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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 02251986 - T.4 (2) 7 . 41 Y THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA Adopted this Order on February 259 1986 , by the following vote:. , AYES: Supervisors Schroder, McPeak, Torlakson, and Powers NOES: None ABSENT: Supervisor Fanden ABSTAIN: None SUBJECT: The Rural/Farm Worker Housing Workshop in Contra Costa County Chairman Tom Powers convened the Workshop on Rural/Farm Worker Housing in Contra Costa County. Perfecto Villarreal, Director, Housing Authority of Contra Costa County spoke on the work of the task force in reviewing housing needs for the rural farm worker. He noted that the Board of Supervisors is committed to providing a variety of housing choices for all economic segments of the community and incorporated that commitment in the Housing Element of the County General Plan. Mr. Villarreal referred to sections in the Housing Element which speak to the need for adequate, decent, and affordable housing for the farm worker, particularly in the East County area. James Kennedy, of the Community Development Department, provided an overview of housing needs and referred to the absence of a coherent national housing policy. He commented on diminishing funding resources for housing programs and the attempt of local governments to respond to the need for affordable housing par- ticularly for the low income groups. He cited factors such as cost effectiveness, feasibility, financial leverage, and return on investment which must be considered in planning and designing housing programs. Mr. Kennedy advised that the farm worker popula- tion is comprised of two groups: the permanent group and the seaso- nal group. He noted that there are eight registered farm worker camps for 169 workers and commented on the existence of unregistered farm worker camps. Mr. Kennedy advised that 1 .45 million dollars of Community Development Block Grant funds has been allocated to date to address farm worker and rural housing needs. Henry Davis, representing the Rural California Housing Corporation, described the role of his organization in administering self-help housing programs. He spoke of ten acres currently under- going preliminary planning review in Contra Costa County. He indi- cated that a density bonus may be necessary to make the project feasible and effordable for very low income families. Mr. Davis advised of the lack of funds available for low income households this fiscal year and noted that funds are available for housing needs for the very low income population. Patty Sassmen, California Human Development Corporation, commented on the non-profit status of her organization. She spoke on the work of her agency in attempting to get approval for a reha- bilitation program for the Villa Guadalupe Housing Project. Abraham Amador, Comite Regional Campesino, advised of the role of the Comite in securing housing for the farm worker. He com- mented on several housing projects the Comite is working on relative to rehabilitation. Mr. Amador referred to the increased number of requests for housing assistance and his lack of resources in responding to those requests. Tom LaFleur, Pacific Community Services, referred to the Havenwood Village Housing Project, funded in part with Community Development Block Grant funds. He spoke on financial considerations in developing the project and related housing subsidy costs. Mr. LaFleur also spoke as a representative of the Habitat for Humanity. He described the role of this non-profit agency in meeting housing needs for the very low income groups. He expressed the interest of the Habitat in working with the California Development Corporation on the Villa Guadalupe Project. Mr. LaFleur advised that the function of the Habitat in this project is to assist in acquiring funds, materials, and labor in order to make it feasible. He also spoke of the interest of this organization in participating in rehabilitation projects in the Pittsburg-Antioch-Oakley area. Bertha Ruiz , United Council of Spanish Speaking Organizations, commented on two housing projects in the Brentwood area owned and operated by the Council--Colonia Santa Maria and Blue Goose. She commented on the interest of her Council in working with the Rural California Housing Corporation in developing housing pro- jects for the rural farm worker. Nundo Velez, California Department of Housing and Community Development, advised of the loan program administered by his agency. He spoke of low interest loans provided to private developers for construction of housing for low income groups and of the transfer of these loans to the qualifying farm worker buyer. He noted that his agency encourages the development of farm worker housing and pointed out that there are approximately thirty one dif- ferent housing projects being developed throughout California. He proposed that the County establish some type of mechanism to develop housing for the farm worker that allows for a variety of projects, such as rentals, condominiums, co-ops, farm labor camps, etc. , that pro- vide the flexibility to obtain private and public contributions. Mr. Villarreal advised of the role of the Housing Authority in securing rental units for low income groups such as farm worker households as well as senior citizens in the East County area. He referred to discussions with the Task Force and of a suggestion that the Housing Authority take a more active role in coordinating acti- vities. Mr. Villarreal referred to a proposal under consideration in which an application would be made for Community Development Block Grant Funds next year enabling him to hire a rural/farm worker spe- cialist who would be assigned to work on rural/farm worker housing issues. He felt this would provide more assistance to the Task Force. Board members reviewed and discussed the recommendations of the Task Force. There being no further discussion IT IS BY THE BOARD ORDERED that the recommendations of the Task Force are approved as follows: 1 ) ADOPTED a resolution reaffirming policy contained in the County General Plan Housing Element indicating support for rural/farm worker housing efforts and encouraging Departments to cooperate and assist in this program, 2) ENDORSED the concept of developing a self-help rural housing project to be sponsored by Rural California Housing Corporation in the Oakley area and to consider granting a density bonus for that project; 3) REAFFIRMED the Board' s eommittment to housing, including rural housing, in considering funding priorities for future Community Development Block Grant program years, together with a review of all Community Development Block Grant priorities; and 4) AGREED to continue to work with the Rural/Farm Worker Housing Task Force as it develops specific programs and projects to address rural/farm worker needs. I hereby certify that this is a true and cncccct n 1:of an action taken and entered on ttze the Board of Supervisors on the date shown. ATTESTED: "7 JA ©1C PHIL BATCHELOR, Cler l (he Doard —` off Supervisors and County Administrator De?uty cc: County Administrator Housing Authority Rural/Farm Worker Housing Task Force Community Development