The Vallejo City Council approved a transfer of $228,399 from the operator to the developer of the Broadway Project, a facility aimed at supporting the homeless population. During a meeting held on October 31, 2023, Assistant City Manager Gillian Haen shared that the target date for achieving 100 percent occupancy is set for December 31, 2023.
This pivotal decision comes after multiple delays in the project’s timeline. Initially scheduled to open in 2023, the facility’s opening date has been postponed several times, with the latest estimates pushing it to the first week of November 2025. The ongoing delays have resulted in significant financial implications, costing the city approximately $18,000 weekly since August.
Originally budgeted at $9 million, the facility’s costs have ballooned to a staggering $27 million due to various overruns. The transfer of funds will facilitate the transition from the project’s current operator, Shelter, Inc., to the developer, Firm Foundation Community Housing. Natalie Peterson, assistant to the city manager, explained that these funds will cover necessary fees for maintaining the building before tenants move in.
The allocated funds are sourced from opioid litigation settlements, as California pursues legal action against manufacturers and distributors linked to the opioid crisis. Vallejo has received a total of $1,293,818.94 from these settlements, according to the staff report presented to the council.
During the public comment segment of the meeting, resident William Baker expressed his support for the budget change, emphasizing the need for the city to hire a housing development officer to avoid further complications. The vote passed with a majority of 6-1, with Mayor Andrea Sorce casting the sole dissenting vote.
Occupancy Goals and Delays
The Broadway Project consists of 47 units designated for supportive housing in north Vallejo. Peterson reported that 18 individuals have been deemed “move-in ready.” Additionally, 51 packets of required documentation are currently being processed for background checks. Previously, at a meeting on July 22, Peterson noted that 30 participants were already document-ready and awaiting referral.
The project’s occupancy goals are ambitious. Peterson outlined that the aim is to achieve 90 percent occupancy by the end of the calendar year, aligning with guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Haen clarified the dual objectives of reaching 100 percent occupancy by December 31 while adhering to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) requirement.
The delays attributed to the project have included complications such as holiday scheduling and a leak in the manager’s unit, which was first reported on October 28, 2023. The resolution of this leak is expected to extend through the end of the year.
Despite earlier announcements regarding a potential ribbon-cutting ceremony anticipated in October, the event has yet to occur. City Manager Andrew Murray had previously indicated that the ceremony would be held after residents experiencing homelessness had moved into the facility, but no new date has been communicated.
As the Vallejo City Council navigates these challenges, the community remains hopeful that the Broadway Project will soon provide essential housing for those in need. Further updates on the council’s activities are expected in a forthcoming article.
