Council Commits $25.5M to Rescue Stardust Gardens Amid Housing Authority Standoff

Alameda's City Council unanimously pledged up to $25.5 million in bridge funding to keep the 80-unit Stardust Gardens supportive housing project alive after the city's Housing Authority declined to commit federal vouchers needed to operate the building. The vote caps months of escalating tension between City Hall and the semi-independent authority — and sets a ticking clock on whether federal dollars will eventually replace city funds drawn from Alameda Point's infrastructure reserves.

• Council approves $1M-per-year, 20-year backstop for Stardust Gardens, California's #1-ranked affordable housing project, after Housing Authority declines federal voucher commitment
• Housing Authority Board Chair accuses city of "bullying" and says HUD confirmed voucher commitment would violate federal regulations; city points to identical San Francisco transaction as proof it's feasible
• 810 housing units, $60M in grants, and a $7M ferry electrification award all hinge on Stardust Gardens breaking ground on schedule
• Residents sound alarm on AI data centers at Alameda Point, citing water, energy, and transparency concerns during closed-session negotiations with Delaware-incorporated companies
• Marina Shores families push back on Clement Avenue truck route, warning modifications would narrow the bike trail near a toddler playground
• Council responds to grand jury critique of emergency readiness, committing to biannual exercises and community disaster workshops