Title
The Haven Update
Description
This report provides the Community and Cultural Investment Subcommittee with an update on the CARES Act Community Development Block Grant-funded The Haven shelter facility project.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
On July 1, 2021, the City Council approved an award of $4 million of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-CV) funds to Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) to fund the acquisition and rehab of Project Haven II, a previous hotel, intended to serve clients experiencing homelessness over the age of 55. Included in the action, the City Council directed staff to require in the contract for CASS to create an Advisory Committee with a minimum of 50 percent community member participation and pre-approved by City staff, as well as requiring CASS to hold community meetings prior to the public hearing for a required Use Permit.
CASS actively worked with neighborhood leaders to ensure the project included elements that would help ensure the safety and security of their customers and have a positive impact on the surrounding community. CASS applied for a required Use Permit to operate at this site with a hearing held on Sept. 23, 2021. In anticipation of the hearing, CASS actively engaged with the Neighborhood Services Department and Phoenix Police Department staff, as well as neighborhood leaders to identify strategies to ensure success for this project and ongoing operations, including items resulting from a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design audit. The Use Permit was approved on Sept. 23, 2021, with stipulations, including reference to a Good Neighbor Agreement. The Good Neighbor Agreement was publicly signed on Nov. 16, 2021, and included signatures from 14 community partners. CASS formed their Advisory Committee and meets with the committee monthly.
Additionally, CASS partnered with the Arizona Department of Housing, receiving an award of approximately $7.5 million in CDBG-CV funds for the acquisition of property located at 8152 N. Black Canyon Highway, the Haven site. The property was acquired on Nov. 30, 2021.
The HUD required Environmental Review for the rehabilitation of this property was completed on March 3, 2022. In May 2022, a contract was executed with CASS, and CASS subsequently entered into an agreement with an architect for the development of construction plans relative to the rehabilitation of the Project Haven II property. The architect-initiated planning and design of the project on June 12, 2022, with schematic design completed on Aug. 8, 2022. Currently construction documents are at 85 percent completion and staff continue to work with Planning and Development Department staff on the plan review and revisions. Once the plan review has been completed, the construction documents can be included in a bid package.
The tentative schedule for the Haven project is as follows:
- November 2022 - CASS to issue a procurement to identify a contractor;
- December 2022 - Procurement bids will be due;
- January 2023 - Bids will be opened and award made to a contractor; and
- February 2023 - Notice to Proceed issued to selected contractor.
Staff anticipate the construction process will be completed, and the project will be closed, by June 30, 2023 based upon CASS submittal information.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Alan Stephenson and the Neighborhood Services Department.