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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCORRESPONDENCE - 80ACity Council Meeting Correspondence Date of CCM 2/21/2017 Subject Item No 80A CITY OF SANTA ANA CONDITIONAL LOAN AGREEMENT AND HOUSING SUCCESSOR AGENCY LOAN AGREEMENT WITH AMCAL MULTI -HOUSING, INC. FOR THE FIRST STREET APARTMENTS PROJECT; - AND APPROPRIATION ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE LOAN AGREEMENTS Date of Sender/Rep Agency Received after deadline Correspondent 2/19/2017 Concerned Citizen No Date of Sender/Rep Correspondent 2/3/2017 Brenda J. Rodriguez, Executive Director 2/3/2017 Rabbi Jonath Klein, Executive Director 2/3/2017 Jenny Rios, CEO 2/3/2017 Sakeel Syed, Executive Director 2/6/2017 Cesar Covarrubias, Executive Director 2/6/2017 Ruben A. Barreto, Communications Coordinator 2/7/2017 Nancy Mejia, MSW, MPH, Director, Community Engagement & Advocacy 2/7/2017 Nora Mendez, Executive Director 2/7/2017 Michelle Kim, Staff Attorney 2/21/2017 Rabbi Jonath Klein, Executive Director 2/21/2017 Sakeel Syed, Executive Director 2/21/2017 CesarCovarrubias, Executive Director Agency Affordable Housing CLUE Delhi Center OCCORD The Kennedy Commission Received after deadline No No No No No Santa Ana Building Healthy Communities No Latino HealthAccess No OC Community Housing Corporation No Public Law Center No CLUE No OCCORD No The Kennedy Commission No Tuesday, February 21, 2017 Page 1 of 1 Mitre -Ramirez, Norma From: Concerned Citizen <concernedcitizensa@zoho.com> Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2017 8:25 PM To: eComment Cc: donpalabraz; chezvern; ngerda Subject: February 21st Council Item 80A - Loan Agreement with AMCAL Categories: Correspondence Hello, What a long strange trip it has been for the City's efforts to fund the AMCAL Affordable Housing development at 1440 E. First St. But before I give the history to the new Council members, let me just say that after 2 + years of dragging this tired carcass across the finish line, the most professional thing the City could do would be to take the Inclusionary Funds, and the Successor Agency funds, and issue a Request For Proposal (RFP) so that the City can get the best deal possible. $8.7 million for just 69 affordable units is irresponsible. But first the history for the new Council members. This project originally came to the City's attention at the end of 2014/beginning of 2015. At the same time, at the January 27th FedTech Council Committee meeting, new Community Development Agency Executive Director Kelly Reenders and new Housing Division Manager Sidney Stone received approval by the Council committee members to implementa process to RFP the City's new Inclusionary Funds to interested affordable developers. The new employees came from more professional agencies and were used to negotiating with firms to get the best deals for taxpayers. But Vince Sarmiento really did not want that. He wanted his former Planning Commissioner buddy Mario Turner to get a $2 million developer fee payday. So in spite of the FedTech decision to institute an RFP process for Inclusionary Housing Funds, behind the scenes he ordered staff to give the money to AMCAL. He strong armed Kelly in his office, after a Council Meeting, and on a Saturday after a Chamber evening function. When staff attempted negotiating with AMCAL, AMCAL ignored staff and complained to Sarmiento. When Mr. Stone correctly observed in a meeting that AMCAL had hijacked the system, after just 90 days in his position he was shown the door by Sarmiento and his lackey City Manager. At the time, David was not going to upset his $500,000 a year payday especially since he was sleeping with employees. Kelly Reenders left a few months later for the saner city of Dana Point. However, since Sarmiento is not exactly the brightest tool in the shed, all of this came out on Social Media, particularly through the Orange Juice blog. Since there were Federal Vouchers involved at the time, and not wanting to risk a Federal whistleblower lawsuit, the City backtracked and issued an RFP which another developer, Meta Housing, ended up winning for a more needed artist development downtown. But Sarmiento was not done yet trying to get his boy that $2 million developer fee payday. He helped lead the approval for the I massive Heritage Village housing development off of Dyer - underneath the John wayne flight path and against the Airport Board's opposition - with the condition the Inclusionary Funds be given to AMCAL. Again, no RFP. No surprise either since they couldn't compete successfully in 2015. But Sarmiento does change with the winds. And he helped, not surprisingly, to get the Heritage Village developer to only pay the Inclusionary Funds in installments. This put