Belmont plans transfers of two group‑homes, sale of Emmett House and surplus declaration for tiny El Camino parcel

City staff updated the council Oct. 28 on the disposition strategy for four small city‑owned parcels that were originally acquired through the former redevelopment agency. The properties include: 730 El Camino (a licensed group home currently operated by Kynos), 503 Crestview (a licensed skilled‑care residence operated by a private provider), 1000 O’Neil (the Emmett House historic duplex) and a tiny vacant parcel at 780 El Camino Real.

Recommendations and rationale: Staff proposed transferring 730 El Camino to Kynos (a local nonprofit operator) for continued group‑home use and preservation of existing residents; staff said Kynos appeared capable of assuming deferred maintenance costs and ongoing operation. For 503 Crestview staff recommended advancing a partnership approach — conveying to Brilliant Corners with an operating lease or leaseback to the current for‑profit operator — coupled with Golden Gate Regional Center participation to secure state funding for repairs. Both transfers would include deed restrictions preserving the congregate/housing use. For the historic Emmett House at 1000 O’Neil staff recommended a market sale (with historic exterior preservation covenants) and a deposit of proceeds into the city’s affordable‑housing fund for use on new housing development. For the 0.12‑acre 780 El Camino Real parcel staff recommended adopting a surplus declaration (exempt surplus land) to streamline future disposition options if consolidated with an adjacent lot.

Public reaction and partners: Family members and representatives of the residents at Crestview and Kynos spoke in favor of nonprofit ownership to maintain continuity for residents. Brilliant Corners and Golden Gate Regional Center representatives described funding pathways (including state