title
APPROVE THE ALLOCATION OF 51 LOW-INCOME HOUSING UNITS TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF SAN JOAQUIN PURSUANT TO ARTICLE XXXIV OF THE CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION
recommended action
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution to:
1. Approve the allocation of 51 low-income housing units to the Housing Authority of the County of San Joaquin (HACSJ) Parkcenter Apartments project pursuant to Article XXXIV of the California Constitution.
2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to take all necessary and appropriate actions to carry out the purpose and intent of this Resolution.
body
Summary
Housing Authority of the County of San Joaquin (HACSJ) Parkcenter Apartments project located at 709 N. Center Street, Stockton requires 51 units of Article XXXIV of the California Constitution (Article 34) authority. Article 34 requires a local election by voters to approve a low-income housing project when financed in whole or in part by public funds. Stockton voters authorized the City Council to approve low-income housing projects in 2010 and again in 2018.
Staff recommends that the City Council approve 51 units of Article 34 authority to the Parkcenter Apartments project in Downtown Stockton.
DISCUSSION
Background
HACSJ proposes to convert an existing commercial/office building into housing for low-income households. They are proposing the development of 47 one-bedroom units, 2 studio units, 1 two-bedroom unit, and a two-bedroom property manager unit for a total of 51 units. These units are multi-family permanent housing units that are targeting extremely low-income (at or below 30% area median income) and very-low-income households (at or below 50% AMI). The development will benefit from the HACSJ allocating Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) to ensure the rents remain affordable. The proposed project would provide affordable housing to lower-income households that constitute HACSJ’s service population.
The Parkcenter Apartments project will be constructed and located at 709 North Center Street. A gated courtyard will encompass the parking lot and primary access to the office will be via the gated parking lot. The existing building on 709 N. Center Street has two lavatories at every level of the building. A 1,376 square foot open community space will be located within the center building. The existing building will be converted into 1 two-bedroom unit, 1 manager’s unit, 2 studio units, and 20 one-bedroom units, for a total of 24 units.
The new construction component of Parkcenter Apartments will include a three-story building that will have a 1,620 square foot community room, 810 square foot management office, and a three-story elevator. The remaining 27 one-bedroom units will be located in the new construction component.
Present Situation
Low-income housing projects, when financed in whole or in part by the federal government, or a state public body, or to which the federal government or a state public body extends assistance require voter approval Article 34 authority.
In November 2018, Stockton voters again showed their support for affordable housing. They gave the City Council authority to approve low-income housing projects and to allocate up to 500 units per year for twenty (20) years, with any unused units being carried over from year to year. There is sufficient inventory available to allocate the units.
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the allocation of 51 units of Article 34 authority for the Parkcenter Apartments project.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
There is no financial impact to the City's General Fund or any other unrestricted fund due to taking the recommended action.