Project Homekey – Best Western, San Pedro

2022020308

Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (DPW)

NOE - Notice of Exemption

2/14/2022

2/14/2022

Elizabeth Ben-Ishai

Chief Executive Office – Homeless Initiative

Principal Analyst

Lead/Public Agency

Hall of Administration, 500 West Temple Street, Room 754
Los Angeles, CA 90012

(213) 974-2566

EBen-Ishai@ceo.lacounty.gov

Gaffey St and 1st St

90731

Best Western, 111 S. Gaffney St., San Pedro, CA 90731

Emergency Project

Pub. Res. Code Sec. 21080(b)(4); Guidelines Sec. 15269(c)

The Project utilizes Homekey grant funds and other public funds and will provide housing units for individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness. The Project consists converting the Best Western to interim housing for those who are chronically homeless. The motel includes 60 rooms, including 6 two-room suites (approximately 400 square feet), 6 ADA accessible rooms (400 square feet) and 48 single room units (approximately 270 square feet). The building also includes a dining room and full kitchen, guest laundry room with 2 machines, exercise room, computer room, along with various small offices that can be used as case management offices. Rehabilitation activities will include: necessary elevator upgrades/modifications, safety slip stair well materials/ rails, demolition and conversion of the pool area to an outside common area with a dog park; replace all carpeting throughout the building with vinyl flooring; paint all units; soundproof windows on Gaffey Street; add HVAC units in 60 units and upgraded air conditioning/heating systems in all the common building areas, upgrade toilets and showers in bathrooms w; remove fireplaces in 6 suites; replace window/windows coverings/ energy efficient glass; remodel bar area into additional staff office space; convert gym area to office space; upgrade laundry room with new equipment; redesign the lower parking garage, including resurfacing the concrete decking materials, into an intake area for clients; secure parking lot with fencing and automatic gates; remodel/upgrade equipment in the commercial kitchen, adding warming tables; upgrade dining room with durable tables and chairs; install security system for the building; upgrade fire sprinkler system; and replace the roof adding solar panels in addition to a backup generator system. The Project is exempt from CEQA because it meets the requirements of Government Code Section 65660 et seq., as it will be a "low barrier navigation center", as defined therein, and Public Resources Code Section 21080.50, as it is an "interim motel housing project" as defined therein. Further, the Project is exempt pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.27, as it is an emergency shelter or supportive housing development within the City of Los Angeles, partially funded by the County of Los Angeles. Further, the Project is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 21080(b)(4) of the Public Resources Code and Section 15269(c) of the State CEQA Guidelines, which exempts specific actions necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergency, the current homelessness crisis facing the County.

Statutory Exemption

Gov. Code Sec. 65660, et seq., Pub. Res. Code Sec. 21080.27 & 21080.50

The Project utilizes Homekey grant funds and other public funds and will provide housing units for individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness. The Project consists converting the Best Western to interim housing for those who are chronically homeless. The motel includes 60 rooms, including 6 two-room suites (approximately 400 square feet), 6 ADA accessible rooms (400 square feet) and 48 single room units (approximately 270 square feet). The building also includes a dining room and full kitchen, guest laundry room with 2 machines, exercise room, computer room, along with various small offices that can be used as case management offices. Rehabilitation activities will include: necessary elevator upgrades/modifications, safety slip stair well materials/ rails, demolition and conversion of the pool area to an outside common area with a dog park; replace all carpeting throughout the building with vinyl flooring; paint all units; soundproof windows on Gaffey Street; add HVAC units in 60 units and upgraded air conditioning/heating systems in all the common building areas, upgrade toilets and showers in bathrooms w; remove fireplaces in 6 suites; replace window/windows coverings/ energy efficient glass; remodel bar area into additional staff office space; convert gym area to office space; upgrade laundry room with new equipment; redesign the lower parking garage, including resurfacing the concrete decking materials, into an intake area for clients; secure parking lot with fencing and automatic gates; remodel/upgrade equipment in the commercial kitchen, adding warming tables; upgrade dining room with durable tables and chairs; install security system for the building; upgrade fire sprinkler system; and replace the roof adding solar panels in addition to a backup generator system. The Project is exempt from CEQA because it meets the requirements of Government Code Section 65660 et seq., as it will be a "low barrier navigation center", as defined therein, and Public Resources Code Section 21080.50, as it is an "interim motel housing project" as defined therein. Further, the Project is exempt pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.27, as it is an emergency shelter or supportive housing development within the City of Los Angeles, partially funded by the County of Los Angeles. Further, the Project is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 21080(b)(4) of the Public Resources Code and Section 15269(c) of the State CEQA Guidelines, which exempts specific actions necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergency, the current homelessness crisis facing the County.