the AMCAL development in jeopardy but now the City is attempting to use Successor Agency funds to make sure former Planning Commissioner Mario Turner finally gets his $2 million payday. And it only takes $8.7 million of City funds in order to do that. So what is Sarmiento and Mario Turner afraid of? Why do they not want to see this project compete against other affordable housing projects? Why does the City not want to get the best deal possible, leverage as much of this money as possible, maybe even pay a non profit a lower developer fee to create more units? AMCAL is a for profit, why are they the beneficiary of a no compete $8.7 million? Well, Turner and Sarmiento were both on the planning commision together ;-) The other reason could be that if AMCAL had just worked with staff, if AMCAL hadn't got an employee fired, if AMCAL had just played by the rules, none of this would have come to light via the Orange Juice blog and AMCAL would have gotten City money plus vouchers in 2015. Karma does have a way of biting back. So what should the City do? It is already acknowledged as one of the most corrupt, if not the most corrupt, City in Orange County. Situations like this, that force talented employees like Mrs. Reenders and Mr. Stone to leave their positions, further devalue the City and cause talented employees to never consider working there unless you overpay them to the tune of $500,000 a year. Also, think of the current Housing Division Manager Judson Brown, how scared is he of doing anything that upsets the Council? Do you think he is negotiating a good deal with AMCAL? No, every time Mario Turner calls him he just reminds Mr. Brown of how his predecessor was fired for standing up to Sarmiento. The City is most definitely getting a raw deal here at worst, an unfavorable deal at best. The City must issue an RFP for all of the Inclusionary Funds and all of the Successor Agency funds. Temecula released an RFP in 2016 for $12 million plus City land and got 30+ responses. City of LA recent RFP for multiple City sites got 30+ responses. Same thing for 2016 Pasadena RFP. Anaheim issues RFP for its affordable housing funds, Irvine does it for money and land, other cities do it statewide. It's the proper thing to do if a city is truly interested in leveraging its funds and getting the best deal possible. Make developers compete for the money and offer truly innovative design and product. The fact that after 2+ years, Sarmiento is still attempting to give money directly to AMCAL, and after AMCAL couldn't win 2015 RFP, makes this a very fishy, corrupt transaction and it means yet again the City of Santa Ana is not doing what is right for the residents of the City. You are already wasting hundreds of thousands of dollars on that buffoon of a City Manager, don't waste this money too without getting the best deal possible. Finally, Sarmiento keeps harping about how this development is going to "revitalize" First St. This is completely unproven and in fact, study after study shows that a bad neighborhood influences a development more than a development influences a neighborhood. In fact, growing up in a bad neighborhood has for worse effects than most people know. See the link below. Maybe if the City issues an RFP, a nonprofit just might build affordable housing in a decent area instead, with far more units. https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/27/upshot/growing-uo-in-a-bad-neighborhood-does-more-harm-than- we-thought.html In fact, the Kansas Federal Reserve argues differently than the so called "revitalizing" effects of affordable housing. In the abstract: "However, extended analysis that separates LIHTC developments by type and size suggests that only small new construction developments and large rehab developments impact neighborhood property conditions. Further analysis reveals that when the model does not control for crime, the effect of proximity to LIHTC developments on property conditions is negative." https://www.kansascityfed.org/publicat/reswkpap/pdf/rwpll-10 pdf I hope the City does the right thing for the residents and taxpayers of Santa Ana. Alcala, Abigail From: Orozco, Norma Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2017 2:48 PM To: Alcala, Abigail Subject: FW: Letters of Support for Agenda Item 80A Attachments: SABHC Letter of Support First Street Apts.pdf; Public Law Center Support Letter for First St. 2017.pdf; OCCORD_SantaAna_CityCouncil Letter 2017.pdf; OCCHC LETTER.PDF; LHA_FirstStApartments_Support 2.7.17.pdf; Kennedy Commission -SUPPORT LETTER 2.6 CC Meeting.pdf; Delhi Center -Support Letter February 7, 2017.pdf; CLUE - Letter of Support.pdf; Kennedy Commission Lacy Park Letter of Support.pdf -----Original Message ----- From: isurir@kennedycommission.org [mailto:isurir@kennedycommission.org] Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2017 2:47 PM To: Huizar, Maria; eComment Subject: Letters of Support for Agenda Item 80A Hello Maria, Please see the attached letters of support for agenda item 80A. These were submitted for the February 7th Council Meeting where agenda item 80A was initially discussed. I am resubmitting to ensure that they are taken into consideration in the discussion of this continued agenda item. Please confirm receipt. Thank you. Best, Isuri Ramos The Kennedy Commission 17701 Cowan Ave., Suite 200 Irvine, CA 92614 p:(949)250-0909 f: (949) 263-0647 www.kennedycommission.org Santa Ana Building Healthy Communities Building Nealthy 1505 E 17`h St, Suite 111, Santa Ana, CA 92705 Communities PHONE: (714)597-6630 1 FAX: 1714)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 PUS LAW CENTER pROVJDING ACCESS TO JUSTICE POR ORANGE COUNTY'S LOW INCOME RESIDENTS Febluary 7, 2017 Mayor Miguel Pulido and Members of the City Council City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Plaza P,O, Boa 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-telated matters, many of whom xeside in Santa Ana and are in great need of affordable housing. PLC is informed of AMCAL's affordable housing proposal located on First Street ha the City of Santa Ana.'We write to express aur strong support for AMCAL's project, which is needed now more than ever. The housing affordability crisis in Santa Ana is woxscning 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 farullies axe extremely sent 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 AMCAVe 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—a great need in the Santa Ana housing market. Aftex 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 AMCAI: 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 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 Welt • Santa Ana, CA 92701-4002 � (714)541-1010- lex .(714) 541:-5137 Letter to Mayor Pulido and Meoabexs of the City Council Re: First Sueet Apartments -1440 E. First Street Santa A na, CA 42701 Febxunxy 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, sirn lar to past projects funded by the City. Without the necessary funding from the City of Santa Ana, First Street Apartments cannot go farcvatd. AIMCAL'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 Dint Staff Attorney 601 Civic Center Drive West • Santa Ana, CA 92701-4002 - (714) 541-1010- Fax (714) 941-5157 February 3, 2017 0 Mayor Miguel Pulido and Members of the City Council City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Plaza RO. Box 1988, M31 Santa Ana, CA 92701 SUBJECT: First Street Apartments -1440 E. First Street Santa Ana, CA 92701 City Council [tem BOA, February 7, 2017 bear Mayor Pulido and Members of the City Council: non-existent it After two year project and p ground this ye ver. OCCORD is a non-profit organization imilies to organize and advocate for good, quality of life. Our 'organization works ;rant communities throughout; Santa Ana ig during the current housing, crisis in our nal is increasing each year, including home t our residents can't afford. Skyrocketing nilies to live in ,overcrowded housing and flies are extremely rent. burdened, as most to pay for housing costs. al reasons: Given the housing; crises, we none forward, The rental units are 100% affordable to households nd 60% of Area's Median Income, and half of the project provides bedroom units designed for larger families— a great need and almost the Santa Ana housing market. of work, the First Street Apartments project is almost a shovel ready ,epared to; apply for the tax credit financing next month to break rr. 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 Apts 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 lieu 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, S yed xecutive Olrector 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 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. 1 Suite 200) Santa Ana I CA 927051 Tel 714.558.8161 1 Fax 714.558.0423 1 email: occhc@ocche.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 $$.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, r J Nora Mendez Executive Director 450 West Fourth Street Suite 130 Santa Ana, CA 92701 Ph: 714.542.7792 Fax: 714.542.4853 lotinohea Ilhoccess.org 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: Latino Health Access (LHA) 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; 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 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, Nancy Mejia, MSW, MPH Director, Community Engagement& Advocacy 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 RE: Support - 80A. First Street Apartments www1ennedycon nission.