LAKEPORT >> An exclusive negotiating agreement for multiple aspects of the proposed veterans housing project in Clearlake was approved by the Lake County Board of Supervisors Tuesday.
The agreement establishes a negotiating period of one year to allow discussion regarding transferring the property to the Veterans Housing Development Corporation (VHDC), land disposition, price, project design, development schedule and financing.
Although the agreement prohibits the county from disposing of the property during the negotiating period, there is no obligation to transfer the property.
As part of the proposal, two parcels located on 18th Avenue between Phillips and Irving avenues were discussed.
The smaller of the parcels was not brought before the Clearlake City Council in January, but only the 16-acre property. However, a portion of it may be used to extend Phillips Road.
“It’s just there in play for potential consideration of another point of entry,” District 4 Supervisor Anthony Farrington explained. “There is still no obligation for the county … to sell the site or any portion thereof to the developer, nor does it grant the developer the right to develop the property.
The property in question, which is located at 7175 South Center Drive, has been discussed for multiple potential uses. According to District 2 Supervisor Jeff Smith, potential uses included a relocation site for the Clearlake division of the Lake County Superior Court, a transit hub for the Lake Transit Authority, as well as parking for the court and the Lake County Mental Health Department.
Another concern regarded eligible tenants.
Founder and Executive Director of Vietnam Veterans of America Peter Cameron, who has worked on the project since it was originally presented to the board in August, said that Proposition 41 funds have been the primary focus – meaning that the veterans would specifically be served.
“There are variable possibilities here,” Cameron added, explaining that multiple funding sources not exclusive to veterans can be pursued.
“My biggest concern is that we don’t miss the cycle and opportunities … that make this a premier and prominent project.” Farrington said. “I would like to see what we can do the expedite this to move this forward and get this concluded so we don’t miss another opportunity for funding.”
During public comment Andy Peterson suggested a timeline for completion of the project, as well as the development being used specifically for veterans.
“It is going to be very tempting if it doesn’t fill up to say ‘well let’s find some way to make it more financially viable and put other people in there,’” Peterson said.
The board approved the agreement with a 4-0 vote, District 1 Supervisor Jim Comstock was absent.
Contact J. W. Burch, IV at 900-2022.
