County X
Housing Authority -
Section 8
County Department
of Social Services
Santa Clara County X
Affordable Housing
Fund
PRIVATE RESOURCES
BMR Rental &
Owner Program
Private Lenders: AHP X
Nonprofit Developers X
Private Foundations
and Churches
Rehab
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
New
Construction
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Home
Buyer
Assistance
X
X
X
X
X
Rental
Assistance
X
X
X
Homeless
Assistance
X
X
X
X
X
Homeless
Prevention
X
x
X
X
X
6
Leveraging and Matching Requirements
The City of Palo Alto will leverage federal and private housing funds to the greatest extent
feasible consistent with the goals identified in the Consolidated Plan. The City will encourage
housing project sponsors to seek private financing and private grants, and to fully utilize other
state and federal housing development subsidies such as the low-income housing tax credit
program. The City will also utilize its local Affordable Housing Fund, as appropriate, to
leverage federal and private housing funds and to provide any required matching funds. Where
eligible, CDBG Housing Funds could be used as a portion of the matching requirement for
federal housing programs.
Geographic Distribution
The Map attached to this report shows the location of all the proposed activities for fiscal year
2006/07. The City considers the provision of all types of housing assistance on a citywide basis
consistent with the policies of the Comprehensive Plan. The City does not have specific target
areas for housing activities, but attempts to provide housing affordable to lower-income persons
throughout the City.
There are only a few areas that are considered to have a concentration of minority populations or
low-income residents in Palo Alto. There are three census tracts in Palo Alto that have a
concentration of Asian populations, primarily in the northern part of the City and there are also
four Census tracts in the northwestern portion of the City that have a concentration of lower
income households.
In addition, Census tract 5107 in the Olive-West Meadow/Ventura area is an area of
considerably greater population and housing diversity than that which is found in most parts of
Palo Alto. The 2000 census identified this tract as having the highest minority concentration of
any non-split City tract. More than half the housing units are in multiple-unit (3+) structures,
and nearly two-thirds are renter-occupied. Block Group 2 has a large proportion of modest rental
housing, a relatively high proportion of minority and ethnic groups, and 48.6% of the households
are below the CDBG income eligibility limits. The entire tract is above HUD’s first quartile
threshold of 27.4 percent for area benefit activities.
Specific efforts have been coordinated in the City’s Community Service and Police Departments
to focus on activities and services in the Ventura neighborhood. A number of City-sponsored
programs and activities serving low- and very low-income persons have either been undertaken
or proposed. A police substation was opened in the area with the goal of improving contact with
the community.
Changes to Strategy
HUD has informed the City of Palo Alto of a change of policy relating to the timely expenditure
of CDBG funds. The federal regulatory standard is that no more than 1.5 times a jurisdiction’s
annual entitlement grant amount may remain in its letter of credit 60 days prior to the end of the
program year. HUD now intends to employ monetary sanctions against jurisdictions that exceed
the regulatory standard. Failure to meet the expenditure standard by May 1, 2007 will cause
HUD to reduce the City’s next grant by 100% of the amount in excess of 1.5 times the annual
grant.
For this reason, all funding allocations for 2006/07 were scrutinized to insure the readiness of the
program or project to move forward and expend funds in a timely manner.
This stricter enforcement of the expenditure standard will increase the difficulty in providing
funds for affordable housing since housing projects involving new construction or acquisition of
apartments typically take more time and planning and are subject to more delays than other
capital projects. It may create situations where lower priority activities will be undertaken
instead of higher priority activities simply because they are easier to accomplish and ready to
proceed.
The City Council approved the change to a two-year CDBG funding cycle beginning with the
2003/04 fiscal year and this is reflected in the amendment of the Citizen Participation Plan
adopted by the City Council in December 2002. Many cities in the Bay Area have adopted
extended CDBG funding cycles and find them to be an effective tool to streamline "process" and
provide administrative relief to both city and non-profit staff. Palo Alto’s Human Services
Division adopted a two-year funding cycle for the Human Services Resource Allocation Process
(HSRAP) in fiscal years 2001/02 and 2002/03. Their experience has been positive and they
continued the two-year funding cycle for the period 2005/06 through 2006/07.
Coordination of the CDBG and HSRAP funding processes is essential to the effective delivery of
local human service funding. Collaboration between the non-profit agencies and the City’s
funding sources avoids confusion, duplication of effort, and ensures that the highest identified
community needs are met. The two-year process provides the opportunity for City and non-
profit staff to undertake longer-term strategic planning and to maximize available funding
resources.
Relative Allocation Priorities
Program Year 2006 will be the second year of the City’s five year Consolidated Plan for the
period 2005-2010. The table below sets forth the five year goals of that Plan and the one-year
goals of the FY 2006/07 Annual Action Plan.
Summary of Specific Housing/Community Development Objectives (HUD Table 2C)
Goal #Specific Objectives Performance Expected Units
Measure 5 Year 2006/07 Goal
Goal 1
Goal 2
Goal 3
Goal 4
Goal 5
Goal 6
Goal 7
Goal 15
Goal 17
Goal 18
Goal 19
Rental Housing Objectives
Increase the supply of rental
housing
Preserve existing affordable
rental housing
Conserve the condition of
existing rental housing
Owner Housing Objectives
Continue Below Market Rate
Program
Continue to participate in
MCC program
Rehabilitation loans to L/M
Income Owners
Minor Home Repairs and
Accessibility Upgrades
Public Service Objectives
Assist seniors in long-term
care
Services to prevent
homelessness (incl. in Goal 8)
Food and meal programs
Public Facilities
Promote community-based
services through public
facilities
Units
Units
Units
Units
Units
Units
Units
Individuals
Individuals
Individuals
Facilities
125
72
150
20
15
Emergencies
only
130
600
8,000
8OO
2
10
0
120
24
3
As needed
26
495
4,166
325
0
Each proposed activity of the 2006/2007 fiscal year is listed below in relation to the strategy it
intends to address in the adopted 2005-2010 Consolidated Plan.
Goal # 1: Increase the Supply of Affordable Rental Housing by 125 units
Proposed 2006/07 Activity:
CDBG Housing Development Fund - Alma Garden Apartments Acquisition
2507-2533 Alma Street
Palo Alto, CA 94301
2006 Goal: 10 housing units
Goal #2: Preserve the Supply of 72 units of Affordable Rental Housing and Immediate Risk
of Conversion to Market-Rate Housing
Proposed 2006/07 Activity: There are no units at immediate risk of conversion to market-rate
housing at this time.
Goal #3: Conserve the Condition of Existing Affordable Rental Housing
Proposed 2006/07 Activities:
Stevenson House - Window and Door Retrofit Project and Fire Alarm Project
455 E. Charleston Road
Palo Alto, CA 94306
2006 Goal: 120 units
Goal #4: Continue the Below Market Rate (BMR) Program
Proposed 2006/07 Activity:
City of Palo Alto BMR Program
Units are located citywide
2006 Goal: 24 units
Goal #5: Continue to Participate in the Mortgage Credit Certificate Program
Proposed 2006/07 Activity:
The City of Palo Alto will continue to participate in the mortgage credit certificate program.
2006 Goal: 3 households
Goal #6: Provide for Rehabilitation Loans to Low- and Moderate-Income Single Family
Homeowners in Emergency or Crisis Situations Only
Proposed 2006/07 Activity:
This program will be available on an as-needed basis and only if CDBG funding is available.
Goal #7: Provide for Minor Home Repairs and Accessibility Upgrades to Low- and
Moderate-Income Homeowners
Proposed 2006/07 Activity:
Economic and Social Opportunities - Housing and Energy Services
Program Office:
1445 Oakland Road
San Jose, CA 95112
Activity will be citywide.