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 Colmcil 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 cesarca�lceimedycommission.org Sincerely, i Cesar Covarru is Executive Director rA* DELHI CENTER Building Health and Wealth $05 East Central Avenue Santa Ana, CA 92707 (714) 481.9600 (714) 481.9698 FAX www.delhicentenc rg 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 throughout 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 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 0111. mi.rsian is to advwue Se-§;ruJ!icknmy lbok�b sxrlahrable pimp ams in baalih,'rnrrndal ssabiki ,, eduvation, wid eornzexni4, egagemellL 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 $$.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 I ask for you to act now in support of this important development Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. Sincerely, Tenn Rios CE e hi Cent Clergy & Laity 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 Halvers Cane Fairview Community Church, Costa Mesa Betty Hung, Esq. Asian Americans Advancing Justice Rev. Stephanie Jaeger, Ph.I 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 Memories Project Full-time Staff Rabbi Jonathan Klein, Executive Director Irene Arellano Christopher French Sandra Ortega Greets 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 BOA, 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 Are #202 • Los Angeles, CA 90017 • 213-431-3740 • eww.eluejuslice,org • Printed in-house Alcala, Abigail From: Mitre -Ramirez, Norma Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2017 3:52 PM To: Alcala, Abigail Subject: FW: Letters of Support for Agenda Item 80A Attachments: Afordable Housing Clearinghouse_2017 Letter of Support AMCAL.pdf fyi -----Original Message ----- From: isurir@kennedycommission.org [mailto:isurir@kennedycommission.org] Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2017 3:15 PM To: Huizar, Maria <MHuizar@santa-ana.org>; eComment <eComment@santa-ana.org> Subject: Re: Letters of Support for Agenda Item 80A Please include the letter of support from Affordable Housing Clearinghouse. Thank you. On 2017-02-213:13 pm, isurir@kennedycommission.org wrote: > Maria, > Please disregard the letter of support for item 65F that is dated > December 20, 2016. > Thank you. > On 2017-02-212:47 pm, isurir@kennedycommission.org wrote: >> Hello Maria, >> Please see the attached letters of support for agenda item 80A. These >> were submitted for the February 7th Council Meeting where agenda item >> 80A was initially discussed. I am resubmitting to ensure that they >> are taken into consideration in the discussion of this continued >> agenda item. >> Please confirm receipt. >> Thank you. >> Best, >> Isuri Ramos >> The Kennedy Commission >> 17701 Cowan Ave., Suite 200 >> Irvine, CA 92614 >> p: (949) 250-0909 >> f: (949) 263-0647 >> www.kennedycommission.org > --- a > Isuri Ramos > The Kennedy Commission > 17701 Cowan Ave., Suite 200 > Irvine, CA 92614 > p: (949) 250-0909 > f: (949) 263-0647 > www.kennedycommission.org Isuri Ramos The Kennedy Commission 17701 Cowan Ave., Suite 200 Irvine, CA 92614 p: (949) 250-0909 f: (949) 263-0647 www.kennedycommission.org AFFORDABLE I -i C7lJSlNr3 I_, C 9 p ari A network of lenders, community groups, and public agenc e c w 91`ty affordable housing. CITY David Levy, President rryO[Fr�`Sr^'��CN�yT (ANA CLERK OF l+lr-4J�'CE Fair Housing Council Gary Dunn, Vice President February 3, 2017 Banc of California 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 Bystry SUBJECT: First Street Apartments -1440 E. First Street Santa Ana, CA 92701 Clearinghouse CUR 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 AMCAUs affordable housing proposal Old Republic Title 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 Rayar AOF Pacific AHortlable Housing lendingfor affordable housing. It was formed b the Orange Count Community Reinvestment Act g• y g y Coalition, a cooperative network of community organizations, non-profit housing corporations, Alan woo 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 M. Speed lender, homebuyer education and affordable housing provider in Southern California, and we work Wells Fargo Bank with cities, counties, and non-profit organizations to promote homeownership. Weare also well aware of the tremendous need for quality affordable housing in Santa Ana. Gerald D. Turner 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 ExecuYve Dbactor forcing our families to live in overcrowded housing and substandard housing conditions. Our Efamilies 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 AMCAUs 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 Toro Road, Suite 401 Opportunity Ordinance. As a result of The Heritage receiving recent approval to