Board approves purchase of former Park Rose Gardens for behavioral‑health housing

The Solano County Board of Supervisors voted 5–0 to authorize the purchase of the former Park Rose Gardens assisted‑living campus at 1095 East Tabor Avenue in Fairfield for $6,250,000 plus administrative and closing costs, with staff proposing to fund the acquisition largely from reallocated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) appropriations and up to $3.6 million in ARPA interest earnings.

Emery Cohen, chief deputy for behavioral health, told the board the property includes 52 units across roughly 28,000 square feet and is near transit and a municipal park. "The ability to purchase this property is to not have to have all the strings attached that come with some funding sources," Cohen said, arguing county ownership would allow faster placements of people exiting higher‑cost residential treatment.

The board asked for details on closing costs and long‑term protections. Staff said a preliminary settlement statement estimates roughly $10,000 in closing/title fees and escrow costs; renovation estimates range from about $4 million to as much as $12 million depending on scope. Debbie Vaughn, assistant county administrator, said ARPA appropriations currently available total about $7.3 million and interest earnings could add up to $3.6 million for a total program budget the board described as sufficient to buy and begin renovations.

Board members and mental‑health advocates urged protections to keep the property in public‑health use over time. Supervisor Williams moved to approve all four recommendations in the staff report and asked staff to explore a deed restriction to preserve supportive‑housing use; a fellow supervisor seconded the motion. "I want us to definitely take into strong consideration the deed restriction," Williams said. The motion passed by roll call vote.

Public commenters and local advocacy groups, including NAMI representatives, urged approval. Lucy of NAMI Solano said the location and amenities would make the site "one of a perfect solution to our housing problems" for people exiting detox and residential treatment.

Next steps: county staff will open escrow after board approval, develop a design/renovation plan through General Services capital projects, and pursue a facility‑use agreement for interim operations while renovations proceed. The board asked staff to report back on options for a long‑term deed restriction.

Provenance: Topic introduced at the reading of item 15 and presentation (SEG 632); board vote and readback of approval occurred during the later vote and motion sequence (SEG 1204–1210).