pages: CityCouncil/2021-04-06.pdf, 8
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CityCouncil | 2021-04-06 | 8 | goal is to ensure services are available and known; expressed concern about public meetings without data; stated it is government's job to come up with data and do the utmost to help those in need; expressed support for data analysis of the program; stated there must be a way to evaluate what is working and what is not; she does not want to continue funding agencies that do not show results. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she is pleased the City is providing Safe Parking for people who have to sleep in their cars; the situation is not ideal and housing needs to be provided; more housing must be built especially for low-income people; the City does not operate in a silo; everything is connected. The Community Development Manager stated outreach is a continuing effort; the homeless hotline phone number: 510-522-4663 being provided to those who need it is a great start; people can be instantly enrolled in the Safe Parking program; providers continue to promote the program; staff would like to collect more data; roughly 14 different programs have started because of the Homeless Emergency Aid Program (HEAP); prior to HEAP, very few programs were offered in Alameda for those experiencing homelessness; the contract with Operation Dignity was the longest City contract due to displacement of homeless people living in the Jean Sweeney Park; the majority of Alameda programs began when HEAP started; data can now be collected from HEAP funded programs; staff will collect and tabulate data to provide to the public; she would like to get more testimonies from people using the program; staff has more work to do related to connecting the dots in the outcomes and successes of programs; staff will include the information in the final strategic plan report. Councilmember Daysog inquired the ways the strategic plan aligns with the Housing Element and General Plan update process. The Development Manager responded staff has been working closely with the Planning Department to ensure goals are considered; stated there is a proposed strategy in the preliminary goals and strategies related to looking at zoning policies and ensuring removal of as many barriers as possible to the construction of housing for the formerly homeless and other facilities for unsheltered neighbors. Councilmember Daysog inquired what happens if there is any conflict between the underlying zoning and the Housing Element. The Development Manager responded the goal is to make sure staff is working together now to avoid any potential conflict; stated staff will have to work with the Planning Department if any conflicts arise. Councilmember Daysog inquired whether there are conflicts due to particular zoning of an area; questioned whether the General Plan Housing Element would take precedence. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft requested clarification of Councilmember Daysog's inquiry. The City Attorney stated under State law, the Zoning Ordinance and General Plan cannot be in conflict with each other for long; generally, the Zoning Ordinance will have to be brought into conformance with the General Plan; State law allows for time in order to conform. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 8 April 06, 2021 | CityCouncil/2021-04-06.pdf |