2006 Goal: 26 housing units
Goal #8: Provide Assistance and Supportive Services to Low- and Very Low-Income Palo
Alto Residents to keep them from Becoming Homeless
Proposed 2006/07 Activities:
Palo Alto Community Childcare - Childcare Subsidies
3990 Ventura Court
Palo Alto, CA
2006 Goal: 50 households
Project Sentinel - Mediation Program
430 Sherman Avenue, Suite 308
Palo Alto, CA 94306
2006 Goal: 150 households
10
Second Harvest Food Bank
750 Curmer Avenue
San Jose, CA 95125
2006 Goal: 175 persons
Avenidas - Senior Home Repair and Senior Housing Counseling
450 Bryant Street
Palo Alto, CA 94301
2006 Goal: 1,600 persons
La Comida - Senior Nutrition Program
450 Bryant Street
Palo Alto, CA 94301
2006 Goal: 150 persons
Palo Alto Housing Corporation - Barker Hotel and Alma Place Counseling Program
725 Alma Street
Palo Alto, CA 94301
2006 Goal: 131 households
Mayview Community Clinic - Health Care Services
270 Grant Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94306
2006 Goal: 100 persons
Goal #9: Continue to Support the Opportunity Center for the Provision of Supportive
Services with a Housing Component
Proposed 2006/07 Activity:
The City will continue to support the Opportunity Center.
Goal #10: Continue to Support the Operating (and/or rehabilitation) Costs of Shelters and
Transitional Housing Programs that Serve the Palo Alto Area
Proposed 2006/07 Activities:
Clara-Mateo Alliance - Adult Program and Family Program
795 Willow Rd., Bldg 323-D
Menlo Park, CA 94025
2006 Goal: Operating Costs
Haven House
260 Van Buren Rd.
Menlo Park, CA 94025
2006 Goal: Operating Costs
11
First Step for Families
325 Villa Terrace
San Mateo, CA 94402
2006 Goal: Operating Costs
Maple Street Shelter
1580-A Maple Street
Redwood City, CA 94063
2006 Goal: Operating Costs
Emergency Housing Consortium
2665 North First Street, Suite 210
San Jose, CA 95134
2006 Goal: Operating Costs
Goal #11: Continue to Support Mental Health Outreach and Other Supportive Services for
the Homeless
Proposed 2006/07 Activity:
The City will continue to support mental health outreach and supportive services.
Goal #12: Continue to Cooperate on County~vide Approaches to the Issues of Homelessness
Proposed 2006/07 Activity:
The City will continue to cooperate on countywide approaches to the issues of homeless as they
arise.
Goal #13: Support the Activities of Area Non-Profit Organizations the Provide
Transitional Housing and Supportive Services to the Homeless
Proposed 2006/07 Activity:
Clara-Mateo Alliance - Adult Transitional Housing
795 Willow Rd., Bldg 323-D
Menlo Park, CA 94025
2006 Goal: 6 transitional housing units
Clara-Mateo Alliance - Adult Transitional Housing
795 Willow Rd., Bldg 323-D
Menlo Park, CA 94025
2006 Goal: 3 housing units
Shelter Network - Mid Peninsula Housing Program
1450 Chapin Avenue, 2nd Floor
Burlingame, CA 94010
Various locations in the Mid-Peninsula
2006 Goal: 3-8 housing units
12
Goal #14: Continue to Support the Shelter Plus Care Program in Palo Alto and Increase
the Units Available in the Program to Include Families with Children
Proposed 2006/07 Activity:
There are seven Shelter Plus Care units available at the Barker Hotel and 10 units available at
Alma Place.
Goal #15: Assist Seniors in Long-Term Care Facilities
Proposed 2006/07 Activity:
Catholic Charities - Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
2625 Zanker Road, Suite 200
San Jose, CA 95134-2107
2006 Goal: 495 Persons
Goal #16: Provide Support to Accessible Transportation Services
Proposed 2006/07 Activity:
Continue to support transportation services in the City, including the Palo Alto Shuttle.
Goal #17: Continue to Provide Services to Prevent Homelessness (Also see Goal #8)
Proposed 2006/07 Activities:
Clara-Mateo Alliance - Adult/Couples Program
795 Willow Rd., Bldg 323-D
Menlo Park, CA 94025
2006 Goal: 550 People
Clara-Mateo Alliance - Family Housing Program
795 Willow Rd., Bldg 323-D
Menlo Park, CA 94025
2006 Goal: 160 People
Shelter Network - Mid Peninsula Housing Program
1450 Chapin Avenue, 2nd Floor
Burlingame, CA 94010
Various locations in the Mid-Peninsula
2006 Goal: 500 People
InnVision/Urban Ministry Palo Alto - Drop-In Center
400 Mitchell Lane
Palo Alto, CA 94301
2006 Goal: 550 People
Emergency Housing Consortium - Palo Alto Homes Program
2665 North First Street, Ste. 210
San Jose, CA 95134
2006 Goal: 50 People
13
Goal #18: Continue to Support Food and Meal Programs
Proposed 2006/07 Activities:
Second Harvest Food Bank
750 Curtner Avenue
San Jose, CA 95125
2006 Goal: 175 persons
La Comida - Senior Nutrition Program
450 Bryant Street
Palo Alto, CA 94301
2006 Goal: 150 persons
Goal #19: Promote a Vital System of Community-Based Human Services through Facilities
to House those Services
Proposed 2006/07 Activity:
The City does not plan on undertaking a facility project this fiscal year.
2006/2007 PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES TO BE UNDERTAKEN
All of the projects and activities to be undertaken with the 2006/2007 CDBG cycle funding
allocation address the priority housing and community development needs identified in the
Consolidated Plan. The attached Appendix C "Proposed Projects" describes each project or
service activity, the 2006/07 funds allocated, the expected project beneficiaries, and the HUD
national objective.
Housing Activities
The City of Palo Alto’s Consolidated Plan and Housing Element both emphasize the great need
for affordable housing for low- and very low-income households in Palo Alto. While all types of
housing are needed in the City, the Consolidated Plan focuses on the creation and preservation of
rental housing with an emphasis on housing for very low- and low-income persons especially
those who are homeless, at-risk of becoming homeless, those with special needs, and families
with children.
City of Palo Alto Housing Strategy
The Consolidated Plan proposes a five-year strategy to develop 125 newly constructed rental
units over the 2005-2010 planning period. The 125 units would be affordable to households in
the very low- or low-income categories and would meet a portion of the housing production
goals mandated by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG).
The City has allocated fiscal year 2005/06 and 2006/07 CDBG funding to the Community
Working Group for the acquisition of Alma Gardens Apartments. Alma Gardens is an existing
10-unit apartment complex that consists of 8 studio units and 2 one-bedroom units in Palo Alto.
The project will be operated on a non-profit basis as housing for very low-income and low-
14
income residents of Palo Alto. CWG hopes to redevelop the project at a higher density in the
future, while still maintaining its level of affordability. The acquisition of existing multi-family
rental housing is a high priority in the Consolidated Plan.
Although, this project does not consist of new construction, it is possible that the project will
expand in the future to increase the unit density. $900,000 was allocated from the CDBG
housing development fund in fiscal year 2005/06 and $250,000 will be allocated from fiscal year
2006/07 CDBG funding.
Community Working Group (CWG) is also the sponsor and joint developer (with the Housing
Authority of Santa Clara County) of the Oppommity Center for homeless individuals and
families. The Opportunity Center will provide emergency and day services for the homeless and
at-risk population including showers, laundry, lockers, clothing closet, food, information and
referral, social services and case management. Above the ground floor services center, 89 units
of transitional and permanent housing for singles and families will be constructed. This mixed-
use facility will house existing homeless and emergency services that are now being provided in
inadequate and scattered locations in Palo Alto and the surrounding area. The Oppommity
Center is currently under construction and the grand opening for the Center is projected for the
summer of 2006.
CDBG Housing Development Fund - $250,000
Objective:Providing Decent Affordable Housing
Outcome:Affordability for the purpose of providing decent affordable housing.
Performance Measure: 10 units of affordable housing
The City issued a special Request for Proposals (RFP) for the acquisition of a housing site in
order to allocate the funds that were available in this fund. The project that was selected to be
funded through the CDBG housing development fund will be undertaken by the Community
Working Group.
