Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P]
Fair Oaks CommonsA development of 67-unit affordable housing in Redwood CityThe newest building, built by the nonprofit Alta Housing, opened its doors to San Mateo County residents at a time when housing needs are increasing.
The new four-story residential development is located in San Mateo County's North Fair Oaks neighborhood, which will provide independent living for low-income families, veterans and formerly homeless households earning between 30 and 70 percent of the area's median income.
"We are excited to welcome new residents to this beautiful residential community, which will provide affordable, high quality, permanent housing to many special members of our local community," said Randy Tsuda, president and CEO of Alta Housing Oficial.
"We are grateful to our partners and San Mateo County officials who have worked closely with us, especially during these difficult times, to enable us to deliver much-needed affordable housing in the Bay Area," he added.
For his part, San Mateo County Supervisor Warren Slocum explained that "these 67 new affordable units will allow families to create stability during this unprecedented time and beyond. The partnership with Alta Housing offers San Mateo County families, veterans and homeless people a place to call home.
It is worth noting that Alta Housing has partnered with the Menlo Park Veterans Affairs office, San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, and the San Mateo County Mental Health Association to provide support services to residents.
John Stewart Company will provide site management and service agencies will provide resident involvement, assistance in accessing community resources, job readiness programs, financial planning courses, counseling services and case management services.
Amenities include a community room with kitchen, technology room, laundry and elevator access to each floor. The courtyard has outdoor fitness equipment, a picnic area and a barbecue grill. There are also indoor living areas.
The parking lot has space for 51 cars, including three handicapped accessible spaces. To promote sustainable means of transport, there is an enclosed bicycle parking lot and a bicycle repair station.
The design and technology of the building includes the use of solar panels for preheating the hot water and lighting the common areas. The residential community includes energy-efficient appliances, recycled materials with low VOC content, drought-tolerant landscaping and umbrellas, as well as metal awnings to reduce heat gain.
San Mateo County provided development funding of approximately $42 million through Measure K, approved by the voters, Wells Fargo Bank, NA, Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco and California Community Reinvestment Corporation.
Funding for the acquisition was provided by Housing Endowment and Regional Trust of San Mateo County. The project is also supported by 27 HUD-VASH vouchers and 32 Section 8 vouchers from the San Mateo County Housing Authority.
