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Home My WebLink About11/12/2002, C13 - GRANT APPLICATION FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: CONTEXT-SENSITIVE PLANNING FOR COMMUNITIES GRANT J council Mn'i� D"Nov 12, 2002 j ACEn6A Pcpom tt=Nun%b� I3 CITYOF SAN LUIS O B I S P O FROM: John Mandeville, Community Development Director ADP J K. Prepared By: Michael Draze, Deputy Director of Community Development SUBJECT: GRANT APPLICATION FOR AN"ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE:CONTEXT- SENSITIVE PLANNING FOR COMMUNITIES"GRANT FOR THE BROAD STREET/HIGHWAY 227 CORRIDOR ENHANCEMENT PLAN FOR THE AREA ALONG BROAD STREET BETWEEN ORCUTT ROAD AND HIGH STREET CAO RECOMMENDATION 1) Adopt a resolution authorizing the Community Development Director to submit a grant application to the State Division of Transportation for an Environmental Justice Grant in the amount of$200,000 to fund an Area Plan Study. 2) Approve funding the required City match in an amount not to exceed $30,000, to provide professional services related to required CEQA studies. 3) Approve in-kind expenses from the Community Development Department not to exceed $11,500 (5% of the total project costs). DISCUSSION Background Beginning with the 1999-01 Financial Plan, Council interest has been expressed in conducting more comprehensive planning along the Broad Street corridor (see vicinity map, Attachment 1). This project was considered during preparation of the 2001-03 Financial Plan, however the Council set the proposal aside pending identification of a possible funding source. To this point, resources have not been available for such an undertaking. In July 2002, the City applied for this same grant in Caltrans 2002 grant cycle. Because the State was not able to complete the process on that grant cycle before the 2003 grant requests were due, staff believed it was prudent to request the same grant for the next cycle in case we are not funded with the earlier cycle. Several minor changes were made to the grant application to reflect later funding and to improve chances of application success. The grant application was due and filed on November 1, 2002, based on the Council approval of the same grant in July. It is required by Caltrans that the Council reauthorize the grant new application within 30 days of the submittal or it will be withdrawn. C13- I f Council Agenda Report—Environmental Justice Grant Application Page 2 The California Department of Transportation, (Caltrans) Division of Transportation Planning provides grants (up to $300,000 per grant) to promote "Environmental Justice: Context- Sensitive Planning for Communities". These grants are awarded on a competitive basis to cities and various other governmental and private non-profit organizations. To be competitive, the proposed projects should have a clear focus on transportation and community development issues that address the interests of low-income, minority, Native American or any other under- represented communities (Attachment 2). The area along Broad Street between High Street and Orcutt Road historically housed ethnic and lower income families. Following World War H the uses in the area became increasingly service commercial due in part to its location adjacent to the railroad tracks and Highway 227. This shift in uses has created a mix of older small homes and small businesses. Many of the smaller homes in this neighborhood provide relatively affordable housing with the newer Villa Rosa residential condominiums providing a range of affordable to upper moderate housing. Broad Street in the project area is a State Highway and transportation thoroughfare close to, and directly connecting to, the downtown. The corridor is ideally situated to implement now-widely accepted transit oriented development principles. The location is also well suited for higher density housing that will serve traditionally low-income households through lower housing costs and convenient access to the downtown and the Railroad Transit Center as well as nearby jobs. Site Description The study area runs along both sides of Broad Street from Rockview Place on the south to High Street on the north and from the railroad tracks on the east and the first block along the west side of Broad Street. The general plan for the area is primarily Services and Manufacturing along the east side of Broad with Medium Density Residential along the west side. This area is a key entrance to the City, our Historic Railroad District as well as the Historic Old Town and Central Business District. The area also includes a larger-than-average amount of underutilized properties. The traffic volumes, speed, and width of the State Highway in this neighborhood have created complaints about pedestrian and bicycle safety and the existing intersections do not function as efficiently as they should. In consultation with City staff, SLOCOG and others, Caltrans is presently leading a Highway 227 transportation corridor study south of this project that would dovetail nicely with added land use planning for the area. What The Grant Proposal Is—and Isn't—About In summary, the purpose of the grant is to acquire the added resources needed to initiate a deferred Council interest in an area plan study of the Broad Street Corridor. These added resources would support various costs, including hiring contract staff in order to work on this project without delaying other priorities. This application is not about delaying or deferring other project applications presently under consideration along the Broad Street corridor, such as the Albertson's Center project or the recently initiated Orcutt/Broad Street general plan amendment. It will take time to determine if we are successful with our grant application, and if so, to gear-up to initiate the study (e.g. hire staff). From beginning to end, given the level of 0- 13 -a � 1 Council Agenda Report—Environmental Justice Grant Application Page 3 citizen/advisory body input involved in San Luis Obispo community planning, it could easily take 2-3 years to complete the plan (e.g. the Mid-Higuera Plan took even longer—and this was a smaller area). Thus, other