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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCORRESPONDENCE - 80A s AN � r, `:.:11d7.1:1;1101! *`. 9d q; February 7, 2017 City Council Meeting Correspondence 80A. - JOINT SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE HOUSING AUTHORITY: AMCAL MULTI-HOUSING, INC. FOR THE FIRST STREET APARTMENTS PROJECT Date` Sender/Representative Agency corresp. received. In support of item. 1. 02/03/2017 Brenda J. Rodriguez,Executive Clearinghouse Director 2. 02/06/2017 Jenny Rios, CEO Delhi Center 3, 02/06/2017 Rabbi Jonathan Klein, Clergy and Laity United for Economic Executive Director Justice (CLUE) 4, 02/06/2017 Cesar Covarrubias,Executive The Kennedy Commission Director 5. 02/06/2017 Ruben Barreto, Santa Ana Building Healthy Communities Communications Coordinator 6. 02/06/2017 Shakeel Syed,Executive Orange County Communities Organized Director for Responsible Development (OCCCORD) 7. 02/07/2017 Nora Mendez,Executive Orange County Community Housing Director Corporation 8, 02/07/2017 Michelle Kim-Kotval, Staff Public Law Center Attorney Received after 3:OOP.M 9. 02/07/ 2017 NancyMejia,MSW,MPH Latino Health Access Director, Community Engagement&Advocacy I:1Agendas12017 AgendaslExhibits-Correspondence 2017iExhibils 2017-02-07_Correspondence 60A.doc Mitre -Ramirez, Norma From: Brenda Rodriguez <brodriguez@affordable-housing.org> Sent: Friday, February 3, 2017 5:13 PM To: Huizar, Maria; eComment Subject: First Street Project (Santa Ana, CA) Attachments: 2017 Letter of Support AMCAL .pdf Categories: Correspondence Dear Ms. Huizar, Enclosed is a letter of support for AMCAL's housing development on First Street in Santa Ana. Please distribute to Mayor Pulido and the City of Santa Ana City Council. For any questions please contact me directly at the number below. The hard copy of the letter is forthcoming by US Postal. With Gratitude, Brenda J. Rodriguez Executive Director ® please consider the trees before printing this email Make a personal difference, donate today, because housing matters to me, to you, to us! '— NJWHiasnAui:.'.. Affordable Housing Clearinghouse 23861 EI Toro Road, Suite #401 Lake Forest, CA 92630 Office: (949) 859-9255 FAX: (949) 859-8534 brodriRuezPaffordable-housine.or www.affordable-housine.org Hablamos Espaholl Please like us on h and stay up to date with by clicking an these icons. **Be aware! Online banking fraud is on the rise. If you receive an email containing WIRE TRANSFER INSTRUCTIONS call the loan servicing department at 949-334-2810 immediately to verify the information prior to sending funds.** Clearinghouse CDFI made the following annotations Electronic Privacy Notice. This e-mail, and any attachments, contains information that is, or may be, covered by electronic communications privacy laws, and is also confidential and proprietary in nature. If you are not the intended recipient, please be advised that you are legally prohibited from retaining, using, copying, distributing, or otherwise disclosing this information in any manner. Instead, please reply to the sender that you have received this communication in error, and then immediately delete it. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. AFFORDABLE, HOUSING Cl learinghouseA network of lenders, community groups, and public agencies dedicated to the creation of quality affordable housing David Levy, President I Fair Housing Council Gary Dunn, Vice President February 3, 2017 Banc of California C Mayor Miguel Pulido and Members of the City Council Elsa Monte, Secretary City of Santa Ana Pacific Western Bank 20 Civic Center Plaza Kandy Hung, Treasurer P.O. Box 1988, M31 East West Bank Santa Ana, CA 92701 Douglas Systry SUBJECT: First Street Apartments - 1440 E. First Street Santa Ana, CA 92701 Clearinghouse wri City Council Item 80A, February 7, 2017 Matthew Gediman US Bank Dear Mayor Pulido and Members of the City Council: Larry Christian The Affordable Housing Clearinghouse (AHC) is well aware of AMCAI-'s affordable housing proposal Old Bepu4ficriUa t located on First Street in the City of Santa Ana. We are writing to express our strong support for this type of housing which is needed now more than ever. AHC was formed in 1990 to facilitate Ray Nayr AOF Pacific Affordable Housing lending for affordable housing. It was formed by the Orange County Community Reinvestment Act Coalition, a cooperative network of community organizations, non-profit housing corporations, Alan Woo j public agencies, non-profit housing shelters, and advocates for lower income people. This Coalition Member at Large included the Orange County Human Relations Commission, the Fair Housing Council of Orange County, and the Orange County Homeless Issues Task Force, Today, AHC is a premier community Sandra speed lender, homebuyer education and affordable housing provider in Southern California, and we work Wells Fargogo Bank with cities, counties, and non-profit organizations to promote homeownership. We are