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Commission to explore placing housing and social services program at Cultural Arts Center; item deferred
Summary
Vice Mayor Kelly’s resolution to explore locating a city housing and social services program at the Cultural Arts Center (2105 Alibaba Ave.) was discussed and deferred for one meeting so staff and councilmembers can coordinate program details and existing work.
The commission on Aug. 25 considered a resolution directing the city manager to explore placing a housing and social services program at the Cultural Arts Center, 2105 Alibaba Avenue, but the sponsor later deferred the item to the next meeting to allow additional coordination.
Vice Mayor Kelly said the resolution would allow staff to examine whether the city’s planned social service functions could be located in the city-owned Cultural Arts Center, where a prior tenant had vacated space. Kelly said the intent is to create a central location for social services already budgeted by the city and to provide a resource hub for emergencies and resident assistance.
Several commissioners supported the idea but asked for more detail. Commissioner Rivera requested that if the state or other owners decline to sell or transfer space, the city should press to reclaim or receive promised space that earlier agreements had indicated would be available to the city. Commissioner Santiago, speaking about residents he had recently encountered sleeping in cars, strongly supported a quicker path to program services and said he would sponsor and, if necessary, bring the idea forward himself.
The sponsor, Vice Mayor Kelly, deferred the item to the Sept. 10 meeting to allow staff to coordinate and present a clear program vision and space plan. The commission approved the deferral 4-0.
The resolution does not itself create or fund services; it directs staff to explore placement and return with recommendations.