pay the in -lieu Lake Forest, CA 92630 (949)859.9255 k FAX (949) 859-8534 Established 1991 www.affordabie-housing.org I Celebrating over 25 Years of Community Investment fees in phases, First Street Apartments needs the funding requested today. The City funding of MfM $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 brodriauez@affordable-housing.ora with any questions. Sincerely, Brenda J. Rodriguez Executive Director February 21, 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 RE: Support - 80A. First Street Apartments ?D17 FEB 21 PM 4: 02 CITY OF SANTA ANA CLERK OF COUNCIL www. Icennedycoin nissionurg 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. hi 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 available 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 86,195,000 in affordable housing funds from the City. Worldng for systemic change resulting in the production of homes affordable to Orange County's extremely low-income households 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, which 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 cesarc(ckennedycommission.org Sincerely, Cesar CovelTU to Executive Director 1017 FEB CITY OF CLERK February 21, 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 92701 City Council Item 80A, February 7, 2017 Dear Mayor Pulido and Members of the City Council: Orange County Communities Organized for Responsible Development (OCCORD) 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. OCCORD is a non-profit organization that has been working with low income families to organize and advocate for good jobs, strong neighborhoods and a better quality of life. Our organization 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 OCCOf2t imwwYaleianetuRme+a�y 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 Apts 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, Shakeel Syed Executive Director Clergy & Laity 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'nal 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 Cano Fairview Community Church, Costa Mesa Betty Hung, Esq. Asian 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 Memories Project Full-time Staff Rabbi Jonathan Klein, Executive Director Irene Arellano Christopher French Sandra Ortega Grecia Lopez -Reyes Gabriella Rosco Guillermo Torres February 21, 2017 Mayor Miguel Pulido and Members of the City Council City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Plaza 2017 FEB 2 1 P11 4: 15 P.O. Box 1988, M31 Santa Ana, CA 92701 (; OF SANTA ANA SUBJECT: First Street Apartments - 1440 E. First Street5atlt City Council Item BOA, February 21, 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 casts. 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, 9`61� Rabbi Jonathan Klein Executive Director 464 Lucas Avett202 o Los Angeles, CA 90011 0 213481-3940 o niti w.cluo,justice.org o Printed In-house Alcala, Abigail From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Attachments: FYI From: Huizar, Maria Mitre -Ramirez, Norma Tuesday, February 21, 2017 6:27 PM Alcala, Abigail Orozco, Norma FW: Letters of Support on behalf of Latino Health Access LHA_FirstStApartments Support 2.21.17.pdf; LHA_LOS_RezoneRaittParcels_2.21.17.pdf Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2017 6:26 PM Cc: Mouet, Gerardo <GMouet@santa-ana.org>; Cortez, Robert <RCortez5@santa-ana.org>; Haghani, Hassan <hhaghani@santa-ana.org>; Jurado, Jeannie <JJurado@santa-ana.org> Subject: FW: Letters of Support on behalf of Latino Health Access Mayor and City Council, E -comment received late this afternoon for your review and consideration. From: Nancy Mejia[mailto:nmeiia@latinohealthaccess.org] Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2017 5:52 PM To: Huizar, Maria <MHuizar@santa-ana.ore> Subject: Letters of Support on behalf of Latino Health Access Dear Ms. Huizar, Please find attached two letters of support on behalf of Latino Health Access regarding Items 75A and 80B on tonight's City Council Meeting Agenda. Sincerely, Nancy Mejia, MPH, MSW Director of Community Engagement and Advocacy Programs Latino Health Access 450 W 4th St, Suite 130 Santa Ana, CA 92701 P: 714-542-7792 ext 1021 F: 714-542-4853 nmejia@latinohealthaccess.org Join us for our first ever 5K Health Walk f WO t«G/d)/ \/\ ° v««zvz y. S4 d! \ abril de m/ M «_ .F < 450 West Fourth Street Suite 130 Santa Ana, CA 92701 Ph: 714-542-7792 February 21, 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 21, 2017 Dear Mayor Pulldo and Members of the City Council: 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 ACTION 'REVENTION EDUCATION 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 at nmeiia latirrohealthaccess.org. Sincerely, / 4 V Nancy Melia, MSW, MPH Director, Community Engagement& Advocacy