Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P].
Fair Oaks CommonsA development of 67-unit affordable housing in Redwood Citybuilt 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 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 Official.
"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 the homeless a place to call home.
Notably, Alta Housing partnered with Menlo Park Veterans Affairs, San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, and the Mental Health Association of San Mateo County to provide supportive services to residents.
John Stewart Company will provide on-site management and service agencies will provide resident engagement, assistance in accessing community resources, job readiness programs, financial planning courses, counseling services, and case management services.
On-site amenities include a community room with kitchen, technology room, laundry and elevator access to each floor. The courtyard features outdoor fitness equipment, a picnic area and barbecue grill. There are also indoor lounge areas.
The parking lot has space for 51 cars, including three handicapped-accessible spaces. To encourage sustainable modes of transportation, there is enclosed bicycle parking and a bicycle repair station.
The building design and technology includes the use of solar panels for hot water preheating and common area lighting. The residential community includes energy efficient appliances, low VOC recycled materials, drought tolerant landscaping and umbrellas, and metal awnings to reduce heat gain.
San Mateo County provided development financing of approximately $42 million through voter-approved Measure K, Wells Fargo Bank, NA, Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco and California Community Reinvestment Corporation.
Funding for the acquisition was provided by the Housing Endowment and Regional Trust of San Mateo County. The project is also supported by 27 HUD-VASH vouchers and 32 Section 8 vouchers awarded by the Housing Authority of San Mateo County.
