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April 15, 2016 www.kennedycommission.org 17701 Cowan Ave., Suite 200 Honorable Mayor Miguel Pulido and Council Members Irvine, CA 92614 949250090 City of Santa Ana Fax 949 263 0647 20 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, CA 92701 RE: Support for First Street Apartments, 1440 East First Street Honorable Miguel Pulido and Council Members: The Kennedy Commission (the Commission) is a broad based coalition of residents and community organizations that advocates for the production of homes affordable for families earning less than $20,000 annually in Orange County. Formed in 2001, the Commission has been successful in partnering and working with Orange County jurisdictions to create effective housing policies that has led to the new construction of homes affordable to lower income working families. The Commission would like to commend the City's leadership and support in encouraging and facilitating the development of homes affordable to lower income working families. As the City continues its great efforts in addressing the City's housing needs for lower income workers and families, the Commission recommends the City to support the First Street Apartments proposed by AMCAL Multi -Housing, Inc. (AMCAL). The site is well-suited for affordable workforce housing for lower income families and conveniently located near amenities, educational facilities and recreation services. First Street Apartments is also a part of an important revitalization effort to develop residential uses along the First Street corridor - a key gateway for the City of Santa Ana. AMCAL's proposal is consistent with the vision of local planning documents for the City of Santa Ana. The site is also listed as a housing opportunity site in the City's Housing Element, as adopted by the City Council. In addition to being well designed and affordable, the apartment homes include 3 - and 4 -bedroom units for larger families, which is greatly needed in Santa Ana. The Commission also urges the City not to accept a proposal to phased payments of in lieu fees from Heritage Village OC. The City needs to ensure that the in lieu fee from Heritage Village OC be available in whole as committed upon the approval of the project. These resources and funding are crucial to achieve the City's affordable housing needs that are not being met by the market. In addition, the availability of the funds upfront is necessary for the City and the developer to secure and leverage the additional state and federal affordable housing resources that are competitive and required for the First St. Apartments. The Commission looks forward to continuing our partnership with the City to increase affordable home opportunities for lower income working families. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. I can reached at (949) 250-0909 or cesarc@kennedycommission.org. Sincerely, Cesar Covarrubias, Executive Director