also well Gerald D. Turner aware of the tremendous need for quality affordable housing in Santa Ana. Heal Collective The housing affordability crisis in Santa Ana is increasing each year, Including home purchase prices Brenda J. Rodriguez and apartment rents that our residents can't afford. Skyrocketing rents and home prices are Executive Director forcing our families to live in overcrowded housing and substandard housing conditions. Our families are extremely rent burdened, as most of their limited income (over half) is used to pay for housing costs. We support Al proposal for several reasons: Given the housing crises, we need affordable housing to be developed immediately, and First Street is approved and ready to move forward. The rental units are 100% affordable to households earning 30% and 60% of Area's Median Income, and half of the project provides three and four bedroom units designed for larger families— a great need and almost non-existent in the Santa Ana housing market. I j After two years of work, the First Street Apartments project is almost a shovel ready project and prepared to apply for the tax credit financing next month to break ground this year. We know that AMCAL's proposal was approved last year by the City with unanimous approval from the Planning Commission and City Council. We also know that First Street Apartments was approved by the City Council as a companion project of the Heritage to meet the requirements of the Housing 23861 EI Taro Road, suite bot Opportunity Ordinance. As a result of The Heritage receiving recent approval to pay the in -lieu Lake Forest, CA 92630 (949) 859-9255 FAX (949) 859-8534 Established 1991 www.at%rdable-housing.org Celebrating over 25 Years of Community Investment fees in phases, First Street Apartments needs the funding requested today. The City funding of RM R $8.795 million ($2.6 million from The Heritage and $6.195 million from the City) is needed to make the tax credit application competitive for an award, similar to past projects funded by the City. Without the necessary funding from the City of Santa Ana, First Street Apartments cannot go forward. First Street Apartments are also part of a vital revitalization effort to develop residential uses along the First Street corridor— an important gateway for the City of Santa Ana. The local residents deserve to be a part of this gateway and not be priced out by market rate projects in our City. Santa Ana residents can't afford to live in the newer market rate housing developed in Santa Ana. For example, at Nineteen 01, a luxury apartment community located down the street from First Street Apartments, the rent for a two bedroom apartment ranges from $2,700 to $4,100 per month, which is disheartening because none of our families can even come close to afford it. AMCAL's proposal will provide greatly needed, high quality housing that is necessary at this point in time and we ask for you to act now in support of this important development. Please do not hesitate to contact me at brodriguez@affordable-housina.org with any questions. Sincerely, *f4&�"4U Brenda 1. Rodriguez Executive Director Mitre -Ramirez, Norma From: Jenny Rios <JennyRios@delhicenter.org> Sent: Monday, February 6, 2017 12:15 PM To: Huizar, Maria; eComment Subject: Council Agenda Item 80A February 7, 2017 Attachments: Council Agenda Item 80 A February 7, 2017.pdf Categories: Correspondence Please share the attached letter with the Mayor and Councilmembers. Thank you Jenny Rios Chief Executive Officer Delhi Center 505 E. Central Ave. Santa Ana, CA 92707 714-481-9601 iennvrios @delhicenter.ore www.delhicenter.org DELHICENTER Building Health and Wealth 505 East Central Avenue Santa Ana, CA 92707 (714)481-9600 (714) 481.9698 FAX www.delhicenter.org - February 3, 2017 Mayor Miguel Pulido and Members of the City Council City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Plaza P.O. Box 1988, M31 Santa Ana, CA 92701 SUBJECT: February 7, 2017 City Council Agenda, Item 80A First Street Apartments, 1440 E. First Street Santa Ana, CA 92701 Dear Mayor Pulido and Members of the City Council: I am writing to express my strong support of AMCAL's affordable housing proposal located on First Street in the City of Santa Ana, which is needed now more than ever because of the high cost of housing in Santa Ana and the surrounding communities. Skyrocketing rents and home prices are forcing our families to live in overcrowded housing and substandard housing conditions. Our families are extremely rent burdened, as most of their limited income is used to pay for housing costs. Delhi Center is a non-profit organization founded in 1969 in the Delhi neighborhood of Santa Ana. We work with low income working families and provide a broad range of programs and services that meet the needs of the community. Delhi Center works closely with working families and immigrant communities througbout Santa Ana who are in great need of affordable housing during the current housing crisis