Item 3C: Approval of Funding for Housing for Low-Income Persons

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Two proposals were received for the development of new housing on the Westmoreland landbank site. No proposals were received for acquisition of existing housing. The two proposals were reviewed by staff, the Eugene Allocations Committee of the Housing Policy Board, and the full Housing Policy Board (see Attachment A for member list). A brief summary of each proposal is included below: Stellar Apartments - St. Vincent dePaul: St. Vincent dePaul Society of Lane County, Inc. (SVdP) requested funding for Stellar Apartments, a development consisting of townhomes and flats which will provide 54 rental units to those earning below 50 percent of Area Median Income (AMI), including four units set aside for VetLIFT clients with families and 10 more units targeted for National Guard families, either currently serving or those that have completed combat deployment. SVdP has designed services at Stellar Apartments that will be unique to National Guard veterans and their families. These include assessment, access to services, peer support groups, and access to additional support services offered by SVdP. A clinical social work graduate intern will be dedicated to assisting National Guard vets and their families with access to all services mentioned. SVDP requested $850,000 in HOME funds, $256,308 in Eugene SDCs, and $64,692 in EWEB SDC grants, along with a 20-year Property Tax Exemption for Low- Income Rental Housing from the City of Eugene. The project includes a communal laundry room, children’s play area, community rooms, covered bicycle storage and a large community garden with accompanying tool shed. SVdP proposes to incorporate cost-effective green building measures and will pursue Earth Advantage certification. SVdP is willing to explore LEED for Homes certification if awarded funding by the City. Estimated total project cost for Stellar Apartments is $9,399,948. Iris Meadow - Metropolitan Affordable Housing Corporation: Metropolitan Affordable Housing Corporation (Metro) requested funding for Iris Meadow, a development consisting of townhomes and flats which will provide 48 rental units to those earning below 60 percent of Area Median Income (AMI). Metro requests $686,243 in HOME funds, $215,000 in Eugene SDC waivers, and $65,000 in EWEB waivers, along with a 20-year Property Tax Exemption for Low-Income Rental Housing from the City of Eugene. The project includes a community center, high speed internet, and children’s play area/water spray-park. A community garden located on the property to the south (proposed through a partnership with Lane ESD) would be shared by Iris Meadow residents and school children attending classes on the Lane ESD campus. The Housing Policy Board recommends selection of the Stellar Apartments proposal from SVdP. Stellar Apartments offers more units to a lower income group as identified in the Consolidated Plan as having high need for affordable housing. This proposal creates needed housing for individuals and families at or below 50 percent AMI in our area. In addition to the very low rents and extensive resident services offered to all residents at Stellar Apartments, SVdP has partnered with the Veterans Administration to provide reintegration services along with case management, group counseling, goal setting and legal services for those families participating in the VetLIFT program. The veteran populations being served at Stellar Apartments have been identified as having a significant risk of homelessness. As a result, both populations are considered to have a High Priority Need for housing in the Consolidated Plan. The Housing Policy Board also recognizes SVdP’s commitment to collaborate with the landbank site’s neighbor, Lane ESD. Estimated total project cost for Iris Meadow is $9,196,403. RELATED CITY POLICIES The City Council has established a priority to address Homelessness in Eugene. The proposed project directly supports this objective by preserving and expanding affordable housing opportunities for very and extremely low-income families and individuals. Z:\CMO\2010 Council Agendas\M100908\S1009083C.doc