Council accepts $1.57 million MOA with Community Housing Works for Paradise Creek improvements

The National City Council voted to authorize the city manager to execute a memorandum of agreement with Community Housing Works (CHW) to carry out the Paradise Creek Enhancement multi‑year plan and to accept and appropriate $1,570,000 in program income and grant funds for park and community improvements.

Angelina Palma, community development manager with the National City Housing Authority, told the council that CHW’s multiyear plan covers five years of planned CIP investments and community‑serving activities targeting Paradise Creek Apartments residents and surrounding neighborhoods. “CHW... will grant funds to the city's community service department to implement project and program related activities,” Palma said, listing restroom facilities at Paradise Creek Community Park, Casa De Salud renovations and a shade structure for the community garden among proposed projects.

Councilmembers praised the outreach CHW conducted and highlighted Casa De Salud as a priority for improvements. Janice Luna Reynoso, a longtime National City resident and community garden leader, urged the council to ensure flood‑safety, ecological protections and ongoing maintenance are built into project plans. “This is a very special area,” she said, urging consultation with local stewards and indigenous leaders.

Staff explained the funding source: bonds associated with the Paradise Creek Apartments development were accepted by CHW under conditions that the proceeds be lent back into community projects; CHW’s annual planning process and outreach informed the proposed multiyear spending plan. The staff report called for authorizing the city manager to complete the MOA, accept the $1,570,000 and establish corresponding appropriations and revenue budgets; council approved the resolution by roll call.

The council directed staff to return with implementation details and future appropriation requests tied to specific CIP projects and to continue community engagement as designs and bid packages are prepared.