in our City. We support AMCAL's proposal for several reasons. Given the housing Crises, we need affordable housing to be developed immediately, and First Street is approved and ready to move forward. The rental units are 100% affordable to households earning 30% and 60% of the Area's Median Income, and half of the project provides three and four bedroom units designed for larger farnilies— a great need and almost non-existent in the Santa Ana housing market. Atter two years of work, the First Street Apartments project is almost a shovel -ready project and prepared to apply for the tax credit financing next month to break ground this year. We know that AMCAL's proposal was approved last year by the City with unanimous approval Oev miaa7on a in adv"nue ,rel# mfii&m) dwouph ,rnfrlainable panpums in l�e.a7J1�, jnrauri xl elaGllzlp, alinaleun. and eowfluuily tt �{gmntvr� from the Planning Commission and City Council, We also know that First Street Apartments was approved by the City Council as a companion project of the Heritage project to meet the requirements of the Housing Opportunity Ordinance, As a result of The Heritage receiving recent approval to pay the in-lieu fees in phases, First Street Apartments needs the funding requested today. The City funding of $8.795 million ($2.6 million from The Heritage and $6.195 million from the City) is needed to make the tax credit application competitive for an award, similar to past projects funded by the City. Without the necessary funding from the City of Santa Ana, First Street Apartments cannot go forward. First Street Apartments are also part of a key revitalization effort to develop residential uses along the First Street corridor - an important gateway for the City of Santa Ana. Our local residents deserve to be a part of this gateway and not be priced out by market rate projects in our City. Our residents cannot afford to live in the newer market rate housing developed in Santa Ana. For example, at Nineteen 01, a luxury apartment community located down the street from First Street Apartments, the rent for a two-bedroom apartment ranges from $2,700 to $4,100 per month, which is disheartening because none of our families can even come close to affording it. AMCAL's proposal will provide greatly needed, high quality housing and T ask for you to act now in support of this important development, Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. Sincerely, (jenn Rios CE D-ee hi Cente Mitre -Ramirez, Norma From: Sandra Ortega <sortega@cluejustice.org> Sent: Monday, February 6, 2017 2:19 PM To: eComment Cc: Rabbi Jonathan Klein CLUE -LA; Isuri Ramos Subject: First Street Apartments - City Council Item 80A, February 7, 2017 Attachments: First Street Apts.pdf Categories: Correspondence Good Afternoon, Please see attached letter of support for First Street Apartments - 1440 E. First Street Santa Ana, CA, City Council Agenda Item 80A. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Thank You, Sandra Ortega Sandra Ortega Faith -Rooted Organizer Cell: 714.319-0873 sortega@cluejustice org Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice 13252 Garden Grove Blvd, Ste 204 Garden Grove, Ca 92843 www.cluejustice.ora I Donate Now CLUE Clergy t3 Linty United for Economic Justice Board of Directors Rev. Norman Copeland Chair So Cal AME Church Robert A. Branch SEIU-USWW/Security Division Rabbi Dr. Aryeh Cohen Professor, American Jewish University Rev. Jim Conn (Ret.), Dev't United Methodist Church Rabbi Stephen Einstein Founding Rabbi Emeritus, Congregation B'nai Tzedek The Rev. Francisco Garcia Treasurer Rector, Holy Faith Episcopal Church, Inglewood Father Mike Gutierrez St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Baldwin Park Rev. Dr. Sarah Halverson Care, Fairview Community Church, Costa Mesa Betty Hung, Esq. Aslan Americans Advancing Justice Rev. Stephanie Jaeger, Ph.D Pastor, St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, North Hollywood Glynndana Shevlin Disney Worker, UNITE -HERE Rev. William Smart Vice Chair, Secretary SCLC of Greater Los Angeles Mary Stancavage Against the Stream Buddhist Meditation Society Bishop Mary Ann Swenson Bishop, United Methodist Church (ret.) Rev. Heidi Worthen -Gamble Presbytery of the Pacific Richard Zaldivar The Wall Las Memorias Project Full-time Staff Rabbi Jonathan Klein, Executive Director Irene Arellano Christopher French Sandra Ortega Grecia Lopez -Reyes Gabriella Rosco Guillermo Torres February 3, 2017 Mayor Miguel Pulido and Members of the City Council City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Plaza P.O. Box 1988, M31 Santa Ana, CA 92701 SUBJECT: First Street Apartments - 1440 E. First Street Santa Ana, CA City Council Item 80A, February 7, 2017 Dear Mayor Pulido and Members of the City Council: Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE) is well aware of AMCAL's affordable housing proposal located on First Street in the City of Santa Ana. We are writing to express our strong support for this type of housing which is needed now more than ever. Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice works closely with working families and immigrant communities throughout Santa Ana who are in great need of affordable housing during the current housing crisis in our City. The housing affordability crisis in Santa Ana is increasing each year, including home purchase prices and apartment rents that our residents can't afford. Skyrocketing rents and home prices are forcing our families to live in overcrowded housing and substandard housing conditions. Our families are extremely rent burdened, as most of their limited income (over half) is used to pay for housing costs. We support AMCAL's proposal for several reasons: Given the housing crises, we need affordable housing to be developed immediately, and First Street is approved and ready to move forward. The rental units are 100% affordable to households earning 30% and 60% of Area's Median Income, and half of the project provides three and four bedroom units designed for larger families— a great need and almost non-existent in the Santa Ana housing market. After two years of work, the First Street Apartments project is almost a shovel ready project and prepared to apply for the tax credit financing next month to break ground this year. We know that AMCAL's proposal was approved last year by the City with unanimous approval from the Planning Commission and City Council. We also know that First Street Apartments was approved by the City Council as a companion project of the Heritage to meet the requirements of the Housing Opportunity Ordinance. As a result of The Heritage receiving recent approval to pay the in -lieu fees in phases, First Street Apartments needs the funding requested today. The City funding of $8.795 million ($2.6 million from The Heritage and $6.195 million from the City) is needed to make the tax credit application competitive for an award, similar to past projects funded by the City. Without the necessary funding from the City of Santa Ana, First Street Apartments cannot go forward. First Street Apartments are also part of a key revitalization effort to develop residential uses along the First Street corridor - an important gateway for the City of Santa Ana. Our local residents deserve to be a part of this gateway and not be priced out by market rate projects in our City. Our residents can't afford to live in the newer market rate housing developed in Santa Ana. For example, at Nineteen 01, a luxury apartment community located down the street from First Street Apartments, the rent for a two bedroom apartment ranges from $2,700 to $4,100 per month, which is disheartening because none of our families can even come close to afford it. AMCAL's proposal will provide greatly needed, high quality housing that is needed at this point in time and we ask for you to act now in support of this important development. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. Sincerely, Rabbi Jonathan Klein Executive Director 464 Lucas Ave #202 • Los Angeles, CA 90017 * 213-451-3740 • www.cluejustice.org • Printed in-house Mitre -Ramirez, Norma From: isurir@kennedycommission.org Sent: Monday, February 6, 2017 5:27 PM To: Huizar, Maria; eComment Cc: Cesar Covarrubias Subject: Support for Agenda Item 80A Attachments: First Street Apts SUPPORT LETTER 2.6 CC Meeting.pdf Categories: Correspondence Hello Maria, Attached you will find a letter of support for agenda item 80A from The Kennedy Commission. Please confirm receipt. Thank you. Isuri Ramos The Kennedy Commission 17701 Cowan Ave., Suite 200 Irvine, CA 92614 p:(949)250-0909 f: (949) 263-0647 www.kennedycommission.org February 6, 2017 Mayor Pulido and Santa Ana City Council Members City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Plaza P.O. Box 1988, M31 Santa Ana CA, 92701 12E: Support - 80A. First Street Apartments www. kennedycommission. org 17701 Cowan Ave, Suite 200 Irvine, CA 92614 949 250 0909 Fax 949 263 0647 The Kennedy Commission (the Commission) is a broad based coalition of residents and community organizations that advocates for the production of homes affordable for families earning less than $20,000 annually in Orange County. Formed in 2001, the Commission has been successful in partnering and working with jurisdictions in Orange County to create effective policies that has led to the new construction of homes affordable to lower income working families. In Santa Ana, there is a significant need to address and provide housing opportunities for all economic segments of the community. Families in our City are extremely rent burdened, as most of their limited income (over 50%) is used to pay for housing costs. As residents struggle to find available and affordable housing in Santa Ana, rents have continually increased. A minimum wage earner needs the equivalent of 3.2 full-time jobs to afford the rent of a typical two-bedroom unit. In the City, the 2016 average rent for a large rental complex