pages: CityCouncil/2021-11-02.pdf, 8
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
CityCouncil | 2021-11-02 | 8 | [Did not comment on the agenda item]: Brian Kennedy, Alameda. Councilmember Knox White stated that he appreciates the prioritization of items which provide housing and resources; expressed support for the bottle parcel project concept and the City- owned, available Alameda Point housing; stated that he will support a hotel project which works when found; noted the hotel project will take time; he would like to provide direction for staff not to focus just on the West End, but more on the East End and Bay Farm to the extent possible; the direction will be difficult due to privately owned businesses; he looks forward to opportunities to discuss resilience centers and other services which would also access funds. Councilmember Daysog stated any one of the three options provides Council with an opportunity to go really big in terms of delivering on the needs of persons and families who are homeless; expressed support for the bottle parcel option and the Big Whites; stated that he supports the hotel/motel site option if it is placed in an area which has community commercial zoning; Council must look at the matter as a realistic project for formerly homeless families and also as part of the beautification for the area; expressed support for the hotel/motel option not being a simple housing conversion project, but also a project that can be made beautiful for the area; the matter is a great opportunity for the City to go big. Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether the projects will apply to homeless people throughout the County or those currently in Alameda. The Community Development Director responded emergency housing will focus on local residents; stated the goal for emergency housing is to provide some opportunities for shelter and beds for those within Alameda in the short-term; emergency housing is not seen as a long- term option and is able to get off the ground fairly quickly; a transitional housing project will be slightly different and needs to go through the County's Coordinated Care System; the City will have Home Key and County funds involved for transitional housing and will pull from a larger pool of funds; staff would love to house Alameda residents to the extent legally possible; the hotel project is envisioned as permanent supportive housing where the population could potentially be a larger County population. The Economic Development Manager stated staff will try to get Alameda residents in and will work with the County on preference. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft requested clarification for the benefits of coordinated care and entry; stated there is a selection process for those well suited to a particular resource. The Economic Development Manager stated staff tries to register each unhoused person in Alameda in a system; the County and State require staff to go through the system if the City uses Home Key funds; the bottle parcel option utilizes Home Key funding; the system provides individuals confidential details and information, including how long someone has been on the street; many people in the system do not live in Alameda, but are from Alameda and would like to return; many of the unhoused population in Alameda have relational ties in the City; staff hopes the County allows the City to use the system and house Alameda residents; the process is moving quickly; staff needs to negotiate different options; the preference option continues to be negotiated. Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether the scattered sites will be used for single Regular Meeting Alameda City Council November 2, 2021 5 | CityCouncil/2021-11-02.pdf |