TO: Urban Renewal Agency Board
THROUGH: Steve Powers, Executive Director
FROM: Kristin Retherford, Urban Development Director
SUBJECT:
title
Grant exception to allow the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency to add storage for use by unsheltered persons
Ward(s): 1
Board Member(s): Kaser
Neighborhood(s): CANDO
Result Area(s): Safe Community; Safe, Welcoming and Livable Community
end
ISSUE:
Shall the Urban Renewal Agency approve an exception to the Riverfront-Downtown Strategic Project Grant program to allow the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency to add storage for use by unsheltered persons?
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Approve an exception to grant eligibility restrictions to allow a Strategic Project Grant of up to $30,000 to the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency (MWVCAA) to add storage for use by unsheltered persons.
body
SUMMARY:
Approval on an exception to grant eligibility restrictions will allow a Strategic Project Grant to MWVCAA to purchase and install 10 metal bike vaults to store personal belongings and bikes. The storage vaults will be located at the ARCHES site.
FACTS AND FINDINGS:
There are no secure options for unsheltered persons to store their personal belongings or bikes for free within downtown. Because of the lack of storage, unsheltered persons rely on other unsheltered persons to watch their personal property when they utilize services and facilities, or they move all their personal belongings with them from place to place. The lack of storage has resulted in unsheltered persons storing property throughout downtown on sidewalks, in shopping carts, on benches, and behind cardboard or tarp-type shelters. Unwanted items, or items that unsheltered persons can longer store due to physical challenges or means to move them around, are discarded on the sidewalks in downtown making it difficult for visitors and customers to access downtown businesses and gives a negative visual experience.
Grant programs are identified as an eligible project in Sections 1105 and 1108 in the Riverfront-Downtown Urban Renewal Plan. The maximum Strategic Project Grant is $30,000. There will be no operational or budget impacts to other URA grants or projects if the grant is approved.
BACKGROUND:
The need for storage of unsheltered persons’ belongings has been identified as a priority by several task forces and community groups.
The City has invested in the renovations to the Arches facilities, providing services to the unsheltered, including laundry/shower facilities, food, and day room space.
On February 25, 2019, the Agency Board approved the Strategic Project Grant Program within the Riverfront Downtown Urban Renewal Area for building and property improvements that help with crime prevention, security, and safety. The Strategic Project Grant Program funds 100% of the cost of improvements.
On March 11, 2019, the Urban Renewal Agency Board approved exceptions to the Capital Improvement Grant eligibility requirements and maximum grant amount to allow $1.1M in grant funds to support renovations at the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency Arches building.
Sheri Wahrgren
Downtown Revitalization Manager
Attachments:
None.