was $1,786.00, which was a 3.7% increase from the year before. These rents are far out of reach for many lower income working families in the City, leaving families to make tough choices between paying for their housing or other essential life necessities such as food, transportation, and healthcare. It is clear that Santa Ana's residents need affordable housing now. This is why we support AMCAL's affordable housing project, First Street Apartments. The units will be affordable to families of extremely low and very low income, 30% and 60% area median income; and they will be unavailable to larger families, with half of the project providing three and four bedroom units. A nearby luxury market rate apartment community, Nineteen 01, demonstrates how unavailable housing can be with rents for a two bedroom apartment listed from $2,500 to $3,600 a month. This is why it is necessary that the City move forward in its efforts to provide affordable housing. First Street Apartments was approved as a companion project of The Heritage Village Project to meet the requirements of the Housing Opportunity Ordinance. The Heritage Village Project developer committed to a very important community benefit, the payment of nearly $10 million in in -lieu fees. The City Council committed $8.7 million of these in -lieu fees to AMCAL's affordable housing project, First Street Apartments. As a result of the phasing of the payment of Heritage Village's in -lieu fees, First Street Apartments is receiving $2.6 million from the Heritage Village now and is in need of $6,195,000 in affordable housing funds from the City. We strongly urge the City Council to approve a conditional loan commitment and award of $6,195,000 of affordable housing funds to AMCAL MULTI -HOUSING, INC for the First Street Apartments Project, that will house Santa Ana's working families and decent and affordable housing. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions; I can be reached at (949) 250-0909 or cesarcga kennedycommission.org Sincerely, Cesar Covarrurruas Executive Director Mitre -Ramirez, Norma From: Ruben Barreto (SABHC) <ruben.barreto@sa-bhc.org> Sent: Monday, February 6, 2017 7:52 PM To: Huizar, Maria; eComment Subject: SABHC Support Letter for First Street Apts Item 80A Attachments: SABHC Letter of Support First Street Apts.docx Categories: Correspondence See attached letter of support for Item 80A Cs` W Ruben A Brreto C'oanmrr:d wciv+c as Ccaord't'nat(y 1505 E. 171h Stnvet, Suite, `i 1 ^. Santa Ai a, Cin, 92705 141617.8891 Rx12 Fax 714.64 x°.13901 Santa Ana Building Healthy Communities Building Healthy 1505 E 1711 St, Suite 111, Santa Ana, CA 92705 Communities PHONE: (714)597-6630 1 FAX: (714)647-09011 www.sa-bhc.org February 6, 2017 Dear Mayor Pulido and Members of the City Council: Santa Ana Building Healthy Communities (SABHC) believes in equitable development that meets the needs of underserved communities and individuals through projects, programs, and policies that are inclusive in their planning and implementation, and that reduce disparities while fostering places that are healthy, vibrant, and diverse. SABHC also believe in the right of these communities to remain and thrive in Santa Ana and be safe from the unintended consequences of development that raise property values making the cost of living unaffordable, or that change the surrounding environment to where they no longer belong. We support AMCAL's proposal for several reasons: Given the housing crises, we need affordable housing to be developed immediately, and First Street is approved and ready to move forward. The rental units are 100% affordable to households earning 30% and 60% of Area's Median Income, and half of the project provides three and four bedroom units designed for larger families— a great need and almost non-existent in the Santa Ana housing market. After two years of work, the First Street Apartments project is almost a shovel ready project and prepared to apply for the tax credit financing next month to break ground this year. We know that AMCAL's proposal was approved last year by the City with unanimous approval from the Planning Commission and City Council. We also know that First Street Apartments was approved by the City Council as a companion project of the Heritage to meet the requirements of the Housing Opportunity Ordinance. As a result of The Heritage receiving recent approval to pay the in -lieu fees in phases, First Street Apartments needs the funding requested today. The City funding of $8.795 million ($2.6 million from The Heritage and $6.195 million from the City) is needed to make the tax credit application competitive for an award, similar to past projects funded by the City. First Street Apartments are also part of a key revitalization effort to develop residential uses along the First Street corridor – an important gateway for the City of Santa Ana. Our local residents deserve to be a part of this gateway and not be priced out by market rate projects