The City has allocated a total of $1,150,000 to the Community Working Group for the
acquisition of Alma Garden Apartments, a 10-unit apartment complex located at 2507-2533
Alma Street in Palo Alto. Of the total amount allocated, $900,000 came from funds previously
allocated to the CDBG housing development fund and $250,000 came from the City commercial
housing fund. The City is proposing to reimburse the City Commercial housing fund in the
amount of $250,000 for pre-award costs relating to the acquisition of the Alma Garden
Apartments.
Stevenson House - Window and Door Retrofit - $370,000
Objective:Providing Decent Affordable Housing
Outcome:Sustainability for the propose of providing decent affordable housing
Performance Measure: 120 will have been sustained
Stevenson House provides 120 units of affordable housing units to senior citizens in Palo Alto.
The building was built in 1968 and some of the units and the common areas still have the
original windows and doors. The existing windows and doors are difficult to operate for the
15
elderly tenants and are not energy efficient. The window and door retrofit will enable Stevenson
House’s residents to fully utilize their windows and sliding glass doors. In addition, the energy
efficient windows will result in a cost savings for Stevenson House’s heating and cooling costs.
Stevenson House - Fire Alarm Project - $47,646
Objective:Providing Decent Affordable Housing
Outcome:Sustainability for the purpose of providing decent affordable housing
Performance Measure: 120 units will have been sustained
Stevenson House has requested additional funding for a new fire alarm system. The existing
system is the original system that was installed when Stevenson House first opened its doors 38
years ago. The existing fire alarm system does not meet current code requirements. In addition,
the company that installed the system is no longer in operation and it is difficult to obtain
replacement t3arts. The fire alarm upgrade will address an important health and safety issue for
Stevenson House’s residents.
Economic and Social Opportunities - Housing and Energy Services Progxam - $63,300
Objective:Providing Decent Affordable Housing
Outcome:Accessibility for the purpose of providing decent affordable housing
Performance Measure: 26 households will have improved accessibility to decent affordable
housing
Economic and Social Oppommities (ESO) was established in 1970 and provides a variety of
services to the County’s low-income and needy community. ESO proposes to assist a minimum
of 26 low-income Palo Alto individuals with home improvement services. These services are
designed to identify and improve hazardous conditions in homes, improve accessibility and use
for seniors and individuals with disabilities, improve energy efficiency and make necessary
minor repairs in order to avoid more expensive solutions in the future.
Proposed Public Service Activities
CDBG public service funds will be targeted to the following programs in fiscal year 2006/07:
$ 7,760 to Emergency Housing Consortium - Emergency Shelter
Objective:Providing a suitable living environment
Outcome:Accessibility for the purpose of providing decent affordable housing
Performance Measure: 50 persons will have new accessibility to decent affordable
housing
$20,270 to Palo Alto Housing Corporation - SRO Tenant Counseling Program
Objective:Providing a suitable living environment
Outcome:Accessibility for the purpose of creating suitable living environments
Performance Measure: 131 persons will have improved accessibility to a suitable living
environment
16
$18,725 to InnVision/Clara-Mateo Alliance - Family Housing Program
Objective:Providing a suitable living environment
Outcome:Accessibility for the purpose of providing decent affordable housing
Performance Measure: 160 persons will have new accessibility to decent affordable
housing
$18,322 to InnVision/Clara-Mateo Alliance - Adult Singles/Couples Housing Program
Objective:Providing a suitable living environment
Outcome:Accessibility for the purpose of providing decent affordable housing
Performance Measure: 550 persons will have new accessibility to decent affordable
housing
$16,375 to Shelter Network - Mid-Peninsula Housing Program
Objective:Providing a suitable living environment
Outcome:Accessibility for the purpose of providing decent affordable housing
Performance Measure: 500 persons will have new accessibility to decent affordable
housing
$21,250 to InnVision/Urban Ministry - Drop-In Center
Objective:Providing a suitable living environment
Outcome:Accessibility for the purpose of creating suitable living environments
Performance Measure: 550 persons will have improved accessibility to a suitable living
environment
$ 5,000 to Mid-Peninsula Alano Club - MPAC Operations
Objective:Providing a suitable living environment
Outcome:Accessibility for the purpose of creating suitable living environment
Performance Measure: 200 persons will have accessibility to suitable living
environment
$ 5,800 to Catholic Charities - Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Objective:Providing a suitable living environment
Outcome:Accessibility for the purpose of providing decent affordable housing
Performance Measure: 495 persons will have improved accessibility to decent
affordable housing
Human Services
In addition to the CDBG public service funds, the City will provide $1,214,910 from the General
Fund in support of human services through its Human Service Resource Allocation Process
(HSRAP). The HSRAP funds, in conjunction with the CDBG public service funds, are
distributed to local non-profit agencies whose programs serve the needs of seniors, children,
youth and families, persons with disabilities, and those who are homeless, or at risk of
homelessness. A variety of supported programs provide mental and physical health care
services, tenant!landlord mediation, subsidized child care, support for victims of domestic
violence and rape, senior services, adolescent counseling, emergency food, nutritional services,
and recreational activities.
17
Services and Resources Targeted to Homeless Persons
The following services for persons in the Palo Alto community who are very low-income,
homeless, or at-risk of becoming homeless, are provided with supplemental funding from the
City of Palo Alto either with CDBG or HSRAP funding. The goal of all the services listed is to
prevent homelessness, help move people out of homelessness and to reduce the number of
persons below the poverty line.
Alliance for Community Care: Mental health outreach and service linkage for Palo Alto’s adult
homeless population. A casework counselor works in the Palo Alto area to help low-income,
disabled adults access existing mental health and other community resources.
City of Palo Alto Seasonal Jobs Program: Designates several temporary, seasonal employment
opportunities in various City of Palo Alto Departments, for persons who are homeless and
unemployed. The program is targeted to individuals who are motivated to improve their
situations and re-enter the work force.
Clara-Mateo Alliance Shelter: Shelter and transitional housing with casework counseling and
supportive services for homeless individuals, couples and families who are actively working
toward achieving their goals and overcoming homelessness.
Community Technology Alliance: Shelter hotline and voicemail services for homeless
individuals and families. The voicemail service helps case-managed clients attain individual
goals such as securing health care, housing or employment. A countywide housing information
and referral website was developed and is maintained to assist service providers and housing
seekers.
Emergency Housing Consortium: Shelter and supportive services to homeless persons at the
National Guard Armory in Surmyvale, the San Jose Reception Center, and other transitional
housing programs in Santa Clara County operated by the agency. Supportive services include
meals, childcare, health care, information and referral, and job and life-skills training.
Shelter Network - Mid-Peninsula Housing Program: Transitional housing with supportive
services for previously homeless families with children at Haven House and First Step for
Families transitional housing facilities. Also provides a shelter to serve single adults in
Redwood City.
La Comida de California: Provision of affordable, nutritious meals to Palo Alto’s elderly
population at various locations throughout the City, including: Avenidas Senior Center,
Stevenson House and Cubberley Community Center.
Mavfield Community Clinic: Basic primary health care services and health education and
referral services to uninsured low-income and homeless individuals from the Palo Alto area.
Palo Alto Housing Corporation - SRO Hotel Tenant Counseling: Counseling and case-
management services for the low-income residents and prospective residents of single room
18
occupancy hotels in Palo Alto including the Barker Hotel at 439 Emerson Street. Many SRO
hotel residents have a history of homelessness and special needs. The program plays a vital role
in helping the residents maintain their stability and housing.
Second Harvest Food Bank: Distributes supplemental groceries and food services to very low-
income seniors and people with disabilities through the Operation Brown Bag Program.
Groceries are distributed weekly at the Ventura School site to income eligible participants.
Support Network for Battered Women: Emergency shelter and supportive services for victims of
domestic violence, primarily battered women and their children. Supportive services include
food, transportation, counseling, and legal services. Victims often must deal with issues of
homelessness in the context of a violent domestic situation.
