Outlook
FW: October 6, 2026- Item 8.1: Questions Regarding 1510 North First Street From City Clerk <[email protected]>
Date Mon 10/5/2026 8:18 AM
To Agendadesk <[email protected]>
From: brian darby
Sent: Sunday, October 4, 2026 6:31 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: October 6, 2026 - Item 8.1: Questions Regarding 1510 North First Street [External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Learn morel Dear City Clerk,
Please include this email in the public record for Item 8.1 of the October 6, 2026 City Council meeting and share it with the Mayor and Council.
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
Thank you for the work being done to provide affordable housing at 1510 North First Street. I appreciate the proposed commitment to 57 extremely low-income apartments, rental assistance, and long-term affordability.
After reviewing the memorandum and draft resolution, I have several questions that I could not answer from those documents. The information may already exist in earlier reports, agreements, or other project materials. As a member of the public, I do not have the institutional knowledge that city staff brings to these projects, and it can be difficult to know where to find the background connecting one decision to another.
I am asking for clarification so that I can better understand the proposal and its implications for residents and public funds.
Resident transition and the relationship between the two properties The draft resolution explains that eligible occupants of 1488 North First Street may move to 1510 following rehabilitation. It also describes a proposed transfer of Homekey affordability restrictions and related obligations, subject to state approval. I did not find a fuller explanation of that transition in the staff memorandum.
How many current residents are expected to move to 1510, and what housing arrangements are planned for those who will not move there? What arrangements would be made for anyone who does not qualify for the new apartments? Please also explain how housing, supportive services, and assistance with moving would be maintained throughout the transition.
What is planned for 1488 after the transition, and what would be the net change in affordable housing across both properties? It would also help to know the status of state approval and the alternative plan if the proposed transfer is not approved.
Project costs and financing
The memorandum identifies a total development cost of $31,254,006, including an acquisition cost of $10,250,200. Could staff provide an itemized explanation of the approximately $21 million in remaining development costs?
I understand that this amount may include construction, design, financing, reserves, fees, and other necessary expenses. A breakdown would help the public understand the major cost drivers and how they relate to the rehabilitation described in the report.
The construction-period funding table totals $29,251,397, while the permanent-funding table totals $31,254,006. I recognize that financing sources and timing can change between construction and permanent operation. Please explain how those figures fit together and how costs will be covered at each stage.
Supportive services and ongoing operations
The project is intended to serve residents who may need supportive services. Who will provide those services, what staffing and hours of availability are planned, and how will they be funded? It would be helpful to understand which services will be available on site, which will be provided through outside partners, and how residents will receive assistance with maintaining their housing, accessing health care, and meeting daily needs.
The affordability commitment is for at least 55 years, while the proposed rental-assistance contract has an initial 20-year term with an option for an additional 20 years. What assumptions and contingency plans support the project's long-term operation if rental assistance changes or is not renewed? Income and rent figures
The memorandum lists a maximum income of $46,275 and a rent limit of $1,156, while the draft resolution lists $46,245 and $1,079. Please clarify which figures apply and reconcile the documents.
An explanation of how voucher assistance and utility allowances affect residents' actual payments would also be useful.
Accessibility and the City's loan
I appreciate the planned accessible restroom upgrades and entry-ramp improvements. How many apartments will be fully accessible, and how will the project address access to kitchenettes, upper floors, common areas, and emergency evacuation for residents with disabilities? Please also summarize the principal terms anticipated for the City's proposed loan of up to $5.7 million, including the interest rate, repayment expectations, maturity, security, and responsibility for cost overruns. I understand that final documents will be negotiated, but an explanation of the expected terms would help the public understand the City's commitment.
If these questions are answered in existing materials, links to the relevant documents and page references would be greatly appreciated. A short, consolidated explanation would make this project easier to follow for people who have not been involved in its earlier stages.
Thank you for considering these questions. My purpose is to understand how the proposal will provide stable, accessible housing, protect residents during the transition, and sustain the investment over time.
Sincerely,
Brian Darby
Santa Clara Valley resident
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