in our City. Our residents can't afford to live in the newer market rate housing developed in Santa Ana. For example, at Nineteen 01, a luxury apartment community located down the street from First Street Apartments, the rent for a two bedroom apartment ranges from $2,700 to $4,100 per month, which is disheartening because none of our families can even come close to afford it. AMCAL's proposal will provide greatly needed, high quality housing that is needed at this point in time and we ask for you to act now in support of this important development. We celebrate with our council the steps towards a true sanctuary city. And as we celebrate we remind the council members that Sanctuary also means adequate housing, Sanctuary also means access to healthy and good food, Sanctuary also means a just economy. Sincerely, Ruben A. Barreto Communications Coordinator for Santa Ana Building Healthy Communities Huizar, Maria From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Attachments: Follow Up Flag: Flag Status: Si se puede! Abigail Espinosa Operations Person (714) 621-0919 Ext. 12 i Abigail Espinosa <aespinosa@occord.org> Monday, February 6, 2017 10:39 AM eComment ShakeelSyed First Street Apartments SantaAna_CityCouncil.pdf Follow up Flagged "Please note the change in my extension number" Santa Ana, n a. . _ \project a o «<�.ground th § mm City with unanm also know Hf,a S p xeeutive t Mitre -Ramirez, Norma From: Nora Mendez <nora@occhc.org> Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2017 9:52 AM To: Huizar, Maria; eComment Subject: City Council Item 80A, February 7, 2017 Attachments: S KM BT_C45417020710061. pdf Attached please find letter of support for First Street Apartments - 1440 E. First Street Santa Ana, CA 92701 City Council Item 80A, February 7, 2017 Thank you, Nora Mendez Executive Director Orange County Community Housing Corporation Steppinglip 501. N. Golden. Circle. Drive I Suite 200 1 Santa Ana CA 92705 Tel 714.558.8161 ext:..11 I fax 714.558.0423 wwwc wchc or OCCHC I STEPPINGUP MISSION IS TO TRANSITION EXTREMELY LOW INCOME FAMILIES TOWARD GREATER SELF. SUFFICIENCY BY ASSISTING WITH HOUSING AND EDUCATION. 1 2017 COMMUNITY Mayor Miguel Pulido and Members of the City Council City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Plaza P.O. Box 1988, M31 Santa Ana, CA 92701 SUBJECT: First Street Apartments - 1440 E. First Street Santa Ana, CA 92701 City Council Item 80A, February 7, 2017 Dear Mayor Pulido and Members of the City Council: Orange County Community Housing Corporation (OCCHC) is well aware of AMCAL's affordable housing proposal located on First Street in the City of Santa Ana. Founded in 1977, and headquartered in the City of Santa Ana, OCCHC is a non-profit organization that works with extremely low income families on achieving greater self-sufficiency. Our organization provides a multitude of services including affordable housing and education programs. We are writing to express our strong support for this type of housing which is needed now more than ever. OCCHC works closely with working families and immigrant communities throughout Santa Ana who are in great need of affordable housing during the current housing crisis in our City. The housing affordability crisis in Santa Ana is increasing each year, including home purchase prices and apartment rents that our residents can't afford. Skyrocketing rents and home prices are forcing our families to live in overcrowded housing and substandard housing conditions. Our families are extremely rent burdened, as most of their limited income (over half) is used to pay for housing costs. We support AMCAL's proposal for several reasons: Given the housing crises, we need affordable housing to be developed immediately, and First Street is approved and ready to move forward. The rental units are 100% affordable to households earning 30% and 60% of Area's Median Income, and half of the project provides three and four bedroom units designed for larger families— a great need and almost non-existent in the Santa Ana housing market. After two years of work, the First Street Apartments project is almost a shovel ready project and prepared to apply for the tax credit financing next month to break ground this year. We know that AMCAL's proposal was approved last year by the City with 501 N. Golden Circle Dr. I Suite 200 I Santa Ana I CA 92705 1 'tel 714.558.81611 Fax 714.558.0423 1 email: occhc@occhc.org unanimous approval from the Planning Commission and City Council. We also know that First Street Apartments was approved by the City Council as a companion project of the Heritage to meet the requirements of the Housing Opportunity Ordinance. As a result of The Heritage receiving recent approval to pay the in -lieu fees in phases, First Street Apartments needs the funding requested today. The City funding of $8.795 million ($2.6 million from The Heritage and $6.195 million from the City) is needed to make the tax credit application competitive for an award, similar