applications along Broad Street should continue to be processed, and while serving as input to the plan, should not have to await plan completion for resolution. About two years ago a group of private citizens approached the City staff with a proposal for a "Broad Street Enhancement Plan". Their proposal centered on physical and operational improvements to Broad Street to improve this major entrance to the City and on changes in the land uses between Broad Street and the railroad track. In December 2000, a sketch proposal of the plan was discussed at a Planning Commission workshop. The group's vision was to essentially extend the Old Town neighborhood all the way to Orcutt Road. While such citizen interest and involvement will help the City's grant application and can serve as useful input into the study, staff again wishes to emphasize that the proposed study is intended to advance a Council interest and include even wider citizen input than we've been able to in the past; it is not intended to either support or detract from current area development applications. These applications should be acted on by the City based on their own merit, and should not be deferred pending the outcome of a study that is likely to take quite some time to complete. FISCAL IMPACT The "Environmental Justice: Context-Sensitive Planning for Communities" grant program has several financial requirements, including a local match of at least 10% of total project cost. In discussions with the staff at Caltrans district office, it was clear that to be competitive, the City would need to make a somewhat larger match. The project should be viable with a total project cost of approximately $240,000, a local match of approximately $28,000 and the allowed 5% ($12,000) in-kind match, although it is likely the City will actually provide more than the allowed in-kind staff support. Two other fiscal impacts are that administrative costs may not exceed 10% of total project costs and the grant may not be used for environmental studies normally required for project development under NEPA or CEQA. The grant funds will be used for contract assistance and consultant work. It is the Department's intent to use a portion of the $30,000 local match as well as part of the in-kind match to perform the required environmental review. If the City is recommended for funding by the State, the staff will return to the Council with a recommended source of funds for the required match. ALTERNATIVES 1) Do not apply for the `Environmental Justice: Context-Sensitive Planning for Communities" grant program and look for other grant programs or general fund sources that could support this important project. Attachments Attachment#l: Vicinitymap Attachment#2: Grant summary Attachment #3: Draft Resolution LAGrants\FY 03-04EMCCRept.doc e13 -3 Attachment 1 Broad Street (Highway 227) Corridor Study Area Terrace Hill '= High Std • I South St Meadow _t, �.: ,✓.+' tit _....- .. L:- -c.. _._. ,j..X.,, = --- Park Sinsheimer Park \ i \ I I 00 III I jj II , ' I tII South Hills N 0 500 1000 Feet .i ,\ I z/pmjects/com dev/long range/broadcor.apr(7/02) C�3 -� Attachment 2 CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATION PLANNING GRANTS APPLICATION PACKAGE FISCAL YEAR 2003-2004 n Application Deadline , November 1, 2002 5:00 pm CONTENTS: • Grant Program Description..:...............................................................................Page 1 • Grant Program Summary Chart..........................................................................Page 2 Grant Programs: • Environmental Justice: Context-Sensitive Planning...................................Page 3 • Community-Based Transportation Planning........................................................Page 5 • Partnership Planning............................................................................................Page 7 • Statewide Planning Studies..................................................................................Page 8 • Transit Technical Planning Assistance................................................................Page 9 • Transit Professional Development.....................................................................Page 10 General Information: • Federal Emphasis Areas and Caltrans Mission and Goals.................................Page 11 • General Information and Requirements.............................................................Page 12 Grant Application and Related Information: • Grant Application Cover Sheet..........................................................................Page 14 • Grant Proposal Criteria......................................................................................Page 15 • Proposal Schedule and Funding Chart Sample..................................................Page 16 • Grant Proposal Checklist...................................................................................Page 17 • Department of Transportation District Boundaries............................................Page 18 • Department of Transportation District Planning Contact List.....................Page 19 * Completed applications will be accepted at the Caltrans District Planning offices listed on pages 19-21. C�3 'S- I Attachment 2 nvironmental Justice: _60-ntext-Sensitive Plannin PURPOSE The purpose of the Environmental Justice Grants is to promote more public involvement by diverse and under-served communities in the planning for transportation projects to prevent or mitigate disproportionate, negative impacts of plans and projects while improving their mobility, access, equity, and quality of life. GRANT SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE Proposed projects should have a clear focus on transportation and community development issues that address the interests of low-income, minority, Native American, and other under-represented communities. EXAMPLES OF PROJECT TYPES Identifying and addressing transportation needs for the community; Identifying and involving under-represented groups in planning and project development; Improving demographic and socioeconomic analysis to identify emerging communities; Planning and