Title
Exterior Rehabilitation Grant Application for 1529 W. Taylor St. (Ordinance S-45407)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into necessary agreements and conveyances with JEM Investment Trust related to a Historic Preservation Exterior Rehabilitation grant of up to $28,300 for reroofing and wood siding repair at 1529 W. Taylor St. in the Oakland Historic District. Further request authorization for the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item.
Report
Summary
Built ca. 1919, the house at 1529 W. Taylor St. is a single-family residence constructed of wood frame. Its character-defining features include a hip roof sheathed with asphalt shingles, exposed rafter ends, wood windows and clapboard siding. The house is a contributor to the Oakland Historic District and is one of just a few remaining in the district with its original clapboard siding. A second dwelling, located at the rear of the property, was damaged by fire and was demolished in May 2018. The remaining building is vacant and in poor condition.
The property was purchased by the current owner, JEM Investment Trust, in August 2018. The grant request is specifically to provide assistance with the siding and roof repairs, although additional items may be included as appropriate. The estimated cost for the siding repair is $16,300 and the cost for the roof repair is $12,000 for a combined total of $28,300.
Given the condition of the property, it would have qualified for funding as a threatened building, but because the City’s Warehouse & Threatened Building grant funds have all been committed, staff is recommending that Exterior Rehabilitation grant funds be used instead. Generally, Exterior Rehabilitation grant projects are approved in an annual grant round and there is a $10,000 limit; however, given that there are additional funds available and that they will be lost if they are not encumbered by the end of this fiscal year, staff recommends making an exception. Because Exterior Rehabilitation grant funds are intended to fund improvements to properties in residential historic districts, their use for this project is appropriate.
The grant funds will be disbursed to the applicant on a reimbursement basis, as work items are completed. The applicant will be required to provide a dollar-for-dollar match, which may be used for exterior work or for items such as plumbing, electrical, mechanical, interior or site work, which are not eligible for historic preservation grant funds.
Financial Impact
The amount requested for the Exterior Rehabilitation grant is $28,300. In exchange for the grant funds, the city will receive a 20-year conservation easement on the property. The easement will require preservation of the property and that it be insured and maintained in good repair. Funding is available in the Planning and Historic Preservation CIP budget.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The Historic Preservation Commission recommended approval of this item on Jan. 14, 2019, by a vote of 7-0.
This item was recommended for approval by the Planning and Economic Development Subcommittee on Feb. 5, 2019, by a vote of 4-0.
Location
1529 W. Taylor St.
Council District: 7
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Mario Paniagua and the Planning and Development Department.