City Of Half Moon Bay: San Mateo County Board Of Supervisors Unanimously Approves Purchase Of Coastside Inn

Press release from the City of Half Moon Bay:

December 09, 2020

Read the latest update regarding the County's purchase of the Coastside Inn.

At its meeting on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, the Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 to approve the purchase of a coastside hotel, for the purposes of providing temporary shelter that supports homeless residents while they seek long-term housing.

The Board allocated up to $8,035,000 in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds to purchase the Coastside Inn, 230 S. Cabrillo Highway (Highway 1) in Half Moon Bay. The County’s 2019 one-day count of unsheltered individuals found 230 homeless people on the coast from Pacifica south, which is an area that lacks a permanent homeless shelter.

The County expects to prioritize local area populations who are highly vulnerable to COVID-19 for participation in the program, as feasible. Additionally, the County will work with an operator (to be selected) to provide an array of social services to residents.

The property includes 52 rooms within a half mile of grocery stores, pharmacies, and a farmer’s market. San Mateo County Health also has a medical, dental and Behavioral Health and Recovery Services clinic less than 1,000 feet away from the hotel.

The property could potentially be converted to permanent affordable housing in the future depending on the County’s shelter and housing needs. Read the Board of Supervisors full staff report.

The City of Half Moon Bay sent a letter of support for the project to the Board of Supervisors on December 4. That letter also requested certain commitments from the county, including the development of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the City and the County that establishes roles, responsibilities, and the assurances that the City feels are necessary for a successful project.

The City Council and staff will continue to advocate for the community and work with the County to ensure the project is able to provide our homeless residents with stable and affordable housing where they can overcome challenges in their lives and achieve self-sufficiency, while maintaining the safety and health of all residents and visitors in Half Moon Bay and the Coastside.

This press release was produced by the City of Half Moon Bay. The views expressed here are the author’s own.