Committee advances $77,267.50 ARPA amendment for Stafford House accessibility upgrades

The standing committee voted to send a proposed ARPA contract amendment for Stafford House accessibility upgrades to formal with a recommendation to approve.

Contract 6006558-A2 would reprogram ARPA funds to increase the contract by $77,267.50 and amend the contract period through June 30, 2026. Housing and Revitalization Department staff said the amendment addresses construction-identified structural issues and reimburses additional incurred costs to complete accessibility improvements on the building’s first floor.

Laurie Katrinar of the Housing and Revitalization Department confirmed the funding applies only to Stafford House and the work covers entryway, flooring and other main-floor accessibility improvements. Katrinar said the dollars were available in ARPA appropriations after some earlier projects came in under budget. When asked whether the amendment included an elevator, staff said the current scope did not include one but agreed to look into whether an external elevator had been discussed in prior exchanges.

Councilmember Gabriela Santiago Romero, who questioned the elevator issue and noted accessibility concerns for second-floor units, asked staff to verify prior discussions and potential options. After the exchange the committee moved the item to formal with the recommendation to approve.