REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Approve the Issuance of Request for Proposals to Develop a New Affordable Housing Project on City Property Located on Charles Street (Block 15)
Report
REPORT IN BRIEF
In July 2015, the City Council authorized the purchase of four additional parcels in "Block 15" of the Downtown Specific Plan area to increase the City's ownership of the block to approximately 1.57 acres. In December 2015 the Council held a study session and provided direction on the future use of approximately 1.44 acres of City owned property in Block 15 for affordable housing, with an emphasis on projects that could provide at least a portion of the housing for special needs households (i.e., seniors, disabled adults).
Staff has prepared a draft Request for Proposals (RFP) (Attachment 1), consistent with Council's expressed interest in using this property for affordable housing. The RFP will be used to solicit proposals in order to identify and select a qualified affordable housing developer. Staff will evaluate the proposals received in response to the RFP and establish a staff committee to score and rank the proposals. Once staff has identified a preferred developer for Council's consideration, an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement ("ENA") would be prepared for Council's review and approval. The ENA would specify a period of time (e.g., 12 months with possible extension at City's discretion) for the developer to further develop the project plans. Following Council approval of the ENA, the selected developer would begin working with staff on predevelopment tasks such as a refined project description, financing plan, development review, and the terms of an Affordable Housing Developer Agreement ("AHDA").
Staff recommends that the Council approve the issuance of the Request for Proposals (RFP) to develop a new affordable housing project on City property located on Charles Street (Block 15).
BACKGROUND
In July 2015, the City Council auth...
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