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: |
April 28, 2010 |
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RE: |
Update to the 2008 CDBG-R Substantial Amendment to the 2008 CDBG Consolidated Plan |
As part of the ARRA CDBG-R funding, the City Commission approved allocation of funds to the Lawrence Community Shelter (LCS) for shelter improvements ($78,789) to allow an increase in capacity for night emergency sheltering in an overflow site. At the time the allocation was made, the proposed site was 1242 Massachusetts, which was ultimately not approved as an overflow site.
LCS subsequently requested that the $78,789 granted in CDBG-R funds be used toward acquisition of the proposed 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 would allow an increase in occupancy. To accommodate this expansion, LCS was required to extend the existing sprinkler system as well as make other improvements. LCS was to provide the balance of funds necessary for the renovation, approximately $25,000. Those requests were considered and approved by the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) at their September 10, 2009 meeting.
The City Commission subsequently approved the Substantial Amendment to the 2009 Consolidated Plan Investment Summary for the renovation at the existing site which was completed and LCS was able to shelter additional homeless persons during the winter. The City Commission deferred the request for the Substantial Amendment for the CDBG-R funds of $78,789, pending approval of an SUP for the new location.
In the interim, LCS withdrew the SUP request for 2176 E. 23rd Street and submitted a new SUP request for 3701 Franklin Park Circle. As a result of the City Commission approval of the SUP, the LCS has again requested that the previously allocated CDBG-R funds, $78,789, now be authorized for the acquisition of the property at 3701 Franklin Park Circle. The CDAC considered this request at their regular meeting on April 22, 2010 and voted unanimously to approve the Substantial Amendment, contingent on the final action of the City Commission on the SUP.
A Substantial Amendment requires citizen input as well as publication of a notice regarding the proposed amendment. The notice was published on Tuesday, April 27, 2010 and began a seven (7) day written comment period. If approved by the City Commission, staff will forward the amendment to the local HUD office. Additionally, interested parties will have an opportunity to speak to the issue at the May 11, 2010 City Commission meeting.
Approval of the request does not alter the City’s process for approval of the SUP and does not obligate the City to expend the funds if the use is ultimately not commenced at the site. Staff recommends approval of the request. If you have further questions, please let me know.
Action Requested: Approve an update to the 2008 CDBG-R Substantial Amendment to the 2008 Consolidated Plan Investment Summary for Lawrence Community Shelter, 3701 Franklin Park Circle – Property Acquisition for Emergency Shelter Site - $78,789.