safety improvements for pedestrians and bicycles; Feasibility studies for transportation improvements; Community revitalization and economic development with a transportation component; Improving cooperation in community development between public agencies and communities; Developing guidelines and supporting information for Environmental Justice element of General Plan; Assessing impacts of transportation plans and projects on the community; Bilingual services for hearings, workshops, and promotion of transportation services; Private Sector partnerships and foundation investment to enhance mobility and economic vitality; Promoting advanced transportation technology and energy efficiency in communities; Community-based design and public art associated with transportation facilities and right of way; • Transportation projects with community health benefits; • Improving access to telecommunication and internet where transportation benefit is demonstrated; Transportation and land use projects in central and inner cities and older suburbs; Transportation projects in underdeveloped rural and agricultural areas; In-fill development and brown field redevelopment with a transportation benefit for low-income and minority communities; Context-Sensitive Planning for port or airport expansions; and Planning for improved transportation in low-income communities that also enhances the business climate. ELIGIBILITY Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), Regional Transportation Planning Agencies (RTPAs), Native American Tribal Governments, Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), public entities (public universities, public transit agencies, local transportation commissions, port authorities, airport commissions and similar entities) may apply for a grant independently as an applicant. The following may submit proposals only as sub-recipients and must have an MPO, RTPA, city or county as the applicant: private universities,private-sector entities. California Department of Transportation Planning Grants Page 3 0'r3 - (o Attachment 2 PROJECT SUMMARY SHEET Broad Street/Highway 227 Corridor Enhancement Plan Objective To involve the neighborhood in a comprehensive study of the corridor along both sides of Broad Street/Highway 227 from Rockview Place to High Street and from the railroad tracks on the east and the first block along the west side of Broad Street. To give this under-represented neighborhood access to the potential their land has in today's market and improve the jobs/housing balance of our downtown. Discussion The area along Broad Street between High Street and Orcutt Road historically housed ethnic and lower income families. Following World War II the uses in the area became increasingly service commercial due in part to its location adjacent to the railroad tracks and Highway 227. This shift in uses has created a mix of older small homes and small businesses. Many of the smaller homes in this neighborhood provide relatively affordable housing with the newer Villa Rosa residential condominiums providing a range of affordable to upper moderate housing. Broad Street in the project area is a State Highway and transportation thoroughfare close to, and directly connecting to, the downtown. The corridor is ideally situated to implement now-widely accepted transit oriented development principles. The location is also well suited for higher density housing that will serve traditionally low-income households through lower housing costs and convenient access to the downtown and the Railroad Transit Center as well as nearby jobs. Tasks % of Work Cost I) Staffing and consultant selection 5% $12,000 2)Review and consolidation of data 10% 24,000 3) Outreach/task force/neighborhood survey 20% 48,000 4)Preparation of alternatives 20% 48,000 5)Report and recommendations on findings 10% 24,000 6)Preparation of Area Plan 25% 60,000 7)Environmental review of plan 10% 24,000 TOTAL 100% $240,000 Products 1) Procedures on more effective community involvement 2) Results of neighborhood survey 3) Report on potential solutions to corridor problems 4) Draft Area Plan Revenues Expenditures Environmental Justice Grant $200,000 City staff(Admin. Costs) $24,000 City budget 28,000 Contract employee 72,000 In-kind match 12,000 Consultants 140,000 Materials& Supplies 4,000 Total $2409000 $240,000 1 C� -% Attachment 3 RESOLUTION NO. (2002 Series) A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO AUTHORIZING THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR TO APPLY FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE GRANT TO STUDY THE BROAD STREET CORRIDOR WHEREAS, the California Department of Transportation, Division of Transportation Planning has grant monies available to promote Environmental Justice: Context-Sensitive Planning for Communities; and WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo has an area Broad Street/Highway 227 between Orcutt Road and High Street that could benefit from a study of potential changes in land uses that specifically includes a targeted effort to involve minority business owners as well as traditionally under-represented homeowners and property owners; and WHEREAS, there exists a clearly demonstrated interest in the community to look at improving the appearance and functionally of this major entrance to the City's historic district and downtown; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo that the Community Development Director is authorized to apply to the State of California for an Environmental Justice Grant for the 2003 —2004 cycle; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ALSO RESOLVED, that if recommended for funding by the State of California, the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo authorizes the City of San Luis Obispo to accept a grant of up to $200,000. Upon motion of , seconded by , and on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: The foregoing resolution was adopted this day of 200x. Mayor Allen Settle ATTEST: Lee Price, City Clerk C13 _g Attachment 3 Resolution No. (2002 Series) Page 2 APPROVED AS TO FORM: WJon efllb.7Jr gen, rty Attorney L:\Grants\FY 03-04EJGReso.doc 013 -9