TO: CITY COUNCIL FROM: Councilmember Maya Esparza
SUBJECT: SEE BELOW DATE: 6/28/2022
Approved Maya Esparza Date: 6/27/2022
______
SUBJECT: Actions Related to the Grant Agreements for Multiple Homelessness Programs for Fiscal Year 2022-2023
RECOMMENDATION:
Accept Staff Recommendations regarding Grant Agreements for Multiple Homelessness Programs for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 with the following additional direction:
1. Given the location of the Monterey/Capitol encampment at the intersection of two Vision Zero Priority Safety Corridors, conduct an assessment of potential safety issues at the site, and return to Council with the assessment and potential mitigation measures prior to the SOAR expansion.
2. Explore reimbursement from the County for SOAR services provided at the proposed SOAR site on County land at Monterey Road and Capitol Expressway, expanding upon the City’s existing agreement with the County for encampment management for this site.
BACKGROUND
The intersection of Monterey Road and Capitol Expressway is County-owned property that, for years, has been a site of concern for surrounding communities like Seven Trees. With encampments abutting the roadway, residents have reported many near-misses with our unhoused residents living along this intersection. As both Monterey Road and Capitol Expressway have been identified as Vision Zero Safety Corridors, we must address the substantial safety issues inherent to an encampment at the nexus of two of our City’s most dangerous roadways. Ensuring the safety of our unhoused residents is the most basic and critical service that we must provide, upon which all other services depend.
COUNCIL AGENDA: 6/28/2022
ITEM: 8.3
Given these safety concerns, the City has worked with the County to enter an agreement that would allow the City to maintain this property on a limited basis. With the limited agreement signed just this month, we have seen some safety improvements at this intersection, but safety risks still remain.
And while services offered through the SOAR program are needed at this site, offering these services would all but require many residents to cross an on/off ramp of a Vision Zero Safety Corridor to receive them. Therefore, prior to expanding services at this site, we must understand the potential safety risks present, and any potential safety risks that may occur if SOAR programming is offered.
Also, given the City and County currently have a limited agreement in place to maintain this County property, we should explore expanding this agreement, including seeking reimbursement for SOAR programming.