to past projects funded by the City. Without the necessary funding from the City of Santa Ana, First Street Apartments cannot go forward. First Street Apartments are also part of a key revitalization effort to develop residential uses along the First Street corridor — an important gateway for the City of Santa Ana. Our local residents deserve to be a part of this gateway and not be priced out by market rate projects in our City. Our residents can't afford to live in the newer market rate housing developed in Santa Ana. For example, at Nineteen 01, a luxury apartment community located down the street from First Street Apartments, the rent for a two bedroom apartment ranges from $2,700 to $4,100 per month, which is disheartening because none of our families can even come close to afford it. AMCAL's proposal will provide greatly needed, high quality housing that is needed at this point in time and we ask for you to act now in support of this important development. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. Sincerely, Nora Mendez Executive Director Mitre -Ramirez, Norma From: Michelle Kim-Kotval <mkim@publiclawcenter.org> Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2017 1:22 PM To: eComment; Huizar, Maria Cc: isurir@I(ennedycommission.org; Ugochi Nicholson Subject: Letter in Support of City Council Item 80A Attachments: AMCAL Support Letter 2-7-17.pdf Importance: High Categories: Correspondence Attention Clerk of the City Council: With reference to the attached letter regarding our support of City Council Item 80A. Thank you, Michelle Kim Staff Attorney Public Law Center 601 W. Civic Center Drive Santa Ana, CA 92701 714-541-1010 ext. 252 mkim2publiclawcenter.ora Confidentiality Notice: This message is intended solely for the person(s) to whom It Is addressed and it may contain legally privileged and/or confidential information. This message may contain material that Is protected by the attorney-client privilege and/or attorney work -product doctrine. If you are not the intended reciplent(s), or the employee or agent responsible for delivery of this message to the Intended recipient(s), you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited by law. If you have received this message In error, please immediately notify the sender at 1. 4 541- ] Q10 g�2 and delete this message and destroy all copies thereof. PUBLIC 0LAWCENTER PROVIDING ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR ORANGE COUNTY'S LOW INCOME RESIDENTS February 7, 2017 Mayor Miguel Pulido and Members of the City Council City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Plaza P.O. Box 1988, M31 Santa Ana, CA 92701 RE: First Street Apartments - 1440 E. First Street Santa Ana, CA 92701 City Council Item 80A, February 7, 2017 Dear Mayor Pulido and Members of the City Council: The Public Law Center ("PLC") is a non-profit pro bono law firm that provides access to justice for low-income and vulnerable residents of Orange County. We represent low-income families in housing -related matters, many of whom reside in Santa Ana and are in great need of affordable housing. PLC is informed of AMCAL's affordable housing proposal located on First Street in the City of Santa Ana. We write to express our strong support for AMCAL's project, which is needed now more than ever. The housing affordability crisis in Santa Ana is worsening each year. Many Santa Ana residents cannot afford the home purchase prices or apartment rents, which are skyrocketing. These unaffordable costs are forcing families to live in overcrowded housing and substandard housing conditions. Lower income families are extremely rent burdened, as most of their income (over half) is used to pay for housing costs. Given the housing crisis, we need affordable housing to be developed immediately, and AMCAL's project, First Street Apartments, is approved and ready to move forward. The rental units are affordable to households earning between 30% and 60% of the Area Median Income. Further, half of the project provides three- and four-bedroom units designed to accommodate larger families— great need in the Santa Ana housing market. After two years of work, the First Street Apartments project is prepared to apply for tax credit financing next month and to break ground this year. PLC understands that AMCAL's proposal was approved last year by the City with unanimous support from the Planning Commission and City Council. First Street Apartments was approved by the City Council as a companion project to the Heritage development in order to meet the requirements of the Housing Opportunity Ordinance ("HOO"). As a result of the Heritage development receiving recent approval to pay the in -lieu fees required by the HOO in phases, First Street Apartments needs the funding it is requesting. The 601 Civic Center Drive West • Santa Ana, CA 92701-4002 • (714) 541-1010 • Fax (714) 541-5157 Letter to Mayor Pulido and Members of the City Council Re: First Street Apartments - 1440 E. Fust Street Santa Ana, CA 92701 February 7, 2017 Page Two City's funding of $8.795 million ($2.6 million from The Heritage and $6.195 million from the City) is needed to make the First Street Apartments' tax credit application competitive for an award, similar to past projects funded by the City. Without the necessary funding from the City of Santa Ana, First Street Apartments cannot go forward. AMCAL's proposal will provide greatly needed, high-quality housing that is necessary to address Santa Ana's housing crisis. PLC asks you to act now in support of this important project. