pages: CityCouncil/2022-05-03.pdf, 20
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CityCouncil | 2022-05-03 | 20 | Councilmember Knox White stated the Carnegie Library is a place the City could be looking at; Council has given staff direction to come back with a plan for addressing the geographic issue; the answer will likely include money; he expects those concerned about the East versus West divide will be supportive of spending money to buy expensive houses and address homelessness; he supports plans to place housing through the City. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether Councilmember Knox White is recommending the City add another Big White to be fixed with City funds and held in abeyance for homeless accommodations, to which Councilmember Knox White responded in the affirmative. In response to Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft's inquiry, Councilmember Knox White stated that he is recommending the City move forward with all three proposed buildings: one building for individuals and two for homeless families; the second building can be expanded if the City finds the program to be successful. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated proposing up to 50% senior and medically vulnerable allows the other 50% to be adult individuals; the largest growing segment of the homeless population is seniors age 55 and older; expressed support for the completion of the Wellness Center project on McKay Avenue; stated people are trying to stop the project from moving forward by having the area designated on the National Historic Register. Vice Mayor Vella seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Daysog stated the highest moral obligation the City of Alameda has is to try to assist homeless families with children; children have a difficult time handling the situation; there is a variety of reasons for an adult to be homeless; homelessness for children is a tragedy; he supports the two houses being set aside for homeless families; the third house prioritizing seniors is a need; however, some of the challenges are being addressed in Alameda through the Wellness Center on McKay Avenue; proposed the third house be used to house homeless, unwed, teenage mothers; there is a tremendous amount of unwed, homeless, teenage mothers in the East Bay who need a chance to get back on their feet and get back into school with a safe environment for their newborns; the third house would still be a group home situation targeted at families; the City has reached an understanding with the neighborhood; expressed concern about going beyond the three housing units; stated the City should have a more focused and thematic approach involving homeless families. Councilmember Daysog made a substitute motion approving the City not pursuing the fourth housing unit and the third housing unit being for unwed, teenage mothers from the East Bay. Councilmember Herrera Spencer seconded the motion, which failed by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Ayes; Knox White: No; Vella: Regular Meeting Alameda City Council May 3, 2022 16 | CityCouncil/2022-05-03.pdf |