City of Lawrence
Planning and Development Services Department
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TO: |
David L. Corliss, City Manager |
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CC: |
Scott McCullough, Director, Planning and Development Services |
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FROM: |
Margene K. Swarts, Assistant Director, Development Services |
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DATE: |
September 18, 2009 |
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RE: |
Update to the 2008 CDBG-R Substantial Amendment to the 2008 CDBG Consolidated Plan and Substantial Amendment to the 2009 CDBG Investment Summary |
The City Commission recently approved a request by the Lawrence Community Shelter (LCS) for CDBG-R funds for shelter improvements ($78,789) for an overflow site to allow an increase in capacity for night emergency sheltering. At the time the allocation was made, the proposed site was 1242 Massachusetts, which was ultimately not approved as an overflow site. Additionally, concern was raised that the amount of CDBG funds to be expended might have to be repaid at a future date if the emergency sheltering activities ceased within a short period of time.
In recognition of these issues, LCS has subsequently requested that the $78,789 granted in CDBG-R funds be used toward acquisition of the new facility at 2176 E. 23rd Street and $24,950 be granted in 2009 Contingency funds for the shelter renovations at the current location, 214 W. 10th Street that will allow the increase in occupancy. To accommodate this expansion, LCS is required to extend the existing sprinkler system as well as make other improvements. LCS will provide the balance of funds necessary for the renovation, approximately $25,000. The revised request by LCS will alleviate the concern of repayment of CDBG funds if the sheltering activities cease because the CDBG funds will not exceed the $25,000 threshold.
These requests were considered and approved by the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) at their September 10, 2009 meeting. Funding for the renovation project is available from 2009 CDBG Contingency funds. Approval of these items will require a Substantial Amendment to the 2009 Consolidated Plan Investment Summary and an Update to the 2008 CDBG-R Substantial Amendment to the 2008 CDBG Consolidated Plan. A Substantial Amendment requires citizen input as well as publication of a notice regarding the proposed amendment. The notices were published on Monday, September 14, 2009 and begin a thirty (30) day written comment period for the renovation request and a seven (7) day comment period for the property acquisition. If approved by the City Commission, staff will forward the amendment to the local HUD office. Funds would be available for the renovation after the thirty day written comment period ends on October 14, 2009.
Approval of the request for property acquisition funds does not alter the City’s process for approval of the new shelter site and does not obligate the City to expend the funds if the site is not ultimately approved. Staff recommends approval of the requests. If you have further questions, please let me know.
Action Requested: Approve a Substantial Amendment to the 2009 Consolidated Plan Investment Summary for Lawrence Community Shelter, 214 W. 10th Street, for Shelter Improvements: Bathroom Upgrade, Sprinkler System Installation, in the amount of $24,950 from 2009 Contingency funds and approve an update to the 2008 CDBG-R Substantial Amendment to the 2008 Consolidated Plan Investment Summary for Lawrence Community Shelter, 2176 E. 23rd Street – Property Acquisition for Emergency Shelter Site - $78,789.