Moraga authorizes HCD application to support Park Street senior affordable housing
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Summary
The Town Council authorized staff to file a $560,000 California HCD application to support the Park Street senior housing project after staff said Moraga's pro‑housing designation made the town eligible. Council noted the award would not by itself guarantee construction and asked staff to report back on Danco's financing status.
The Moraga Town Council voted on Jan. 20 to authorize the town manager to submit an application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for $560,000 under the state's Pro‑Housing funding opportunity, staff said.
Planning staff explained the request is possible because Moraga obtained a pro‑housing designation, which awarded the town points under the HCD scoring system; staff said the town scored 41 points under that designation and therefore qualified for up to $560,000 in funding to support a local affordable housing project.
"We applied for and received the pro housing designation with HED, scoring 41 points," Principal Planner Brian Horn told the council, and staff recommended targeting the Park Street senior housing project as the most appropriate use for the award. The project — for which developer Danco has pursued a capital stack that includes a $2 million acquisition loan — would use the HCD funds to strengthen a Tax Credit Allocation Committee (TCAC) application, staff said.
Council members and staff clarified that the HCD application and possible award would assist the project but would not by itself guarantee that construction will proceed. Town staff said the HCD NOFO application window closes in March and that HCD would announce awards in June if Moraga’s application is selected.
Why it matters: If awarded, the $560,000 would be earmarked for the Park Street senior housing project to address local affordable senior housing needs. Staff emphasized the need to continue assembling the full financing package, including TCAC and other sources, before construction can begin.
Quotes
"We qualified for $560,000," said Brian Horn, noting the town's pro‑housing status and the project's eligibility. (Brian Horn)
Details and next steps: Staff will submit the application by the March deadline, follow up with developer Danco to confirm the current capital stack, and return to council with an update on funding commitments and the project's schedule. Councilors requested a memo detailing funds already raised, restrictions on the HCD funds and expected next steps for the project's financing.
Ending: The council approved the authorization and directed staff to report back on Danco's financing and the implications for the project schedule.