Vallejo Council Approves $228K for Broadway Project, Eyes Year-End Move-In
URGENT UPDATE: The Vallejo City Council has just approved the transfer of $228,399 from the operator to the developer of the troubled Broadway Project, aiming for 100 percent occupancy by December 31. Assistant City Manager Gillian Haen confirmed the latest target date for the long-delayed homeless facility, marking the sixth projected opening date since its initial schedule in 2023.
The Broadway Project, originally budgeted at $9 million, has seen costs balloon to an alarming $27 million amid ongoing delays, costing the city $18,000 per week since August. The funding transfer, sourced from opioid litigation settlements, will facilitate necessary fees for transitioning operations from Shelter, Inc. to Firm Foundation Community Housing.
During the council meeting, which adjourned at 12:25 a.m., Haen reiterated the urgency of the situation, stating, “Our goal lease-up date to hit 90 percent occupancy is the end of the calendar year,” aligning with HUD requirements. Currently, 18 individuals are deemed “move-in ready,” with another 51 packets undergoing processing for necessary documentation.
Public comment reflected community sentiment, with resident William Baker urging the council to approve the funding transfer, emphasizing, “The city desperately needs to hire a housing development officer.” The council ultimately voted 6-1 in favor of the transfer, with Mayor Andrea Sorce casting the lone dissenting vote.
The Broadway Project is crucial for addressing homelessness in Vallejo, providing 47 supportive housing units in north Vallejo. However, the timeline has faced setbacks, including a leak in the manager’s unit, first reported on October 28. Consequently, the city manager Andrew Murray had previously announced that a ribbon-cutting ceremony would occur in October, contingent upon move-ins, but no new date has been set.
As the council works to meet both internal and state goals, the community watches closely. The urgency surrounding the project underscores the pressing need for housing solutions in Vallejo.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Broadway Project as this story develops.
