Clearlake council approves resolutions backing 80‑unit affordable housing project

The Clearlake City Council voted unanimously to adopt two resolutions (recorded in the meeting as resolution numbers 2023‑335 and 2023‑336) endorsing an affordable housing project proposed by Housing Investment Corporation and supporting the developer’s funding applications.

Teresa Pukalski, identified in the record as a development associate at Chelsea Investment Corporation, and Lorenzo Alvarez joined the meeting to describe the project and answer council questions. Presenters said the proposal includes about 80 residential units (one manager unit) with a mix of one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom apartments aimed at households earning approximately 30%–60% of area median income. Preliminary designs call for multiple low‑rise buildings, roughly 46 parking spaces and a separate community building with laundry, a community kitchen and leasing office. Presenters said schematics and unit mix are preliminary and subject to refinement with community input.

On funding, presenters and staff said the project’s financing strategy depends on securing several awards: an LGMG (local grant) application, the state Home Fund expected in mid‑to‑late September, and a competitive 9% tax‑credit round next year. Staff noted the project faced scoring challenges tied to site characteristics and that city and state representatives had been engaged to improve competitiveness. Council asked what would happen if an application failed; presenters said they would pursue alternative funding sources but that multiple awards must align to get to closing and construction.

Council Member Kramer moved to adopt the two resolutions and Council Member Overton seconded; the motion passed by unanimous voice vote. The council recorded no roll‑call names during the voice vote; the record indicates unanimous adoption.

Next steps discussed in the meeting: staff will continue supporting the application process, monitor state funding rounds, and return to council as needed for further approvals related to project entitlements and funding.