URGENT UPDATE: The Vallejo City Council has just voted to allocate $228,399 to expedite the opening of the Broadway Project, a crucial homeless facility, with a target date of December 31, 2025. This marks the sixth estimated opening date for the project, which has faced multiple delays since its initial schedule in 2023.
Assistant City Manager Gillian Haen emphasized the city’s goal of achieving 100 percent occupancy by the end of the year, a critical step in addressing the ongoing homelessness crisis in Vallejo. “The goal is 100 percent occupancy by 12/31,” she told the council.
The Broadway Project, initially budgeted at $9 million, has surged to a staggering $27 million due to extensive cost overruns and delays. Currently, the city incurs losses of $18,000 per week as it waits for the facility to open. The additional funding will help transition operations from Shelter, Inc. to Firm Foundation Community Housing, ensuring the building is ready for tenants.
“The funds will cover fees associated with holding the building prior to tenant move-ins,” said Natalie Peterson, assistant to the city manager. Importantly, this transfer of funds will not incur any additional costs to the city, as the money was already allocated to the project.
“Go ahead, approve this change in budgets. You have to. The money has already been spent,” said resident William Baker during the public comment period.
Despite the urgency, the council meeting dragged on, adjourning at 12:25 a.m., well past typical hours. The council voted 6-1 in favor of the funding transfer, with Mayor Andrea Sorce casting the lone dissenting vote.
The funding in question stems from opioid litigation settlements, as California has joined national lawsuits targeting opioid manufacturers and distributors. Vallejo has received over $1.29 million from these settlements as of August 2023. This funding is now critical for the Broadway Project, a 47-unit supportive housing facility located in north Vallejo.
As of now, 18 individuals have been deemed “move-in ready,” while 51 packets are in the process of obtaining necessary documents and background checks. Earlier reports indicated that 30 participants were already “document-ready,” highlighting the pressing need for housing.
Peterson noted that the timeline for moving individuals into the facility has been delayed due to “mixing in some holidays” and a leak in the manager’s unit, which was disclosed just three weeks ago on October 28.
The council had previously anticipated a ribbon-cutting ceremony in October, which was contingent upon residents moving in. However, no new date has been announced as yet.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on Vallejo’s efforts to meet its occupancy goals. The situation remains fluid, and residents are urged to stay tuned for further updates. This is a pivotal moment for the city as it works to address homelessness and fulfill its commitments to vulnerable populations.
