SR 05:103 - Laserfiche WebLink

Erica Mackie, Executive Director of GRID Alternatives, thanked the Commission for the funding for last year. They are currently requesting a second year of funding for the Solar Affordable Housing Program. Ms. Mackie reported that GRID is modeled somewhat on Habitat for Humanity in that they use volunteer labor to provide affordable solar electric systems for low-income families. GRID has a two evening training classes for volunteers. Those volunteers, along with a licensed contractor and GRID staff, install solar electric systems on the homes of low-income families. GRID receives discounted pricing from local suppliers. They leverage the California Energy Commission Rebate. Free installation and discounted pricing combine to reduce the cost of the system by 80%. Alameda County has been providing loans to their clients to pay for that final cost. An average small system offsets about $40 of electricity every month, which is replaced by a $20 payment toward the solar energy system. Those payments are most oPten deferred until title changes. Ms. Mackie said that to date they have five confirmed applicants. They have received more applications, but some may not be eligible. Current funds are expected to be expended by the end of the fiscal year. Vice Chairperson Harris asked about the eleven site visits mentioned in the staff report. Ms. Mackie replied that the process is threefold: 1) each applicant is screened by phone; 2) if he/she sounds like a good candidate, the home is then screened for suitability for solar; and 3) the person is asked to submit an application. Jay de Los Reyes, Project Manager, Allied Housing, Inc., thanked the Commission for supporting the Housing Alliance project in Castro Valley. Mr. Reyes described the Carmen Avenue project and distributed three handouts. He indicated that the Livermore project will include 30 apartment units that will be occupied by households with special needs, victims of domestic violence, and families with disabled members. The project has final design approval and construction drawings are expected to be submitted to the Livermore Building Department for permits this month. Mr. Reyes indicated that if all financing were in place they would pull permits in the late summer or early fall. He also noted that some of the neighbors have filed a complaint against the City approval. However, they remain optimistic that the complaint will be settled. Chairperson Stark asked about the nature of the complaint. Mr. Reyes replied that the neighbors apparently feel that the project is too dense for the neighborhood and would generate too much traffic. However, based on the City of Livermore's study and experience the project would have a negligible impact on the traffic in the neighborhood. Chairperson Stark asked if there is a lawsuit against the project. Mr. Reyes answered yes and added that the complaint states that the City should have made an official finding that the project would meet affordable housing needs. Mr. Reyes feels confident they will win the lawsuit as there have already been two settlement talks to date. _Page - 2 -