pages: CityCouncil/2021-11-02.pdf, 10
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CityCouncil | 2021-11-02 | 10 | fortunate to have the College of Alameda; the relationship will provide a unique opportunity; her least favorite option is the hotel/motel option due to Transient Occupancy Taxes (TOT); staff has recommended the need for hotels for many years due to TOT; she is not interested in giving up a revenue stream; the City would have to make-up the lost revenue in order to provide the services being discussed; the City's financial forecast predicts exhausting reserves at some point; it is critical to continue supporting revenue streams; expressed support for the City looking at apartments or other buildings instead of losing a TOT revenue stream and for partnering with the Housing Authority; stated the Housing Authority does a good job and are the housing experts; she agrees with the need for equity across the City; she supports opportunities across the Island which the City can purchase through different revenue streams. Vice Mayor Vella stated Council gave many different directions and instructions in the last round; expressed support for the responses received on how to move forward; there is no reason for Council not to act on the matter; she is comfortable providing direction to staff to move forward with the bottle parcel option; she would like to see more exploration into the hotel/motel option; there are opportunities throughout the City; this is the beginning of much larger and longer conversations; expressed support for looking throughout the entire City in ensuring the most is made of parcels; the need exists and continues to grow; Council should move forward; she looks forward to supporting the options, while recognizing the actions are a first step; the proposal received by the Village of Love is worth exploring; expressed support for moving forward with direction to staff to continue pursuing additional opportunities for the City to fund supportive housing. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she has seen the life-changing impacts of transitional and emergency housing; discussed a navigation and residential stair center in Berkeley; stated that she has had an opportunity to see considered providers bring wonderful and innovative projects; expressed support for all options recommended; stated the emergency housing at Alameda Point should be done; currently, Alameda does not have a place that is available 365 days per year for someone to get out of the weather and sleep; a warming center at Christ Episcopal Church has been an option for the City; the ability to provide services had been curtailed by the pandemic; the City must do better; there is a silver lining in the American Recuse Plan Act (ARPA) funding availability; she would like to take the opportunity to help level the playing field; expressed support for the bottle parcel; stated the hotel/motel option should continue to be looked at; TOT revenue is lessened during the pandemic; the hotel providers willing to sell or enter into a deal have not done well; the City pays a lot to address homelessness; there is an option to partner with a provider for the hotel/motel option; the Housing Authority would be her last choice; many more current and innovative providers are offering creative and quick solutions for people to get employed and connected with needed services; expressed support for a provider whose specialty is lifting someone out of homelessness; noted the matter will return to Council at the next meeting. The Community Development Director stated staff will be bringing a full report on Alameda Point emergency housing and transitional housing at the bottle parcel. Councilmember Knox White expressed support for parking options being included in the staff report for the bottle parcel; stated that his preference is more housing for people; there are other places to find parking and car storage. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated parking is needed; there is a lack of understanding of what homelessness means; people can be working yet unable to maintain a roof over their head; Regular Meeting Alameda City Council November 2, 2021 7 | CityCouncil/2021-11-02.pdf |