Urban Ministry of Palo Alto/InnVision: Services for very-low income or homeless persons
including bagged groceries, hot meals, emergency shelter, information and referral, case-
management and money management (payee) programs. The Urban Ministry staffs the outdoor
morning drop-in center located behind the Red Cross building at 400 Mitchell Lane. Bagged
groceries are distributed daily at the Downtown Food Closet located at 425 Hamilton Avenue in
Palo Alto. The Urban Ministry has merged with InnVision, a very experienced provider of
services, emergency shelter and transitional housing.
Transition from Homelessness to Permanent Housing
Shelter Plus Care (S + C): The S + C program is administered through the Office of the Santa
Clara County Homeless Coordinator. It is a federal grant program that provides Section 8 rental
assistance to participating landlords on behalf of eligible tenants for a period of up to five years.
Extensive support services are a necessary and required component of the program that targets
people who are homeless and disabled. There are 18 housing units available for S + C clients in
Palo Alto.
The Barker Hotel: The Barker is owned and operated by the Palo Alto Housing Corporation
(PAHC), and has 25 units of permanent Single Room Occupancy (SRO) housing at rents
affordable to persons with incomes between 30% and 50% of the median income. Rents range
from $325 to $433 per month based on size and whether they have their own bathrooms. Five of
the Barker’s units are fully accessible by wheelchair users. Priority for occupancy is for persons
who are homeless (either unsheltered or sheltered), persons with disabilities, and persons with
extremely low-incomes. Eight of the units are available with tenant based Section 8 subsidies
through the Shelter Plus Care program.
Alma Place: Alma Place is located at 753 Alma Street in Palo Alto, and is also owned and
operated by the Palo Alto Housing Corporation. The project, a 106-unit single room occupancy
resident hotel, is affordable to low- and very low-income persons due to the layering of subsidies
from City Housing Reserve funds, a private bank loan, an Affordable Housing Program (AHP)
Grant, and an award of low-income housing tax credits. The studio apartments rent for $375 to
$535 per month and are available to persons earning below 40% of the median income. Ten of
19
the units are available with tenant based Section 8 rental subsidies through the Shelter Plus Care
program.
Haven Family House: Shelter Network of San Mateo County owns and operates this transitional
housing facility for families with children located at 260 Van Buren Road in Menlo Park.
Families reside in one and two bedroom apartments for two to four months depending on their
individual case plans and situations. Comprehensive case management, support services, and
on-site licensed childcare, plus one year of follow-up counseling are available to help families
break the cycle ofhomelessness.
First Step for Families: Shelter Network of San Mateo County owns and operates this
transitional housing facility for families with children located at 325 Villa Terrace in San Mateo.
This is a newly constructed facility that provides comprehensive case management, support
services, and on-site licensed childcare.
Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice
The City of Palo Alto completed an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice on
February 6, 1996. That report identified a lack of housing options affordable to persons of low-
and moderate-income as the major impediment to housing choice. Housing discrimination was
also identified as an impediment, with cases based on familial status the most often reported.
However, the number of cases of discrimination against persons with physical and mental
disabilities has also been increasing.
The City of Palo Alto joined with other Santa Clara County entitlement jurisdictions to undertake
a countywide fair housing study that includes 2000 census data and was completed in January
2003. The study includes a demographic analysis, a lending analysis, a review of government
programs and policies, a survey of Santa Clara residents and service organizations, an
assessment of the delivery of fair housing services, and recommendations for new strategies.
The information from the study was incorporated in the revisions to the Analysis of Impediments
to Fair Housing Choice adopted by the City Council in May 2003.
Palo Alto plans to undertake the following actions to foster and maintain affordable housing and
to address housing discrimination during the 2006/07 fiscal year:
¢"Provide tenant/landlord counseling and mediation services for Palo Alto residents through
the Palo Alto Mediation Program (Project Sentinel).
,/Support the Countywide website that lists subsidized housing oppommities, wait lists and
vacancies.
,/ Provide CDBG funding to the Housing Development Fund for the potential development of a
new affordable housing site in Palo Alto.
¢" Continue to support the Human Relations Commission in their documentation and
investigation of hate crimes, and in their support of diversity, disability, and affordable
housing issues.
¢"Continue to monitor the provision of fair housing services to ensure that adequate services
are being provided, and that services are provided cost effectively.
20
Work with the Santa Clara County CDBG entitlement cities in their effort to implement any
recommended improvements to the delivery of services on a regional basis.
Provide funding to a fair housing provider, funded by and selected jointly by the cities of
Gilroy, Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Sunnyvale to reduce discrimination in housing by:
a. Investigating cases of housing discrimination
b. Conducting consultations with persons who believe they have been discriminated
against
c. Maintaining a pool of trained testers for investigations and conducting training’s
d. Maintaining a panel of attorneys for referral and coordinating meetings for
participating attorneys
e.Rtmning ads in the Palo Alto Weekly, San Jose Mercury News, and other media
outlets
f. Distributing fair housing brochures
g. Running public service announcements for local radio/TV broadcasts
h. Making educational presentations to the commtmity
i.Monitoring and reporting on rental sites
j.Showing educational videos on housing discrimination on local cable TV
k.Organizing an event for National Fair Housing Month
Amendments to Plan
Prior to the submission of any substantial change in the proposed use of funds, citizens will be
provided reasonable notice of, and the oppommity to comment on, any proposed Action Plan
amendment(s).
Urgent Need Activities
In the event of a local, state or federal disaster declaration for areas within the boundaries of the
City of Palo Alto, the City reserves the right to use CDBG or other available federal funds to
abate immediate and necessary hazards. Such funds may be used for staff efforts, loans, or
outright grants to affected parties, as approved by City Council and allowable under the pertinent
Federal Guidelines.
Monitoring of Activities
The City of Palo Alto follows the monitoring requirements for the use of Federal funds as
directed by HUD. The City’s Department of Planning and Community Environment monitors its
housing production goals and all the activities carried out to further the goals of the Consolidated
Plan. For activities funded by CDBG and HOME programs, an annual performance report is
completed based on HUD regulations and in accordance with HUD standards. The Consolidated
Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) is available to the Citizens Advisory
Committee and the general public for comments during a 15-day review period. This report
identifies the actual dollars expended, the beneficiaries served, and the program goals achieved.
The City requires subrecipients of CDBG funds to submit semi-annual and annual performance
reports outlining the extent to which program goals have been achieved, and the number of
21
beneficiaries who have been served. Program performance is measured against the specific
program objectives outlined in the contract scope of services. Additionally, City staff will
monitor each subrecipient, as necessary; to insure compliance with all regulations governing
their administrative, financial, and programmatic operations, and to make sure the subrecipients
achieve their performance objectives within the prescribed schedule and budget.
Coordination
The CDBG entitlement cities (Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Cupertino,
Gilroy, Milpitas, San Jose), and the Urban County of Santa Clara continue to meet on a regular
schedule to discuss issues of mutual concern and to share information and strategies for
addressing affordable housing, homelessness, fair housing, and other issues of common concern.
The meetings have helped the participants better understand the County and nonprofit social
service structure within the County, and provide input into the development of the new Santa
Clara County Office of Affordable Housing and its operations.
The City of Palo Alto continues to collaborate with neighboring jurisdictions in both Santa Clara
and San Mateo County on issues relating to homelessness in northern Santa Clara County and
southern San Mateo County. The City actively participates in the Santa Clara County Housing
and Homeless Collaborative.
As a result of the Countywide Fair Housing Study, the cities of Gilroy, Palo Alto, Mountain
View, and Sunnyvale have jointly selected fair housing services from a single provider to serve
the four cities. In addition a Countywide Fair Housing Taskforce has been formed and includes
representatives from entitlement jurisdictions, fair housing agencies, and other non-profit
organizations. A staff person from the City of Palo Alto is the representative for the North
County cities (Mountain View, Palo Alto and Sunnyvale).
The Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998 requires public housing authorities
(PHA’s) to develop and implement five-year plans that describe their long range goals and a
strategy for achieving the identified goals. These plans provide details about the PHA’s
operations, program participants, programs and services. The PHA is required to ensure that
their plan is consistent with any applicable Consolidated Plans for jurisdictions in which the
PHA is located. This new requirement allows for some collaborative discussions on the role of
the Santa Clara County Housing Authority in meeting the housing needs of low-income persons
in Palo Alto.
To ensure a coordinated approach to the City’s human service funding efforts, CDBG and
Human Services staff meet to review and discuss applications received through both the CDBG
and HSRAP processes. Additionally, a member of the Human Relations Commission serves on
the CDBG Citizens Advisory Committee to avoid duplication of effort and to assure
collaboration within Palo Alto.
22
APPENDIX A
Application for Federal Assistance
Form 424
APPLICATION FOR
FEDERAL ASSISTANCE 12. DATE SUBMITTED
i05/1~i 212006
1.ApplicationTYPE OF SUBMISSION:Pre-application
DATE RECEIVED BY STATE
_~. Construction ~ Construction DATE RECEIVED BY FEDERAL AGENCY
[] Non-Construction [~ Non-Construction
5. APPLICANT INFORMATION
Legal Name:
City of PaiD Alto
Organizational DUNS:959938929
Address:
Street:
250 Hamilton Avenue, MS:5A
Cit :
P~’~ Alto
County:
Santa Clara
State:I Zip CodeCA[ 94301
Count.ry:
United States
6. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (EIN):
8. TYPE OF APPLICATION:
~ New ~7~ Continuation
f Revision, enter appropriate letter(s) in box(es)
See back of form for description of letters.)
[_.]
:3ther (specify)
Revision
10. CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE NUMBER:
TITLE (Name of Program):Community Developmen{ Block Grant (CDBG)
12. AREAS AFFECTED BY PROJECT (Cities, Counties, States, etc.).
City of PaiD Alto, County of Santa Clara, and State of California
13. PROPOSED PROJECT
Start Date:
07/01/2006
15. ESTIMATED FUNDING:
a. Federal
Ending Date:
06/30/2006
b. Applicant
c. State
d. Local
e. Other
Reprogrammed prior year
f. Program Income
g. TOTAL
711,680
160,785
123,319 "
995,784
Version 7/0:
Applicant Identifier
State Application Identifier
Federal Ident fier
Organizational Unit:
Department:,Planning anD Community Environment
Division:Planning
Name and telephone number of person to be contacted on matters
involving this application (give area code)
Prefix:First Name:Ms.Jul e
Middle Name
Last NameCaporgno
Suffix:
Email:
iulie.caporgno@cityofpaloalto.org
Phone Number (give area code) Fax Number (give area code)
(650) 329-2679 (650) 329-2154
7, TYPE OF APPLICANT: (See back of form for Application Types)
C - Municipal
Other (specify)
9. NAME OF FEDERAL AGENCY:
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
11. DESCRIPTIVE TITLE OF APPLICANT’S PROJECT:
The City of Paid Alio’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Program for fiscal year 2006/2007.
14. CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS OF:
a. Applicant |b. Project
14th Congressional District ~14th Congressional District
16. IS APPLICATION SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY STATE EXECUTIVE
ORDER 12372 PROCESS?
IF’[ THIS PREAPPLICATION/APPLICATION WAS MADEa.Yes.AVAILABLE TO THE STATE EXECUTIVE ORDER 12372
PROCESS FOR REVIEW ON
DATE:
b. No. ~ PROGRAM IS NOT COVERED BY E. O. 12372
r~OR PROGRAM HAS NOT BEEN SELECTED BY STATE
FOR REVIEW
17. IS THE APPLICANT DELINQUENT ON ANY FEDERAL DEBT?
r~ Yes If "Yes" attach an explanation.~ No
18. TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF, ALL DATA IN THIS APPLICATION/PREAPPLICATION ARE TRUE AND CORRECT. THE
DOCUMENT HAS BEEN DULY AUTHORIZED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE APPLICANT AND THE APPLICANT WILL COMPLY WITH THE
~,TTACHED ASSURANCES IF THE ASSISTANCE IS AWARDED.
a. Authorized Representative
~rre. fix First NameFrank
Last Name
Benest
3. TitleCity Manager
-I. Signature of Authorized Representative
Previous Edition Usable
Authorized for Local Reproduction
Middle Name
ISuffix
}c. Telephone Number (give area code)
t(650) 329-2563~. Date Signed
Standard Form 424 (Rev.9-2003
Prescribed by OMB Circular A-102
APPENDIX B
Certifications
CERTIFICATIONS
In accordance with the applicable statutes and the regulations governing the consolidated plan
regulations, the jurisdiction certifies that:
Affirmatively Further Fair Housing -- The jurisdiction will affirmatively further fair housing, which
means it will conduct an analysis of impediments to fair housing choice within the jurisdiction, take
appropriate actions to overcome the effects of any impediments identified through that analysis, and
maintain records reflecting that analysis and actions in this regard.
Anti-displacement and Relocation Plan -- It will comply with the acquisition and relocation
requirements of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970,
as amended, and implementing regulations at 49 CFR 24; and it has in effect and is following a residential
antidisplacement and relocation assistance plan required under section 104(d) of the Housing and
Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, in connection with any activity assisted with funding
under the CDBG or HOME programs.
Drug Free Workplace -- It will or will continue to provide a drug-flee workplace by:
Publishing a statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution,
dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the grantee’s workplace
and specifying the actions that will be taken against employees for violation of such prohibition;
2.Establishing an ongoing drug-free awareness program to inform employees about -
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace;
Tl~e grantee’s policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace;
Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs; and
The penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations occurring
in the workplace;
o Making it a requirement that each employee to be engaged in the performance of the grant be
given a copy of the statement required by paragraph 1 ;
Notifying the employee in the statement required by paragraph 1 that, as a condition of
employment under the grant, the employee will -
(a)Abide by the terms of the statement; and
(b)Notify the employer in writing of his or her conviction for a violation of a criminal drug
statute occurring in the workplace no later than five calendar days after such conviction;
°Notifying the agency in writing, within ten calendar days after receiving notice under
subparagraph 4(b) from an employee or otherwise receiving actual notice of such conviction.
Employers of convicted employees must provide notice, including position title, to every grant
officer or other designee on whose grant activity the convicted employee was working, unless the
Federal agency has designated a central point for the receipt of such notices. Notice shall include
the identification number(s) of each affected grant;
Taking one of the following actions, within 30 calendar days of receiving notice under
subparagraph 4(b), with respect to any employee who is so convicted -
(a)Taking appropriate personnel action against such an employee, up to and including
termination, consistent with the requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as
amended; or
(b)Requiring such employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or
rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a Federal, State, or local health,
law enforcement, or other appropriate agency;
Making a good faith effort to continue to maintain a drug-free workplace through
implementation of paragraphs 1,2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
Anti-Lobbying -- To the best of the jurisdiction’s knowledge and belief:
No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of it, to any person
for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of
Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in
connection with the awarding of any Federal contract, the making of any Federal grant, the
making of any Federal loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension,
continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal contract, grant, loan, or
cooperative agreement;
If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or wilt be paid to any person
for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of
Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in
connection with this Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement, it will complete and
submit Standard Form-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its
instructions; and
It will require that the language of paragraph 1 and 2 of this anti-lobbying certification be
included in the award documents for all subawards at all tiers (including subcontracts, subgrants,
and contracts under grants, loans, and cooperative agreements) and that all subrecipients shall
certify and disclose accordingly.
Authority of Jurisdiction -- The consolidated plan is authorized under State and local law (as
applicable) and the jurisdiction possesses the legal authority to carry out the programs for which it is
seeking funding, in accordance with applicable HUD regulations.
