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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 10012013 - C.42RECOMMENDATION(S): APPROVE the allocation and AUTHORIZE the Auditor-Controller to issue a warrant in the amount of $156,830 in Park Dedication Trust Funds (Account No. 8136 4213 36502) to Community Housing Development Corporation (CHDC) to purchase the Multicultural Senior and Family Center of North Richmond located at 515 Silver Avenue, North Richmond area; and AUTHORIZE the Conservation and Development Director, or designee, to execute the appropriate documents. FISCAL IMPACT: No impact to the General Fund. 100% Park Dedication Funds. BACKGROUND: For almost 40 years the Neighborhood House of North Richmond (NHNR), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, has operated the Multicultural Senior and Family Center of North Richmond (Center) providing residents a safe place to gather for social, recreational, family, and governmental events. The Center has become the hub for community meetings, events and functions. Center staff and volunteers provide a plethora of activities to neighborhood residents including providing low income families and seniors age 60 and over hot lunch's five days each week and brown bags twice monthly, organizing grocery give-a-ways and sponsoring arts and crafts, nutrition education, and exercise classes, free health screening and blood pressure checks and other much needed essential social, educational, and recreational activities. Unfortunately, NHNR is experiencing APPROVE OTHER RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE Action of Board On: 10/01/2013 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER Clerks Notes: VOTE OF SUPERVISORS AYE:John Gioia, District I Supervisor Candace Andersen, District II Supervisor Mary N. Piepho, District III Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, District IV Supervisor ABSENT:Federal D. Glover, District V Supervisor Contact: Bob Calkins, (925) 674-7877 I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown. ATTESTED: October 1, 2013 David Twa, County Administrator and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors By: Stephanie Mello, Deputy cc: C.42 To:Board of Supervisors From:Catherine Kutsuris, Conservation and Development Director Date:October 1, 2013 Contra Costa County Subject:Allocation of Park Dedication Funds to Finance the Purchase of the Multicultural Senior and Family Center of North Richmond BACKGROUND: (CONT'D) a severe financial crisis and has missed several mortgage payments on the Center. Consequently, the Center is in jeopardy of being foreclosed on by the current mortgage holder. With the assistance of the District 1 Supervisor and another nonprofit entity, Community Housing Development Corporation (CHDC), the current mortgage holder has agreed to accept an offer from CHDC to purchase the property for less than what is currently owed (i.e. short sell). CHDC was founded in 1990 by North Richmond neighborhood activists. Its mission is to create and sustain vibrant communities that make a positive impact in people's lives by providing high quality neighborhood services and affordable housing. The mortgage holder has agreed to accept CHDC's offer to purchase the property for $125,000. In addition, NHNR is delinquent on their property tax payments in the amount of $26,269. Including normal closing costs, the total amount CHDC has requested from the County's Park Dedication Trust Fund is $156,830. According to the County Assessor's records, the current assessed value of the property is in excess of $325,000. The purchase agreement stipulates that the transaction must close no later than October 14, 2013. CHDC has requested that the County grant it park dedication funds in order for them to save a valuable community asset from being sold to another party and possibly be used for something other than a senior and family center. CHDC has agreed to continue to operate the Center as a senior and family center for no less than 20 years. If the property ceases operating as a senior and family center benefiting the residents of North Richmond, CHDC will be required to return the park dedication funds to the County. CHDC has agreed to contract with NHNR to operate the Center to ensure continuity of services to the community. These requirements will be included in a deed restriction recorded on the property in a form to be approved by County Counsel. It is the policy of the County to use park dedication funds to meet local park and recreation needs, including senior and community centers providing services to a community. This action is consistent with that policy and staff recommends approval of the request for funds. Saving this community asset is important if essential social, educational and recreational services are to continue in the North Richmond community. CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION: If the requested funds are not provided, the Center will be foreclosed on by the current mortgage holder, and a valuable community asset providing a variety of social, educational, and recreational events and activities will be lost. CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT: The proposed purchase of the Center by CHDC supports the following community outcomes established in the Children's Report Card: (1) Communities are safe and provide a high quality of life for children and families; and (2) Families are safe, stable and nurturing.