Council approves ENA for NHSIE townhomes and unanimously backs navigation center; details to return

The San Bernardino City Council unanimously approved an exclusive negotiating agreement (ENA) with Neighborhood Housing Services of the Inland Empire (NHSIE) to pursue site development for up to 19 townhomes intended for low‑ and moderate‑income first‑time homebuyers.

Caitlin Peoples, NHSIE CEO, told the council the project is supported by conditional funding commitments from CDFIs and housing finance partners and that NHSIE has documented local demand: “We have over a 100 families on a wait list who are 12 months from being mortgage ready,” she said. NHSIE proposed a $9.7 million private investment to build 19 townhomes to serve households at roughly 60%–120% area median income, and described down‑payment assistance and deed‑restriction options to help keep units owner‑occupied.

Councilmembers asked several process questions. Staff and NHSIE clarified this ENA grants exclusive negotiation rights only (it does not approve site disposition or final project entitlements). NHSIE said feasibility work will include market and parking studies, design refinements, community outreach to adjacent residents and deed restrictions/down‑payment assistance to preserve owner occupancy; NHSIE said it will provide first right of refusal and resale support to prioritize LMI buyers.

Separately, the council unanimously approved a motion to proceed on the Homeless Navigation Center (item 15). Councilmembers stressed urgency: they want the center operational this year and asked staff to press negotiations with developers and partners to meet timelines. Council directed staff to finalize legal documents and return with final form for council approval where necessary.

Both votes were procedural approvals: staff and NHSIE will complete studies and return to council with design, finance and legal details before any land sale, disposition or final entitlements.