Consistency with plan -- The housing activities to be undertaken with CDBG, HOME, ESG, and
HOPWA funds are consistent with the strategic plan.
Section 3 - It will comply with section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, and
implementing regulations at 24 CFR Part 135.
Signature/Authorized Official Date
Title
Specific CDBG Certifications
The Entitlement Community certifies that:
Citizen Participation -- It is in full compliance and following a detailed citizen participation plan that
satisfies the requirements of 24 CFR 91.105.
Community Development Plan - Its consolidated housing and community development plan identifies
community development and housing needs.and specifies both short-term and long-term community
development objectives that provide decent housing, expand, economic opportunities primarily for
persons of low and moderate income. (See CFR 24 570.2 and CFR 24 part 570)
Following a Plan -- It is following a current consolidated plan (or Comprehensive Housing Affordability
Strategy) that has been approved by HUD.
Use of Funds -- It has complied with the following criteria:
Maximum Feasible Priority.. With respect to activities expected to be assisted with CDBG funds,
it certifies that it has developed its Action Plan so as to give maximum feasible priority to
activities which benefit low and moderate income families or aid in the prevention or elimination
of slums or blight. The Action Plan may also include activities which the grantee certifies are
designed to meet other community development needs having a particular urgency because
existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community,
and other financial resources are not available);
Overall Nenefit. The aggregate use of CDBG funds including section 108 guaranteed loans
during program year(s) ~(~, (a period specified by the grantee consisting of one, two,
or three specific consecutive program years), shall principally benefit persons of low and
moderate income in a manner that ensures that at least 70 percent of the amount is expended for
activities that benefit such persons during the designated period;
Special Assessments. It will not attempt to recover any capital costs of public improvements
assisted with CDBG funds including Section 108 loan guaranteed funds by assessing any amount
against properties owned and occupied by persons of low and moderate income, including any fee
charged or assessment made as a condition of obtaining access to such public improvements.
However, if CDBG funds are used to pay the proportion of a fee or assessment that relates to the
capital costs of public improvements (assisted in part with CDBG funds) financed from other
revenue sources, an assessment or charge may be made against the property with respect to the
public improvements financed by a source other than CDBG funds.
The jurisdiction will not attempt to recover any capital costs of public improvements assisted with
CDBG funds, including Section !08, unless CDBG funds are used to pay the proportion of fee or
assessment attributable to the capital costs of public improvements financed from other revenue
sources. In this case, an assessment or charge may be made against the property with respect to
the public improvements financed by a source other than CDBG funds. Also, in the case of
properties owned and occupied by moderate-income (not low-income) families, an assessment or
charge may be made against the property for public improvements financed by a source other
than CDBG funds if the jurisdiction certifies that it lacks CDBG funds to cover the assessment.
Excessive Force - It has adopted and is enforcing:
A policy prohibiting the use of excessive force by law enforcement agencies within its
jurisdiction against any individuals engaged in non-violent civil rights demonstrations; and
A policy of enforcing applicable State and local laws against physically barring entrance to or
exit from a facility or location which is the subject of such non-violent civil rights demonstrations
within its jurisdiction;
Compliance With Anti-discrimination laws -- The grant will be conducted and administered in
conformity with title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 USC 2000d), the Fair Housing Act (42 USC
3601-3619), and implementing regulations.
Lead-Based Paint -- Its activities concerning lead-based paint will comply with the requirements of 24
CFR Part 35, subparts A, B, J, K and R;
Compliance with Laws -- It will comply with applicable laws.
Signature/Authorized Official Date
Title
APPENDIX TO CERTIFICATIONS
INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING LOBBYING AND DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE REQUIREMENTS:
A.l,obbvin~ Certification
This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed
when this transaction was made or entered into. Submission of this certification is a
prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by section 1352, title 31,
U.S. Code. Any person who fails to file the required certification shall be subject to a
civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure.
B.Drug-Free Workplace Certification
By signing and/or submitting this application or grant agreement, the
grantee is providing the certification.
The certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance is placed
when the agency awards the grant. If it is later determined that the grantee
knowingly rendered a false certification, or otherwise violates the requirements
of the Drug-Free Workplace Act, HUD, in addition to any other remedies
available to the Federal Government, may take action authorized under the Drug-
Free Workplace Act.
Workplaces under grants, for grantees other than individuals, need not be
identified on the certification. If known, they may be identified in the
grant application. If the grantee does not identify the workplaces at the
time of application, or upon award, if there is no application, the grantee
must keep the identity of the workplace(s) on file in its office and make
the information available for Federal inspection. Failure to identify all
known workplaces constitutes a violation of the grantee’s drug-free
workplace requirements.
Workplace identifications must include the actual address of buildings
(or parts of buildings) or other sites where work under the grant takes
place. Categorical descriptions may be used (e.g., all vehicles of a mass
transit authority or State highway department while in operation, State
employees in each local unemployment office, performers in concert
halls or radio stations).
If the workplace identified to the agency changes during the performance
of the grant, the grantee shall inform the agency of the change(s), if it
previously identified the workplaces in question (see paragraph three).
The grantee may insert in the space provided below the site(s) for the
performance of work done in connection with the specific grant:
Place of Performance (Street address, city, county, state, zip code)
Check __ if there are workplaces on file that are not identified here.
The certification with regard to the drug-free workplace is required by 24 CFR part 21.
o Definitions of terms in the Nonprocurement Suspension and Debarment
common rule and Drug-Free Workplace common rule apply to this
certification. Grantees’ attention is called, in particular, to the following
definitions from these rules:
"Controlled substance" means a controlled substance in Schedules I
through V of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812) and as
further defined by regulation (21 CFR 1308.11 through 1308.15);
"Conviction" means a finding of guilt (including a plea of nolo
contendere) or imposition of sentence, or both, by any judicial body
charged with the responsibility to determine violations of the Federal or
State criminal drug statutes;
"Criminal drug statute" means a Federal or non-Federal criminal statute
involving the manufacture, distribution, dispensing, use, or possession of
any controlled substance;
"Employee" means the employee of a grantee directly engaged in the
performance of work under a grant, including: (i) All "direct charge"
employees; (ii) all "indirect charge" employees unless their impact or
involvement is insignificant to the performance of the grant; and (iii)
temporary personnel and consultants who are directly engaged in the
performance of work under the grant and who are on the grantee’s
payroll. This definition does not include workers not on the payroll of
the grantee (e.g., volunteers, even if used to meet a matching
requirement; consultants or independent contractors not on the grantee’s
payroll; or employees of subrecipients or subcontractors in covered
workplaces).
APPENDIX C
Proposed Projects
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
CPD CONSOLIDATED PLAN
LISTING OF PROPOSED PROJECTS
FY 2006/07
PUBLIC SERVICES PROJECTS
Project ID
Project Title
Priority
Description
HUD Matrix
Code/Title
Citation
Accomplishments
Funding Sources
Eligibility
Location
SR-01025-999
Catholic Charities - Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
Public Services
The program will receive, identify, investigate and resolve
complaints, including violations of personal rights and
allegations of elder abuse for primarily elderly long term care
residents.
05 Public Services (General)
570.201 (e)
495 Elderly
CDBG: $5,800
570.208(a)(2) - Low/Mod Limited Clientele
2625 Zanker Road, Ste. 200
San Jose, CA 95134
Project ID
Project Title
Priority
Description
HUD Matrix
Code/Title
Citation
Accomplishments
Funding Sources
Eligibility
Location
SR-01018-999
Emergency Housing Consortium - Palo Alto HOMES
Public Services
Emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent
supportive housing. Palo Alto HOMES has shifted its focus
toward more single adults facing significant barriers to ending
their homelessness, such as severe mental illness, substance
abuse, chronic health conditions and/or physical disabilities.
