Belmont is advancing its plans to divest from three city-owned residential properties, which include a group home, a skilled nursing facility and a currently vacant duplex that previously housed moderate-income households.
As part of the state’s dissolution of redevelopment agencies in 2012, the city acquired several residential facilities, some of which it has since sold. It still owns 730 El Camino Real — a group home for those with intellectual disabilities — 503 Crest View Ave., a skilled nursing facility and 1000 O’Neill Ave., also known as the Emmett House, which has up until recently housed moderate-income households.
According to a previous report, for all three properties, the city collects about $7,100 monthly but each has at least $110,000 in deferred maintenance costs and have required significant investment both from a financial and city staff perspective.
“There are challenges posed to the city by owning these properties, including high operating expenses, limited rents, limited staff resources to manage the properties including repairs and maintenance and potential liabilities if properties are not kept in good repair,” said Tobi Lieberman, housing and economic development manager, during a meeting Feb. 24.
The City Council approved moving forward with transferring the 730 El Camino Real property to Kainos, which currently operates the facility, and would require that it maintain its current use for at least 55 years. It also approved selling the Emmett House on the open market with restrictions in place that would require the historic maintenance of the exterior. The home was built in 1885, originally on Ralston Avenue, and was moved to its current location in 2008 and converted to the duplex in 2011.
“This was a rental property for moderate-income residents until recently, but it’s currently vacant, and the deferred maintenance is estimated at about $209,000,” Lieberman said. “The appraised value is estimated at $2.23 million.”
According to a staff report, the city is currently in negotiations with the nonprofit Brilliant Corners for the purchase of the Crest View property, which it intends to continue running as a nursing facility.
The council unanimously approved the plans, which allow city staff to move forward with the property sales.
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