When the Emeryville Redevelopment Agency was dissolved by the State in February, there were many projects that were in various stages of beginning, development and completion. The process to end the flow of tax increment money to these projects is messy and confusing. Our Oversight Board consists of 7 members (including me) from the community representing tax entities who are in positions to benefit from tax increment money again flowing to them instead of redevelopment. We have been grappling with the list of "recognized obligations" that are allowable under the dissolution law. After sending our list of what we considered allowable expenses to the State, we received back a letter that challenged many of the larger projects that are underway. We meet again on May 29 at 5:30pm at City Hall, to consider these projects in more detail, sifting through the contracts and paperwork to determine whether they pass the test of "obligation" to a third party.
For now, the uncertainty is high. The Emeryville Center of Community Life (ECCL), a joint project with the School District, and the South Bayfront Bike and Pedestrian Bridge, along with parcels purchased for affordable housing have all been questioned by the State Department of Finance. Meanwhile, legislation to clarify and help with the termination of redevelopment are wending their way through Sacramento, but there is no fix yet put up for a vote by the Senate or Assembly. It is tangled up in the state budget problems/process.
All this is to say, that I will keep you posted, but you are also welcome to attend or watch the Oversight Board meetings. They are on the second and fourth Tuesdays at City Hall at 5:30pm (except in May the meeting will be on the fifth Tuesday).
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Affordable Housing Week - Groundbreaking!
This week is Affordable Housing Week. In celebration, we are having the official groundbreaking ceremony for the Ambassador. The information flyer tells you that on Friday, May 18, from 3:30 until 4:30 there will be an event at 1168 36th St. (corner of Peralta). What most impresses me about this project (that has been in the works for about 10 years) is that it is 68 affordable housing units with a significant number of 2 and 3 bedroom units, suitable for families. We know Emeryville has a low number of families, and we know that our housing stock has a low number of larger units. With the Ambassador, we can welcome more families to Emeryville, which is very important considering our efforts to strengthen our schools and build the Center of Community Life. Please join us in celebrating a milestone in our affordable housing efforts.
Last Friday, May 11, I had the honor of speaking at another groundbreaking event -- this one for the 64th & Christie apartments at the Public Market. The ceremony was well attended and also highlighted Emeryville's efforts to include affordable housing in developments that receive funding assistance from the City or former Redevelopment Agency. This development will have 29 affordable housing units in the 193 unit development. At that event, we also got a tour of the Green Living Room, an outdoor space that is under construction to highlight innovative green technologies you can touch and see. The new Urban Outfitters is nearly complete (opening June 7), and also reuses wood and materials from older buildings. The upgrade of the Public Market is impressive, especially when you learn the details of how much of the materials are finding a new life here after spending as much as 100 years in another building that was then demolished. Stop by Hot Italian, a new, delicious pizza place and bar. (I heard they are showing Breaking Away, a great bike movie from my hometown, Bloomington, Indiana on Thursday, May 24.)
Last Friday, May 11, I had the honor of speaking at another groundbreaking event -- this one for the 64th & Christie apartments at the Public Market. The ceremony was well attended and also highlighted Emeryville's efforts to include affordable housing in developments that receive funding assistance from the City or former Redevelopment Agency. This development will have 29 affordable housing units in the 193 unit development. At that event, we also got a tour of the Green Living Room, an outdoor space that is under construction to highlight innovative green technologies you can touch and see. The new Urban Outfitters is nearly complete (opening June 7), and also reuses wood and materials from older buildings. The upgrade of the Public Market is impressive, especially when you learn the details of how much of the materials are finding a new life here after spending as much as 100 years in another building that was then demolished. Stop by Hot Italian, a new, delicious pizza place and bar. (I heard they are showing Breaking Away, a great bike movie from my hometown, Bloomington, Indiana on Thursday, May 24.)
