Council approves four city parcels for Samaritan Center transitional‑housing feasibility study

The City Council voted to include four city‑owned properties in a feasibility study requested by the Samaritan Center to explore transitional housing models and site options.

Assistant to the City Manager Angel Sierra told council staff conducted a preliminary review of city parcels considering size, access, existing municipal uses, general plan/zoning and environmental constraints. "The purpose of the feasibility study is to evaluate potential housing models, site locations, development costs, operational considerations, and service partnerships before any specific project or site is advanced," Sierra said. He emphasized that inclusion in the study does not commit the city to making a property available for future development and that any future project would require further analysis, environmental review and council consideration.

Council member Rhodes recommended removing a small pocket park from the list as infeasible; members also urged the Samaritan Center and the consultant to consider private and county properties in addition to city parcels to widen options. The council moved to include properties 1, 2, 4 and 5 in the feasibility review; the motion passed with Mayor Pro Tem Litster voting no. Councilmember Ayala and others stressed that the study is meant to examine transitional housing with wraparound services—not to create a replacement shelter for the Samaritan Center.

Staff said the RFP for the study would be released in early August and that the selected developer will evaluate candidate sites and work collaboratively with city staff and the Samaritan Center.