05 Public Services (General)
570.201 (e)
50 People (General)
CDBG: $7,760
570.208(a)(2) - LowiMod Limited Clientele
2665 North First Street, Ste. 210
San Jose, CA 95134
Project ID
Project Title
Priority
Description
HUD Matrix
Code/Title
Citation
Accomplishments
Funding Sources
Eligibility
Location
SR-01076-999
InnVision/Clara-Mateo Alliance - Family Housing Program
Public Services
Shelter and transitional housing for homeless families with
children. Provides a total of 18 emergency shelter beds and up
to six units of transitional housing accommodating from 12-
18 parents and children at a given time. A 24-hour shelter is
provided, along with 3 meals per day.
05 Public Services (General)
570.201 (e)
160 People (General)
CDBG: $18,725
570.208(a)(2) - Low~od Limited Clientele
795 Willow Road, bldg. 323-D
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Project ID
Project Title
Priority
Description
HUD Matrix
Code/Title
Citation
Accomplishments
Funding Sources
Eligibility
Location
SR-01075-999
InnVisiordClara-Mateo Alliance - Adult!Couples Program
Public Services
Shelter and transitional housing for individuals and couples
who are homeless. Clients include underserved populations
such as homeless persons with disabilities, chronic substance
abusers and severely mentally ill.
05 Public Services (General)
570.201 (e)
550 People (General)
CDBG: $18,322
570.208(a)(2) - Low/Mod Limited Clientele
795 Willow Road, bldg. 323-D
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Project ID
Project Title
Priority
Description
HUDMatrix
Code/Title
SR-01082-999
InnVision/Urban Ministry - Drop-In Center
Public Services
The program provides critical services for homeless Palo Alto
residents. In addition to providing a hot breakfast, clients can
also make phone calls, received mail, transportation vouchers
and meet with case managers to work on a more long-term
plan to address their issues.
05 Public Services (General)
-2-
Citation
Accomplishments
Funding Sources
Eligibility
Location
570.201 (e)
550 People (General)
CDBG: $21,250
570.208(a)(2) - Low/Mod Limited Clientele
400 Mitchell Lane
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Project ID
Project Title
Priority
Description
HUD Matrix
Code/Title
Citation 570.201 (e)
Accomplishments 200 People (General)
Funding Sources CDBG: $5,000
Eligibility 570.208(a)(1) - Low/Mod Area
Location 1155 Reed Avenue, Unit E
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
SR-01094-999
Mid-Peninsula Alano Club - MPAC Operations
Public Services
MPAC services an existing need by housing a safe, clean,
sober and social environment wherein folks mutually care for,
support, commiserate and help provide relief from addictive
behaviors.
05 Public Services (General)
Project ID
Project Title
Priority
Description
HUD Matrix
Code/Title
Citation
Accomplishments
Funding Sources
Eligibility
Location
SR-01048-999
Palo Alto Housing Corp. - SRO Resident Support Services
Public Services
This program provides counseling and supportive case
management services to low-income, homeless residents of
single room occupancies (SROs). Barker Hotel and Alma
Place serve the local community by housing people with a
history ofhomelessness and other special needs. The majority
of the residents have issues or receive services concerning:
unemployment, mental health and alcohol/drug dependency.
05 Public Services (General)
570.201 (e)
131 People (General)
CDBG: $20,270
570.208(a)(2) - Low/Mod Limited Clientele
439 Emerson Street and 753 Alma Street
Palo Alto, CA 94301
-3-
Project ID
Project Title
Priority
Description
HUD Matrix
Code/Title
Citation
Accomplishments
Funding Sources
Eligibility
Locations
SR-01079-999
Shelter Network - Midpeninsula Housing Program
Public Services
Transitional housing for homeless families and single adults.
The program provides the basic necessities of shelter, food
and clothing. Also provides comprehensive support services,
such as case management, life skills training, job development
and children’s services.
05 Public Services (General)
570.201 (e)
500 People (General)
CDBG: $16,375
570.208(a)(2) - Low/Mod Limited Clientele
260 Van Buren Road
Menlo Park, CA 94025
325 Villa Terrace
San Mateo, CA 94402
1580-A Maple Street
Redwood City, CA 94063
PLANNING ANI5 ADMINSTRATION
Project ID
Project Title
Priority
Description
HUD Matrix
Code/Title
Citation
Accomplishments
Funding Sources
Eligibility
Location
SR-01003-999
City of Palo Alto -Planning and Administration
Planning and Administration
Administrative costs for the overall management,
coordination and evaluation of the CDBG program, and the
project delivery costs associated with bringing projects to
completion.
21 General Program Administration
570.206
N/A
CDBG: $124,536
N/A
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Project ID SR-01087-999
Project Title Project Sentinel - Fair Housing Services
Priority Planning and Administration
Description Agency provides investigations of complaints by testing,
-4-
interviews, surveys, and document review, counseling, and
legal referral for victims of housing discrimination as well as
community outreach and education regarding housing rights.
HUD Matrix 21D Fair Housing Activities
Code/Title
Citation 570.206
Accomplishments 15 Households (General)
Funding Sources CDBG: $26,800
Eligibility N/A
Location 430 Sherman Avenue, Ste. 308
Palo Alto, CA 94306
CAPITAL PROJECTS
Project ID
Project Title
Priority
Description
HUD Matrix
Code/Title
Citation
Accomplishments
Funding Sources
Eligibility
Location
SR-01085-999
Economic and Social Opportunities - Housing and Energy
Services
Housing
Agency provides home improvement services designed to
identify and improve hazardous conditions in homes, improve
accessibility and use for seniors and disabled individuals,
improve energy efficiency and make necessary minor repairs
in order to avoid more expensive solutions in the future.
14A Rehab, Single-Unit Residential
570.202
26 Households
CDBG: $63,300
570.208(a)(3) - Low/Mod Housing
Citywide
Project ID
Project Title
Priority
Description
HUD Matrix
Code/Title
Citation 570.202
TBD
Stevenson House - Window and Door Retrofit
Housing
Stevenson House is a 120-unit senior housing complex which
was built in 1968. Stevenson House is proposing to retrofit the
windows and doors in their "B" building and all of their
common areas. This will allow for a reduction in energy costs
and will enable the residents to better enjoy their living
environments.
14B Rehab, Multi-Unit Residential
-5-
Accomplishments
Funding Sources
Eligibility
Location
120 Units
CDBG: $370,000
570.208(a)(3) - LowiMod Housing
455 E. Charleston Road
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Project ID
Project Title
Priority
Description
TBD
Stevenson House - Fire Alarm Project
Housing
Stevenson House is a 120-unit senior housing complex which
was built in 1968. Stevenson House is proposing to upgrade
their existing fire alarm system. The upgrade will bring the
existing code up to date with current regulations. This is
necessary to ensure the health and safety of Stevenson
House’s residents.
14B Rehab, Multi-Unit ResidentialHUD Matrix
Code/Title
Citation 570.202
Accomplishments 120 Units
Funding Sources CDBG: $47,646
Eligibility 570.208(a)(3) - Low/Mod Housing
Location 455 E. Charleston Road
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Project ID TBD
Project Title Community Working Group - Alma Street Apartments
Acquisition
Priority Housing
Description This will involve the acquisition of an existing 10-unit
apartment complex that will be occupied by low and very-low
income tenants.
HUD Matrix 14G Acquisition for rehabilitation
Code/Title
Citation 570.201 (a)
Accomplishments 10 units
Funding Sources CDBG: $250,000
Eligibility 570.208(a)(3) - Low/Mod Housing
Location 2507-2533 Alma Street
Palo Alto, CA 94301
-6-
APPENDIX D
Public Hearing Advertisement
AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION
IN THE
PALe ALTO WEEKLY
703.High St., Pale Alto, California 94301
(650) 326-8210
IN ¯THE
SUPERIOR COURT
OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
FOR THE COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA
NO.