Library event: Sunday, June 10, 2012 from 2-4
My daughters and I love to go to the library. We spend hours there, looking at books, reading books, checking out videos, doing art, getting to know the librarians, and running into friends. Today, when I dropped by, I ran into a former librarian, who has retired, but was back to promote an event remembering Lottie Rose, a woman who was committed to improving the library. A quilt has been made in memory of Lottie Rose, and on Sunday, June 10, from 2-4, there will be a dedication ceremony to honor Lottie's contributions to the Golden Gate Library and the community. Please come! Golden Gate Library, 5606 San Pablo Ave. in Oakland. 510-597-5023
Flyer here.
Flyer here.
City Council Update May 2012
Coming up next week is your chance to weigh in on the next 2 year budget of the city of Emeryville. Please come to City Hall (1333 Park Ave.) on Weds, May 23 at 5:30 pm to address the Council and hear our deliberations. On Monday and Tuesday (both days at 5:30pm, also at City Hall) the Department Heads will present their portions of the budget. The agendas are posted for your information. Childcare will be provided.
Planning Commissioner applications are being accepted until Monday, May 21 at 5:00 pm. There are two positions that are up for re-appointment or new appointments. Please find the application here.
Last night, the City Council addressed many issues that may be of interest to you. The list is below, followed by more detailed information on these items with links to even more info.
The red light cameras at 4 intersection approaches in town have been in place for about 9 years and they are being discontinued. They are no longer cost effective for Emeryville (staff report is here) as more staff time has been required to support the violations, and the number of citations have decreased. From my perspective, there have been numerous complaints about unfair citations, where the presence of an officer might have resulted in no citation, but the camera just captures one dimension, and the courts have not been willing to consider other information when appealed. These tickets are very expensive, costing around $500. We increased the length of the yellow lights slightly which reduced the number of citations as well. Recently, we added a new sign on eastbound 40th St. alerting drivers to come to a complete stop before turning right on red onto Horton St. This corner was one that provided most of the citations by camera. Please look for pedestrians and drive safely in Emeryville!
With the support of staff in the Fire Dept., we have committed to a contract (staff report) with the Alameda County Fire District. The ACFD is very well run and will provide enhanced services for a lower cost than we currently spend. Over the years, ACFD has grown to include Dublin, Newark and the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. Our fire stations will remain open, the staff will be the same, but we will have better coverage and support from both the county and our nearest neighbor, Oakland. The contract is for 5 years.
I am very excited about the Bike/Ped Plan (this is a large file for the plan itself, the staff report is shorter). It very clearly lists projects and improvements throughout town that will make alternative, active transportation better for all residents and workers in Emeryville. Look for new bike fix-it stations with tools to repair your bike! Safety and convenience are key to encouraging more people to leave their cars behind.
The hydrogen leak at the AC Transit bus yard is still being investigated. We know that AC Transit has been responsive to the City's concerns, and that the Fire Dept., the Police Dept., and the School District were all prepared and fast to respond to the emergency on May 4. The hydrogen tanks are now empty and the program will not be reactivated until all concerns have been addressed. The safety system worked as it was supposed to. Please see the official press release for more information.
For the latest on ECDC, you can read the staff report about the Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) that our new, dedicated Center Manager is already implementing. We asked for an outside analysis of the Center and have found that there are many improvements to be made. This is an opportunity to really support the center and anticipate the positive, long term results from a strong early childhood education program in Emeryville. We know this is one way to support the schools as well. Now we need to encourage the state to keep funding for subsidized childcare for those who cannot otherwise afford it, as the Governor's budget reduces both the subsidy and reduces the number of families that qualify. Please consider lending your voice to that need as well here for pre-school support and here for K-12 support.
ECAP has been organized and cleaned up by a dedicated group of people over the past several months, and its doors are still open to help those who really need it. For 15 years, ECAP has offered food and clothing to people who do not have enough to get by (located at San Pablo Ave. near 37th St.). With the loss of the redevelopment agency in Feb., the organization was suddenly on its own to find money to pay the rent and utilities. In our next 2 year budget, the City is considering whether to assist this organization, but in the meantime, we have approved funds to cover operating expenses for May and June to keep the lights on. Please consider donating money, time or clothing to this organization. Staff report is here.
Current vacancies on committees: Ad Hoc City Mission statement and Motto Committee (applications due by Monday, June 4); Marina Committee (applications due by Friday, June 8). Application is here.
