The Santa Clarita City Council voted to donate land valued at $1.6 million to Family Promise of Santa Clarita Valley, a local homeless outreach organization, following a public hearing during their meeting Tuesday.
After a public hearing during their regular meeting Tuesday, the Santa Clarita City Council voted unanimously to donate 32,220 square feet of vacant land off Newhall Avenue.
“Glad to see this going to a very positive use,” said Councilmemeber Laurene Weste, regarding the vacant lot to be awarded to Family Promise.
While the donation was ultimately authorized, it was not without concern from several residents.
“A property worth 1.6 million is a gift and you should steward that property closely,” said local resident Steve Petzold. “I don’t know if (Family Promise) has financial stability… So unless there’s something we don’t know, a plan before the land is handed over would be nice.”
In response, Councilmember Marsha McLean assured that there are development plans in place for the vacant land, that there are steps put in place for check-ins on the development, as well as contingencies to return the land to the city if goals are not reached.
City officials originally announced that they would consider the donation of the land on Oct. 29.
“The City of Santa Clarita is committed to housing our neighbors affected by homelessness,” said Santa Clarita Mayor and chair of the Community Task Force on Homelessness, Cameron Smyth in October’s statement. “This proposed property transfer of $1.6 million for Family Promise of Santa Clarita Valley, as well as the prior donation of land to Bridge to Home, puts the amount of land the City has contributed to assist our non-profits at nearly $3 million.”
The property under consideration is located at 23652 Newhall Avenue, and was originally purchased by the City of Santa Clarita in 2010. City officials hoped to develop a larger Three Oaks Project, an affordable housing project completed in 2017 in a different lot. Earlier this year, officials placed the value of the land at $1.6 million following an appraisal.
“Since the parcel was purchased with restricted Redevelopment Agency Bond Proceeds, the use of the site is restricted to transitional or affordable housing and must comply with all applicable housing regulations,” October’s statement reads. “The scope of the proposed project by (Family Promise) of four affordable housing units and administrative office space for homeless clients fits within the intended use of the funds.”
See Related: Bridge To Home Announces Project To House 30 People Following The End Of Project Room Key
City officials have been working with Family Promise to “identify property that could be used to construct affordable housing, as well as provide permanent office space for the non-profit,” as part of the City’s Community Plan to Address Homelessness.
Family Promise officials have been actively searching for a permanent space to administer their program since 2018. During that time, they gained support from HomeAid Los Angeles, along with local developer Williams Homes to assist with the construction of the future project.
The City of Santa Clarita was previously awarded a Measure H implementation grant from the County of Los Angeles for $300,000 to assist with this specific priority.
“Family Promise SCV is thrilled that this crucial project is one step closer to reality,” said Dr. Roché Vermaak, executive director of Family Promise of Santa Clarita Valley, in a statement. “We are thankful to the City Council for their support and consideration of this property transfer. This will allow our organization to provide necessary housing and case management services to local homeless families when they need it the most.”
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