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA
ss
I, the undersigned, state that I am, and at all times herein mentioned was, a
citizen of the United States of America, over the age of eighteei~ years, and
not a party to or interested in the above entitled matter, that was a~ and
during all said times and still am the principal clerk of the publisher of the Pale
Alto Weekly, a newspaper of general circulation published weekly in the city of
Pale Alto in said County of Santa Clara, State of California; that said is and
was at all times herein mentioned a newspaper of genera! circulation as that
term is defined by Section 6008 of the Government Code of the State of
California; that said was adjudged as such by Superior Court of the County of
Santa Clara, State of California, under date of November 2, 1982, Case
Number P41989; that the notice of which the annexed is a true printed copy,
was set in type not smaller than nonpareil and was preceded with words
printed in black-face type not smaller than nonpareil, describing and
expressing in general terms, the purport and character of the notice intended
to be given; that said notice was published and printed in said newspaper on
the following dates, to wit:
Date of first publication in the Pale Alto Weekly
I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.
at Pa!o Alto, California.
_~" . "--NOTICE OF PUBLIC REVIEW
,-~o~~.~ PERIOD AND PUBLIC HEARINGS
¯[~1’ ~.~’~ ONPALOALTO~SCOMMUNITY
i:~*\~~ ~/J*J DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
~ - " ’ .. (CDBG) PROGRAM - -
¯-This is to notify the general public and other
interested -" ...... partiesthat a 30-day public review period for the draft Annual Action
Plan of .Pale Alto’s adopted Consolidated Plan. will begin on
March 27, 2006 and end on April 27, 2006. The draft Anhual
Action Plan describes the activities the City plans to fund under
the 2006/2007 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Program~ These activities are intended to meet Pale Alto’s af-
fordable housing and cqm~nunity development objectives descri-
bed in the Consolidated Plan for the period2005-2010.
Copies of the. draft Action Plaq will be availa!51e on March¯ 27~
2006 at the Department of Planning and Community Environ-
ment, 250 Hamilton Avenue, .5th Floor, Pao Alto, 0A"94301¯, on
the City’s w-ebsite at www.cityofpaloalto.org/planning-comrriuni-
ty/cdbg, or by calling EIoLza Murillo-Garcia, Associate Planne.r,
CDBG Program, at 650~329-2428.. ’Interested.parties are en-
couraged to submit written comments On the pioP0sed dr~ft AC~
tion Plan during the public review period, or .to comment at tile:
public hearings and meetings desoribed below, " ..- . .
-[he City Council will allocate & t6~alor $995,)84 in ~;DBG
irig.: The amount -of the-ai3nual CDBG entitlemeht grant is
$711,680, $123,319 is available [TOm program income received
ir~¯ previous years or anticipated in fiscal yeaJ:.-2006/2007:, and
}1~0,785 is available for reallocation to new activities., from
CDBG funds received in previous years. Allof the proposed
tivities are consistent with the CDBG program’s national objec-
tive of giving priority .to activities which benefit low and very-low.
~ncome personF. The funds will be used :to fulfill the priority
needs in the Consolidated Plan. ~- :.
PublicHeaHngs and Meetin~,
The City of Pale AltoFinance Committee will hold a
Public- Hearingon April-.4~,. 2006 tO review the proposed
CDBGfunding¯aJlocation~ (66-d~ear Action Plan) as recommend-
ed by City Staff:and t~e ,~EJBGi~Citizens Advisory Committee.
Th~ Public H~afi(~g-Will b~_.h~[d:at-7:00 p.m4 or as soon as pus-
sible thereafter, in City Hall~ (~ouncil Chambers, 250 Hamilton
Avehue, Palo~to. " - - . ¯ " . ,
The Palo Alto City Council will hold a Public Hearing on
May 1, 2006 to adopt the 2006/2007 CDBG funding alloca’
tions (one ¥~ar Action Plan). The Public Headng will be held at
7:00 p:m., or as sqon as possible thereafter, in City Hall, Counci_____J
~,.250 Hamilton A£enue, Pale Alto.
Persons with disabilities who require auxiliary aids or services in
using City facilities, services or programs, or Who would like ifi-
formation on the City’s compliance with the Americans witli Dis-
abilities Act(ADA) of 1990, may contact:
Fred I~lerman, ADA Director, City of Pale Alto,
650-329-2550 (Voice) or 3294 199 (TDD) .
APPENDIX E
Public Comment
April 15, 2006 ~
To: EloizaMurillo-Garcia, CDBG Planner, Planning Division, City of Palo Alto
Fr: Jo Guttadauro, 3375 Alma Street, #358, Palo Alto 94306-3520
Re: Universal Design in Housing and "2006/2007 Action Plan"
Thank you for sending the draft of the Action Plan. Last year on February 7 1
wrote about UD, but no reply was received. If you do not reply to this and--more
importantly--obey existing laws, I willwrite to the AG. The CDR is urgi.ng me to
do so because we, as citizens with disabilities, are tired of being treated like
7th-class citizens. Why does a city with a mayor who touts its excellence act so
meanly and stupidlyto what is probably the largest minority? Why did one of its
employees tell me that it’s too expensive to obey the laws. Why can Berkeley
build an apartment complex with~all of its units accessible, and Palo Alto, which
claims that it thinks outside the box, does not obey the laws and then have the
head of the PAHC say she won’t consider such a concept because of my negativity.
Doesn’t she realize that by having buildings~ with stairs she is not segregating
just me but all~those with similar problems and those who may get them. Perhaps,
as one of my childhood friends said at a recent lunch, she should break both legs.
I believe that Helen Jones was right many years ago when she said, "They don’t want
us here." We both served on the Architectural Barriers Committee in the ’70s.
This came about when I pointed out to the city attorney that Palo Alto was not
obeying H&S Code 19955. He tried to tell me that it was not clear to him what
a public building was. One of my childhood friends is married to a former state
senator. (By the way, none of the four friends who had lunch v~ith me last month
has a disability, but each one has a family member with one.) She, and others,
don’t understand why a city as rich as Palo Alto can’t afford to obey the laws.
Suzanne Moore, author of SMART COMMUNITIES, said (CSPAN2, 4-I) that in America we
can do anyth!ng--it’s a matter of priorities.
Doesn’t anyone at city hall realize that anyone at any time can acquire a disability?
Think of FDR, Christopher Reeve, Stephen Hawking. Perhaps the powers that be
wouldn’t want to invite them to dinner. But I was invited to a friend’s home to
have dinner with Tom Lehrer. When Burch was mayor, be said it was good to help the
weak and helpless--in Louisiana. When he wanted my vote he lied about UD in order
to get my vote. What about ~hos.e of us in Palo Alto who need help? My family moved
to this city in 1948 and I have done a lot of volunteer work, including being a
member of the Adult School’s Advisory Committee But then Henry Page wasn’t afraid
of someone who was outspoken and smart. Now the city is going to study baby boome~.s.
I’ve been saying for years, that they are coming (my baby brother was born in ’46),
but the city has to "study" this phenomenon. Michela Alioto Pier said (."Forum,"
3-14) that we put too many seniors and people with disabilities in institutions. ~’\
Avenidas gives lip service to "aging in place" Hillary Freeman said to "follow
the money." Why are there at least~two builders on the PAHC board? The builders’
lobby is extremely powerful and they don’t like UD because they can make more money
by remodeling ~en~t becomes~’.necessary.
Our current mayor said in her State of the City speech that we strive for excellence
and that she has visionary plans. One might be able to take her seriously if she
didn’t praise Oak Court and Eve Agiewich, a lawyer who asked me to s.end her the
pertinent laws more than two years ago. I did so but she never replied. The HRC
is clueless when it comes to helping peoplewith disabilities and has shown itself
to be downright hostile (re the tenth anniversary of the ADA) in the past. If two
people from the DoJ can make a house call, why can’t anyone from city hall answer
this question: After more than a quarter of a century of trYing to make you put
your money where your mouth is, Why don’t I and people like me have safe and
appropriate housing? Linda Slone, an HRC member who uses a wheelchair, had to
move out of Palo Alto. In "War without end" (.SFC, 3-29)~ it was stated that almost
as much as they missed their legs, soldiers missed camaraderie. That’s where
visitability comes in. Except in cluelessPaloAlto.