Planning Commissioner applications are being accepted until Monday, May 21 at 5:00 pm. There are two positions that are up for re-appointment or new appointments. Please find the application here.
Last night, the City Council addressed many issues that may be of interest to you. The list is below, followed by more detailed information on these items with links to even more info.
- Red light camera system eliminated
- Fire Services contracted with Alameda County Fire District
- Bicycle/Pedestrian Plan adopted
- Information on the hydrogen leak at AC Transit's bus yard (Friday, May 4) shared
- Emeryville Child Development Center (ECDC) status reported on in special study session
- ECAP financial support provided for two months
The red light cameras at 4 intersection approaches in town have been in place for about 9 years and they are being discontinued. They are no longer cost effective for Emeryville (staff report is here) as more staff time has been required to support the violations, and the number of citations have decreased. From my perspective, there have been numerous complaints about unfair citations, where the presence of an officer might have resulted in no citation, but the camera just captures one dimension, and the courts have not been willing to consider other information when appealed. These tickets are very expensive, costing around $500. We increased the length of the yellow lights slightly which reduced the number of citations as well. Recently, we added a new sign on eastbound 40th St. alerting drivers to come to a complete stop before turning right on red onto Horton St. This corner was one that provided most of the citations by camera. Please look for pedestrians and drive safely in Emeryville!
With the support of staff in the Fire Dept., we have committed to a contract (staff report) with the Alameda County Fire District. The ACFD is very well run and will provide enhanced services for a lower cost than we currently spend. Over the years, ACFD has grown to include Dublin, Newark and the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. Our fire stations will remain open, the staff will be the same, but we will have better coverage and support from both the county and our nearest neighbor, Oakland. The contract is for 5 years.
I am very excited about the Bike/Ped Plan (this is a large file for the plan itself, the staff report is shorter). It very clearly lists projects and improvements throughout town that will make alternative, active transportation better for all residents and workers in Emeryville. Look for new bike fix-it stations with tools to repair your bike! Safety and convenience are key to encouraging more people to leave their cars behind.
The hydrogen leak at the AC Transit bus yard is still being investigated. We know that AC Transit has been responsive to the City's concerns, and that the Fire Dept., the Police Dept., and the School District were all prepared and fast to respond to the emergency on May 4. The hydrogen tanks are now empty and the program will not be reactivated until all concerns have been addressed. The safety system worked as it was supposed to. Please see the official press release for more information.
For the latest on ECDC, you can read the staff report about the Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) that our new, dedicated Center Manager is already implementing. We asked for an outside analysis of the Center and have found that there are many improvements to be made. This is an opportunity to really support the center and anticipate the positive, long term results from a strong early childhood education program in Emeryville. We know this is one way to support the schools as well. Now we need to encourage the state to keep funding for subsidized childcare for those who cannot otherwise afford it, as the Governor's budget reduces both the subsidy and reduces the number of families that qualify. Please consider lending your voice to that need as well here for pre-school support and here for K-12 support.
ECAP has been organized and cleaned up by a dedicated group of people over the past several months, and its doors are still open to help those who really need it. For 15 years, ECAP has offered food and clothing to people who do not have enough to get by (located at San Pablo Ave. near 37th St.). With the loss of the redevelopment agency in Feb., the organization was suddenly on its own to find money to pay the rent and utilities. In our next 2 year budget, the City is considering whether to assist this organization, but in the meantime, we have approved funds to cover operating expenses for May and June to keep the lights on. Please consider donating money, time or clothing to this organization. Staff report is here.
Current vacancies on committees: Ad Hoc City Mission statement and Motto Committee (applications due by Monday, June 4); Marina Committee (applications due by Friday, June 8). Application is here.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
State of the City Town Hall, Senior Center, Thursday, April 19, 7:00 pm
Thursday evening, April 19, at 7:00pm, at the Senior Center (4321 Salem St.) I will be sharing with you a "State of the City" report. Emeryville's City Manager, Pat O'Keeffe, and I will do a presentation, followed by time for your questions and concerns. Please come to the Senior Center next Thursday evening to hear about what is happening in town, and to have a chance to share your thoughts. This event is open to all, and I hope you will invite your neighbors along!
