An 88-unit affordable apartment complex with a built-in daycare facility was advanced by the Salinas City Council.
The planned unit development permit was approved on Tuesday for a project consisting of six buildings—five residential and one 2,400-square-foot leasing and amenity building—spanning 4.59 acres at 200 Casenti Street. The prior permit had allowed for only 50 units.
The City Council also approved a conditional use permit to construct and operate a 4,335-square-foot daycare center on site with associated improvements.
In total, 24 one and two-bedroom units are proposed for the site, along with 40 three-bedroom units. In addition to housing, the development will include amenities such as a community room, fitness area, business/computer room, basketball court, and a tot lot for children up to 9 years of age.
The project is being undertaken by Milestone Housing Group, an affordable housing developer. Monterey County Housing Authority is the property owner.
The project, which is deemed 100% affordable, offers units for households earning at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with an overall average affordability level of approximately 49% AMI.
During public comment, people were largely in favor of the project, while some nearby residents raised concerns over parking in the area.
“We need more affordable housing, and apartments are important because not everyone can afford to buy a home,” said Eleanor Elliott.
In regard to parking concerns, Elliott said as a resident in an affordable senior housing development, she’s noticed that property management is usually very stringent and regulated when it comes to parking.
The developer is providing 152 parking spaces, increasing to 168 with the daycare center. Parking will be a combination of surface and parking built under the buildings.
The Monterey-Salinas Transit submitted a letter in support of the affordable housing project as it is located near existing transit services. There are currently two bus stops within walking distance of the proposed development, located along Rico Street.
The daycare center is projected to serve between 40-48 children and will be operated by Mexican American Opportunity Foundation, which operates existing childcare and preschool facilities in Salinas.
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This article originally appeared on Salinas Californian: Permits approved for 88-unit affordable housing complex in Salinas
Reporting by Roseann Cattani, Salinas Californian / Salinas Californian
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Roseann Cattani, Salinas Californian | USA TODAY Network
