City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: OCTOBER 21, 2015
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MARK B. JINKS, CITY MANAGER /s/
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of Approval to Lease City-owned Property at 211 Aspen Street.
BODY
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ISSUE: Consideration of the acceptance of an unsolicited offer received from New Hope Housing for the lease of City-owned property at 211 Aspen Street.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council authorize City Manager to execute a lease of City-owned property at 211 Aspen Street to New Hope Housing at a rate of $1 per month for an initial term of three years and then two one-year renewals for rapid-rehousing of single men who are homeless with a preference given to veterans.
BACKGROUND: The City-owned property at 211 Aspen Street was purchased in February 1989 for the express purpose of housing four individuals admitted to the Alexandria Community Services Board (ACSB) dual diagnosis substance abuse/mental health transitional housing program. It had been established and rooted in the community for 23 years as housing serving a vulnerable population. This program was discontinued and the facility closed in June 2013 as budget reduction for DCHS.
Acceptance of the proposal from the non-profit New Hope Housing (NHH) to use the City-owned property located at 211 Aspen Street as affordable housing for homeless single men with a preference given to veterans implements the Housing Master Plan's recommendation to maximize public land for affordable housing. Further, the proposal is aligned with Goal #7 of the City's Strategic Plan:
Goal #7: Alexandria is a caring and inclusive community that values its rich diversity, history and culture, and promotes affordability.
Objective: Promote a continuum of affordable housing opportunities for all residents, especially those most in need.
Initiative: Ach...
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