--
Jennifer West
Mayor of Emeryville
emeryvillewest@gmail.com
blog at http://emeryvillewest.
(510) 420-5795
--
Jennifer West
Mayor of Emeryville
emeryvillewest@gmail.com
blog at http://emeryvillewest.
(510) 420-5795
Friday, April 13, 2012
Capoeira in the Community
Years ago, as a parent at Head Over Heels, the fabulous gymnastics organization in town, I met Malandro. He has coached at HOH over the years, and was a favorite of my then 3 year old daughter. She is now 11, and Malandro is now one of the leaders in the area for teaching and playing Capoeira. In case you are not familiar with this Brazilian dance/martial arts, it is amazing to watch and clearly takes incredible strength to do. Please consider supporting Malandro and his group.
His group uses the Emeryville Senior Center for some of their events. See more info at
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1044871629/from-brazil-2-the-bay-2012-united-by-resistance
I am proud of the variety of groups here in Emeryville, and hope that we can learn from each other through our crafts.
His group uses the Emeryville Senior Center for some of their events. See more info at
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1044871629/from-brazil-2-the-bay-2012-united-by-resistance
I am proud of the variety of groups here in Emeryville, and hope that we can learn from each other through our crafts.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
ECAP - Emeryville's service for folks who need help
Emeryville Community Action Program (ECAP) is located on San Pablo between 36th and 37th St. and passes out food and clothing to people who do not have enough to get along. Sometimes when I bike or drive by I see a line down the street that turns the block. Nellie Hannon, who has run ECAP for a long time, used to serve on the Emeryville City Council. The council will recognize her contributions to the community at this Tuesday's City Council meeting (4/3, 7:15pm, City Hall, 1333 Park Ave.).
For years the Emeryville Redevelopment Agency supported ECAP by paying the lease on their building and the cost of utilities. It cost the Redevelopment Agency about $45,000 per year. There was an additional donation from Community Development Block Grants in the amount of $2,000 per year for holiday baskets. With the end of the Redevelopment Agency in February, the financial support for ECAP disappeared.
At the same time, ECAP lost its tax-exempt status due to lack of filing papers. A new entity, Ohana Community Outreach, has stepped in to help support ECAP and keep the doors open. They are working on plans to sustain the current services and expand them as well. They have applied to regain the tax-exempt status for the organization as well.
My question to the community as we plan for our next two year budget cycle, is whether the City of Emeryville should renew its support for ECAP (or another entity) that provides these services? Right now, money is very tight with redevelopment funds gone. At the City we are potentially cutting staff and shrinking our own services. But within our $28 million General Fund, is there room for the $45,000 that the RDA gave over the years for ECAP? We provide a rent-free location to the Emeryville Chamber of Commerce. Can/should we arrange something similar for ECAP?
Please send me an email at emeryvillewest@gmail.com to let me know your opinion.
For years the Emeryville Redevelopment Agency supported ECAP by paying the lease on their building and the cost of utilities. It cost the Redevelopment Agency about $45,000 per year. There was an additional donation from Community Development Block Grants in the amount of $2,000 per year for holiday baskets. With the end of the Redevelopment Agency in February, the financial support for ECAP disappeared.
At the same time, ECAP lost its tax-exempt status due to lack of filing papers. A new entity, Ohana Community Outreach, has stepped in to help support ECAP and keep the doors open. They are working on plans to sustain the current services and expand them as well. They have applied to regain the tax-exempt status for the organization as well.
My question to the community as we plan for our next two year budget cycle, is whether the City of Emeryville should renew its support for ECAP (or another entity) that provides these services? Right now, money is very tight with redevelopment funds gone. At the City we are potentially cutting staff and shrinking our own services. But within our $28 million General Fund, is there room for the $45,000 that the RDA gave over the years for ECAP? We provide a rent-free location to the Emeryville Chamber of Commerce. Can/should we arrange something similar for ECAP?
Please send me an email at emeryvillewest@gmail.com to let me know your opinion.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
