Item 169/2024
City of Garden Grove
INTER-DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM
To:
Lisa L. Kim From: Ursula Luna-Reynosa
Dept:
City Manager Dept: Economic Development and
Housing
Date: 4/23/2024
Subject: Adoption of the Orchard Grove Project Relocation Plan. (Action Item)
OBJECTIVE
For the Housing Authority and City Council to consider adoption of the Orchard Grove Project Relocation Plan.
BACKGROUND
On April 11, 2023, the City Council and Housing Authority approved a preliminary award between City of Garden Grove, the Garden Grove Housing Authority, and New Tamerlane, LLC (“Developer”). This action committed housing funds to implement substantial rehabilitation and reset affordable housing covenants for the 78-unit Orchard Grove Project (formerly Tamerlane Apartments) (“Project”).
In compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements, the Orchard Grove Project Relocation Plan (“Relocation Plan”) was prepared and completed in March 2023 prior to approval of the preliminary award of funds. Utilizing a survey method with data provided by the Developer, the Relocation Plan evaluated the existing circumstances of the affected tenants and concluded that all households would require temporary relocation during renovation of their units. The Relocation Plan indicated individual interviews with Project tenants would be conducted to collect information about current household circumstances, special needs related to temporary relocations, and an assessment of personal property to be temporarily relocated closer to the time of rehabilitation.
DISCUSSION
As part of the implementation of the Orchard Grove Affordable Housing Agreement, executed on February 5, 2024 (“Agreement”), and in connection with updated facts, the Developer engaged the services of Overland, Pacific and Cutler, LLC, a division of TranSystems (OPC) to provide comprehensive relocation assistance services. OPC's scope includes the preparation of an updated Relocation Plan (“Updated Relocation Plan”), issuing all required tenant notices, conducting tenant interviews, collecting income documentation, Item 169/2024
facilitating temporary relocations during the rehabilitation period, providing advisory services, and determining relocation benefits for non-qualified over income tenants.
The Updated Relocation Plan was completed in March 2024 and describes how the existing low income households will continue as tenants but will be temporarily relocated while their apartment is rehabilitated and will receive advisory assistance and benefits for temporary relocation. Other existing and prior tenants with household incomes that exceed 80% Area Median Income (AMI) may be eligible to receive advisory assistance and benefits for permanent relocation.
The Updated Relocation Plan was made available to the general public for a 30-day period that began on March 18, 2024 and ends on April 23, 2024. During this 30-day period, the City (and Developer) encourage and solicit comments and input from, and in consultation with, the tenants, the community, and interested persons and organizations about the Updated Relocation Plan. A public notice was published in the Orange County Register to alert the general public of the 30-day public comment period. A copy of the Updated Relocation Plan was made available at City Hall’s Office of Economic Development front counter, at the Orchard Grove Apartments onsite manager’s unit, and on the City’s website.
Copies of the Updated Relocation Plan were also delivered to the Orchard Grove tenants.
The developer is funding the cost of the relocation plan and is also responsible for any relocation costs. No City funding, General Fund or otherwise, is responsible for any expenses related to the relocation.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City or the Housing Authority. Per the Agreement, all costs associated with Project relocation are the responsibility of the Developer.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Housing Authority and City Council:
Adopt the attached Orchard Grove Project Relocation Plan.
ATTACHMENT:
Orchard Grove Relocation Plan