March 19, 2024
Community Development
DATE: March 19, 2024
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Lina Velasco, Director of Community Development
Nannette Beacham, Director of Economic Development
Subject:
Metrowalk Phase 2 AHSC Resolution - Round 7
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The City, BART, and Pacific West Communities were awarded ~$43 million for the Metrowalk Phase 2 Project.
This resolution is needed from the granting agency to
proceed with the final award.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The Community Development Department received
approximately $43 million award from the State
Department of Housing and Community Development
(HCD)’s Affordable Housing and Sustainable
Communities Program (AHSC) funds for the Metrowalk
Phase 2 Housing Project. HCD is requesting the
applicant’s governing body adopt a resolution committing to the project prior to distribution of grant funds.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
ADOPT a resolution authorizing final receipt of State
Department of Housing and Community Development
(HCD) Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities
Program (AHSC) funds for the Metrowalk Phase 2
Housing Project and designating the city manager or
designee to execute the necessary agreements with
HCD and BART to complete the project components with
grant funds – Community Development Department (Lina
Velasco 510-620-6841).
AGENDA
REPORT
March 19, 2024
DISCUSSION:
Community Development staff and Joint Applicant, Pacific West Communities, were awarded $42,908,528 from the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program (AHSC) program for the purpose of delivering the Metrowalk Phase 2 Housing Project, which includes the Metrowalk Phase 2 housing project; BART’s New Train Car Project and Next Generation Fare Gates to be implemented by BART; and improvements to bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and transit service and amenities to be implemented by the City of Richmond.
The AHSC program furthers the purposes of AB 32 (Chapter 488, Statues of 2006), SB 375 (Chapter 728, Statutes of 2008), and SB 32 (Chapter 249, Statutes of 2016) in that the purpose of the AHSC program is to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through projects implementing land-use, housing, transportation, and agricultural land preservation practices to support infill and compact development, while supporting related and coordinated public policy objectives. Funding for the AHSC program is provided from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), an account established to receive Cap-and-Trade auction proceeds.
The AHSC program is part of California Climate Investments (CCI), a statewide program funded through the GGRF that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing GHG emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged communities.
The proposed Metrowalk Phase 2 Project is:
A collaboration between the City of Richmond and Pacific West Communities, the Metrowalk Phase 2 will build 150 affordable homes located at the Richmond BART station. This transit-oriented development will allow resident access to seating areas, a community area including an office space, computer room, and exercise room. A laundry facility will be provided on each building level. An on-site resident manager will provide assistance and management.
The Metrowalk Phase 2 project will include BART station improvements, including the installation of upgraded fare gates, that enhance passenger throughput and maintainability. Over one mile of Class IV bikeway and pedestrian improvements including street trees and wayfinding will be developed in the vicinity, completing the Richmond Wellness Trail that connects the Richmond BART Station to the ferry at the waterfront. Locating these many affordable units at a transit station is a powerful resource to ensure that low-income residents have easy access to a car-free lifestyle.
The inclusion of the Richmond Wellness Trail as part of the scope transforms this project into a national model of the power of public-private partnerships, as government, the developer, healthcare organizations, and community-based organizations working together for the greater good.
March 19, 2024
City staff is seeking authorization to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) District for transportation-related improvements to be funded by the AHSC grant. Through the MOU with BART, the City would serve as a conduit for the AHSC funds for the New Train Car Project and Next Generation Fare Gates.
A secondary agreement with AC Transit may also be necessary to implement the Transit Priority signaling on Macdonald Avenue and make certain bus stop improvements.
The resolution is consistent with the language recommended by the State HCD and must be submitted in order for the City to be disbursed grant funds.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Resolution
Attachment 2 – AHSC Award Information