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. Sincerely, Michelle Kim Staff Attorney 601 Civic Center Drive West • Santa Ana, CA 92701-4002 • (714) 541-1010 • Fax (714) 541-5157 • February 7, 2017 -M Mayor Miguel Pulido and Members of the City Council *?r3 ,, City of Santa Ana �� ' 20 Civic Center Plaza LATIN® P.O. Box 1988, M31 �HLA �TH Santa Ana, CA 92701 CCpWS RE: First Street Apartments- 1440 E.First Street Santa Ana, CA 92701 450 West Fourth Street City Council Item BOA, February 7,2017 Suite 130 Santa Ana, CA 92701 Dear Mayor Pulido and Members of the City Council: Ph: 714.542.7792 Fax: 714-542-4853 Latino Health Access (LHA) is well aware of AMCAL's affordable housing proposal latinohealthaccess,org located on First Street in the City of Santa Ana. We are writing to express our strong support for this type of housing; it is needed now more than ever. LHA is a non-profit organization in Santa Ana working to improve health equity through health education, promotion, civic engagement, and policy advocacy. Our organization works side by side with residents throughout Santa Ana, and we see firsthand the great need for affordable housing at very low and extremely low income levels. Access to quality, affordable housing is a key component of a healthy community. We are seeing a housing affordability crisis in Santa Ana with skyrocketing home purchase prices and apartment rents that our residents cannot afford, forcing our families to live in overcrowded housing and substandard housing conditions. There is an urgency and need for the type of housing planned in the First Street Apartments. We support AMCAL's proposal for several reasons. Given the housing crisis, we need affordable housing to be developed immediately, and First Street is almost a shovel ready project and prepared to apply for the tax credit financing next month to break ground this year. It was also approved last year by the City, with unanimous approval from the Planning Commission and City Council. Second,the rental units are 100% affordable to households earning 30% and 60% of Area's Median Income, and half of the project provides three and four bedroom units designed for larger families— a great need and almost non-existent in the Santa Ana housing market. Third,the First Street Apartments are part of a revitalization effort to develop residential uses along the First Street corridor. More market rate housing is planned, such as the Nineteen 01, a luxury apartment community located down the street from First Street Apartments where rent for a two bedroom apartment ranges from $2,700 to$4,100 per month —prices well beyond the reach of our families. Our local residents deserve to be a part of this corridor and not be priced out by market rate projects. The First Street Apartments will allow for more balanced development, We acknowledge that First Street Apartments was approved by the City Council as a companion project of the Heritage to meet the requirements of the Housing Opportunity Ordinance. While we were glad see the city uphold the HOO, despite Heritage's request to amend it, we were disappointed the city allowed this developer to "bend the rules" and pay the in-lieu fees in phases. As a result,that decision jeopardized very much needed affordable housing, and has left the city and PREVENTION EDUCATION ACTION community with no choice but to support AMCAL with the funding needed to fulfill the First Street Apartment Projects. For now, we feel compelled to recommend that you support funding the project. In the long run,we compel you to strengthen and effectively uphold the Housing Opportunity Ordinance in order to avoid similar predicaments. This ordinance was approved by Council and vetted by the community and developers to ensure affordable housing development. The City funding of$8.795 million ($2.6 million from The Heritage and $6.195 million from the City) is needed to make the tax credit application competitive for an award, similar to past projects funded by the City. Without the necessary funding from the City of Santa Ana, First Street Apartments cannot go forward, AMCAL's proposal will provide greatly needed, high quality housing that is needed at this point in time and we ask for you to act now in support of this important development. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. Sincerely, 171 Nancy Mejia, MSW, MPH Director, Community Engagement&Advocacy