Placement: Consent Agenda
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Authorizing a Partnership with St. Lucie County on a Competitive Solicitation to Construct Community Land Trust Homes on Three City-Owned Lots.
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Submitted By: Carmen A. Capezzuto, Director of Neighborhood Services
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of planning for a thriving future.
Executive Summary (General Business): Neighborhood Services staff, as a member of the Treasure Coast HOME Consortium, have collaborated with St. Lucie County staff to recommend initiating a County-led competitive solicitation for the construction of three (3) affordable single-family homeownership units within the city limits. This initiative would utilize a portion of Port St. Lucie’s allocation of HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The City would participate in the solicitation process and ensure the program meets our existing community land trust standards.
Presentation Information: N/A
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council authorize staff to participate in a County-led solicitation process that would select a developer(s) with community land trust experience to construct a minimum of three homes on City-owned lots that are dedicated for affordable/workforce housing.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and authorize staff to initiate a City-led solicitation process to select a developer(s) with community land trust experience to construct up to three homes on City-owned lots that are dedicated for affordable/workforce housing.
2. Move that the Council not approve the competitive solicitation process and provide staff direction.
Background: In 2018, the City of Port St. Lucie joined the Treasure Coast HOME Consortium through an interlocal agreement with St. Lucie, Martin, and Indian River counties. St. Lucie County serves as the lead agency for the Consortium, administering the program on behalf of all members in accordance with HUD requirements. All funds are received by the County and expended by the County in partnership with each participating jurisdiction. St. Lucie County is also responsible for reporting to HUD on the activities of the local HOME Consortium. The City’s allocation (approximately $200K to $300K) has been primarily for rental assistance for residents aged 62 and older and the program has been successful.
Issues/Analysis: To date, the City of Port St. Lucie has expended approximately $350,000 and has an uncommitted HOME balance of approximately $1.2M with an expenditure deadline of 2032. Thus, to ensure the timely expenditure of these funds and avoid potential recapture by HUD, City and County staff have collaborated to propose using the City's dedicated surplus to construct single-family homes on a minimum of 3 city-owned lots. The City would participate in the solicitation process and ensure the program meets our existing community land trust standards.
Financial Information: There is no estimated financial impact to the City other than a future transfer of 3 City-owned lots to a community land trust organization which would require official City Council approval as a next step in the process.
Special Consideration: The recommended approach also supports the City’s commitment under the Interlocal Agreement and aligns with the goal of providing affordable housing opportunities for residents.
Location of Project: Proposed lots (escheated to the City) include 636 SW Curry Street, 1050 SE Lansdowne Avenue, and 401 SW Duval Avenue.
Business Impact Statement: N/A
Attachments: N/A
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: 25125-03
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Russell Ward, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrios, City Attorney.