Vallejo’s Broadway Project Set for November Move-Ins After Delays

Residents experiencing homelessness in Vallejo will likely begin moving into the long-anticipated Broadway Project homeless facility by the first week of November, according to city officials. This announcement comes after multiple delays and shifting timelines, marking the fifth projected move-in date.

The facility, originally slated to open in 2023, faced repeated postponements, with the latest timeline indicating a goal lease-up date of December 31, 2025. During a recent City Council meeting, Natalie Peterson, assistant to the city manager, highlighted that the delays have incurred costs of approximately $18,000 per week for security and maintenance since August.

To assist with the transition, Vallejo has engaged Allecca Consulting, a firm based in Rancho Cucamonga. Peterson noted that the consultant estimates it will take at least 60 days to lease the 47 units within the facility. “Assuming we get the insurance information and execute the agreement, we should be able to start move-ins in early November,” Peterson stated.

The Broadway Project, which initially had a budget of $9 million, has seen its costs balloon to $27 million due to various overruns. The anticipated ribbon-cutting ceremony, previously announced for October, did not occur, prompting speculation about issues with the lease agreement with operator Shelter, Inc. However, Peterson confirmed that the lease and operator agreement have now been finalized.

During the meeting, Mayor Andrea Sorce credited Council Member Tonia Lediju for her critical role in resolving the challenges that delayed the project. “But for Council Member Lediju, I don’t know those agreements would have been signed,” Sorce remarked.

Council Member Alexander Matias and others expressed gratitude for the efforts of Lediju and the city staff. Matias emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “What I’m looking forward to is on December 1 we will start to get people off the streets and into housing.”

As the council reviewed the project’s progress, members noted the importance of sustainability in funding and operations. The Broadway Project will utilize project-based vouchers, formerly known as Section 8, which provide rental assistance to low-income renters. Concerns have been raised regarding whether the funds will be sufficient to maintain the facility long-term.

The council also unanimously voted to hold a public hearing on November 4 regarding a proposed $80 million bond intended for a nonprofit agency to acquire and convert an apartment building into affordable housing.

Vallejo’s ongoing efforts to address homelessness include the recently opened Navigation Center, which provides 125 beds and supportive services. This facility, located at 1937 Broadway, represents a decade of collaboration among various stakeholders, including CAP Solano JPA, HUD, and health organizations.

Council members acknowledged the learning curve associated with managing such projects, with some expressing hope for future improvements. “These are lessons learned,” said Council Member J.R. Matulac. “With the Navigation Center open and now this, we are making significant dents in our unhoused population.”

As Vallejo moves closer to opening the Broadway Project, city officials remain focused on the immediate goal of providing housing for those in need while planning for the long-term sustainability of the initiative.