REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
April 6, 2017
FROM: BRUCE RUDD, City Manager
City Manager’s Office
BY: LAURA GLORIA, Business Manager
City Manager’s Office
SUBJECT
Title
RESOLUTION - Authorizing the Submission of Applications for Grant Funds from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Public Benefit Grants Program and Authorizing Execution of Application-Related Documents by the City Manager or Designee (Council District 1, 3, and 5)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing the City to apply for San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) Public Benefit Grants Program funds for projects located in the City of Fresno.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
It is recommended that the City submit a multi-year grant application(s) for SJVAPCD Public Benefit Grants Program funds totaling approximately $9 million over the next three funding cycles. The Public Benefit Grants Program funds can be used for various projects that support reducing air pollution, improving conditions in disadvantaged communities, supporting or improving public health or other co-benefits, improving connectivity and accessibility to jobs, housing and services, increasing options for mobility, increasing transit ridership, preserving and developing affordable housing for lower income households, and protecting agricultural lands to support infill development. The multi-year application would be used to support a number of catalytic projects being pursued by various developers. Therefore, in order to support all of these projects, staff recommends that the City pursue a multi-year Public Benefit Grant application.
BACKGROUND
On April 21, 2011, the SJVAPCD Board approved the Public Benefit Grants Program to assist local public agencies with funds for clean-air projects that provide broad benefits to Valley residents. Recently, the program was expanded to add an additional focus area which provides match funding assistance to support and enhance grant applications for local, state, and federal funds. Eligible applicants must be public agencies therefore the City has identified eligible catalytic development projects. Allocation of these funds would be sought as follows:
2017 Grant Cycle
Blackstone & McKinley - $3,000,000
1501 North Blackstone, LP is proposing a phased mixed-used development on the south west quadrant of Blackstone and McKinley Avenues. The first phase of the project includes 48 residential units (100% affordable) and includes 4,000 square feet of commercial space.
2018 Grant Cycle
Fancher Creek Project - $3,000,000
Fancher Creek Properties, LLC is proposing a phased mixed-use development bounded by Kings Canyon Road, Clovis Avenue, Argyle Street, and Fancher Creek Avenue. The project includes 420 residential units (100% affordable) and over a million of square feet of commercial space.
2019 Grant Cycle
Van Ness and Stanislaus Project - $3,000,000
Upside Enterprises, LLC is proposing a multi-story mixed-use development bounded by Van Ness, Stanislaus, and L Streets. The project includes 70 residential units (20% affordable) plus 20,000 square feet of commercial space.
The City has committed significant capital investment in public realm improvements such as streetscapes, citywide parks and open space network, and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in the areas identified for grant application. The City recognizes the need for private investment to ensure sustainable and equitable long term economic growth in Fresno, incentivizing infill development, creating strategic partnerships with stakeholders and up-zoning private land to attract private investment. The proposed projects align with the goals and priorities of the City and SJVAPCD by improving mobility options and accessibility to affordable housing, employment centers and key destinations via low-carbon transportation options which result in fewer vehicle miles traveled. Staff recommends that the City pursue a multi-year Public Benefit Grant application to support these projects. Should a multi-year application not be feasible or full requested funding for a project not be granted, staff may apply for additional funding related to eligible projects.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
By the definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378, this item does not qualify as a “project”; therefore it is exempt from the CEQA requirements.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not considered because this item does not include a bid or award of a construction or service contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
Adoption of the resolution authorizing submission of Public Benefit Grants Program applications will have no impact to the General Fund.
If grant funds are awarded, staff will return to Council with proposed development agreements for the approved projects which would allow the use of up to $9,000,000 to support reinvestment and revitalization in Fresno.
Attachment:
Resolution