Item No. 2.
| MEETING DATE: July 20, 2020 |
|
| TO: | HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS |
| FROM: | JIM SADRO, CITY MANAGER By: Andrew Ho, Community Development Director |
| SUBJECT: | HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE PROPOSED SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT TO THE 2019 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT COVID-19 (CDBG-CV) ACTION PLAN TO INCLUDE A NEW PROJECT |
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council consider and approve the substantial amendment to the Community Development Block Grant-Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) Action Plan to fund a new "parklet" concept project for La Habra Blvd. in downtown La Habra.
DISCUSSION:
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, enacted by the federal government on March 27, 2020, the City of La Habra (City) received a special allocation of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) resources in the amount of $400,188 to be used to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in La Habra.
The Community Development Department has prepared an amendment to the original substantial amendment to fund several programs with these funds, including the installation of up to two parklet concepts in downtown La Habra that would create new public spaces for residents and visitors to safely socially distance in La Habra's commercial core. A parklet is a sidewalk extension, or "pop-out", installed on parking lanes within commercial corridors that can provide more space and amenities for people using the street and businesses in the area. Parklets are intended for use as place for customers to stop, to sit, to eat, and to rest while taking in the activities along the street. Representative examples of parklet designs are attached to this report.
If approved, the substantial amendment includes the following changes:
Revised Project Budgets:
Residential Rental Assistance: $200,188
Small Business Support and Technical Assistance: $55,000
Parklet Design and Installation: $105,000
Program Administration: $40,000
Parklet Development
To create new space for residents to safely social distance in the downtown area, the staff proposes to develop up to two parklet concepts in the Downtown area that will create additional outdoor public space. Due to social distancing requirements necessary as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become apparent that a return to “business as usual” for businesses cannot happen at this time. In order to support local businesses and allow residents to safely socially distance in commercial corridors, cities are exploring creative ways to establish or expand outdoor seating for use by restaurants. The parklet concept is also in alignment with the City Council's goal of revitalizing the Downtown core of the City and can become a blueprint of how future development concepts can be incorporated along La Habra Blvd. The two proposed parklets will be located along La Habra Boulevard between Walnut Street and McPherson Street.
If approved, these programs can be of immediate assistance to residents and businesses in La Habra who qualify for and receive funding. Unfortunately, there is a limited amount of CDBG-CV funds available for these programs; however, having these programs approved by Council now will allow staff to expand their use in the future should additional funding be made available by the federal, state or county governments.
In accordance with the City’s Citizen Participation Plan, the Community Development Department has made the draft substantial amendment available for public review and comment from July 16, 2020 through July 20, 2020.
The Community Development Department has prepared an amendment to the original substantial amendment to fund several programs with these funds, including the installation of up to two parklet concepts in downtown La Habra that would create new public spaces for residents and visitors to safely socially distance in La Habra's commercial core. A parklet is a sidewalk extension, or "pop-out", installed on parking lanes within commercial corridors that can provide more space and amenities for people using the street and businesses in the area. Parklets are intended for use as place for customers to stop, to sit, to eat, and to rest while taking in the activities along the street. Representative examples of parklet designs are attached to this report.
If approved, the substantial amendment includes the following changes:
Revised Project Budgets:
Residential Rental Assistance: $200,188
Small Business Support and Technical Assistance: $55,000
Parklet Design and Installation: $105,000
Program Administration: $40,000
Parklet Development
To create new space for residents to safely social distance in the downtown area, the staff proposes to develop up to two parklet concepts in the Downtown area that will create additional outdoor public space. Due to social distancing requirements necessary as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become apparent that a return to “business as usual” for businesses cannot happen at this time. In order to support local businesses and allow residents to safely socially distance in commercial corridors, cities are exploring creative ways to establish or expand outdoor seating for use by restaurants. The parklet concept is also in alignment with the City Council's goal of revitalizing the Downtown core of the City and can become a blueprint of how future development concepts can be incorporated along La Habra Blvd. The two proposed parklets will be located along La Habra Boulevard between Walnut Street and McPherson Street.
If approved, these programs can be of immediate assistance to residents and businesses in La Habra who qualify for and receive funding. Unfortunately, there is a limited amount of CDBG-CV funds available for these programs; however, having these programs approved by Council now will allow staff to expand their use in the future should additional funding be made available by the federal, state or county governments.
In accordance with the City’s Citizen Participation Plan, the Community Development Department has made the draft substantial amendment available for public review and comment from July 16, 2020 through July 20, 2020.
FISCAL IMPACT/SOURCE OF FUNDING:
There is no impact on the General Fund. The City of La Habra’s special allocation of CDBG-CV resources is $400,188 and is proposed to be allocated as follows:
Residential Rental Assistance: $200,188
Small Business Support and Technical Assistance: $55,000
Parklet Design and Installation: $105,000
Program Administration: $40,000
Residential Rental Assistance: $200,188
Small Business Support and Technical Assistance: $55,000
Parklet Design and Installation: $105,000
Program Administration: $40,000
GENERAL PLAN RELEVANCE:
LU. 2.3 Places to Work
LU. 17.1 Adequate Community-Supporting Uses
ED. 2.1 Business Attraction
ED. 2.2 One-Stop Business Assistance
ED. 2.3 Business Attraction-Retention
H.2.8 Rehabilitation & Home Improvement Program
H.3.2 Assistance to Prevent Housing Discrimination