New Affordable Housing Project Greenlit In Palo Alto

PALO ALTO, CA — The Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to authorize more than $47 million to fund a half-dozen new affordable housing developments in Santa Clara County, including three in San José, two in Mountain View and one in Palo Alto.

County officials said the six projects would create 716 multifamily rentals across the three cities, capable of housing more than 2,700 low-income residents. More than $36 million in funding comes from the voter-approved Measure A bond, supported by $7.3 million from the state's No Place Like Home program and $4 million in additional county funding.

Here's where the projects are headed:

• El Camino Real Affordable Housing Development – Palo Alto (3001 El Camino Real)
  • 129 units
• 1020 Terra Bella Ave. – Mountain View
  • 106 units
• 96 West El Camino Family Apartments – Mountain View (96 West El Camino Real)
  • 79 units
• Santa Teresa Multifamily – San José (5885 Santa Teresa Blvd.)
  • 49 units
• Kooser Apartments – San José (1371 Kooser Road)
  • 191 units
• 525 North Capitol Ave. – San José
  • 160 units

Supervisors highlighted the Palo Alto development as unique due to its location in the heart of the city, with easy access to jobs, good schools and public transit. Of the 129 planned units, 32 will be set aside for "rapid rehousing, 30 units for households earning up to $54,390, 65 units for households earning up to $90,650, and two managers' units. The site will feature several types of units, including those with up to three bedrooms, to support individuals and families alike.

"The El Camino Real Affordable Housing Development will help residents get a foothold in a high-opportunity area in Silicon Valley," said Consuelo Hernandez, director of the Office of Supportive Housing. "We are thrilled about this project and the many others that will provide affordable housing for thousands of people."

According to the county, the new additions bring the Measure A total to $648 million since its 2016 passage, which is on track to create 4,749 units of new housing out of the 4,800-unit goal. Approximately 1,800 units have already been completed.

Once all projects are built and operational, the county expects the developments will provide homes for 17,400 people, with more than 40 percent of the units designed to host unhoused people and their families.

"The County of Santa Clara is more than delivering on the affordable housing development goals promised with Measure A, thanks to the hard work of county staff and our many partners, including cities, the state, developers and community-based organizations," said County Executive James Williams. "We are committed to addressing the intertwined issues of housing affordability and homelessness in our region to ensure that all residents have the dignity and security of a place to call home and that our community remains vibrant, sustainable, and equitable for decades to come."

Here is the breakdown for the 716 units approved Tuesday:

• 82 will be permanent supportive housing for homeless individuals and families with disabilities and special needs.
• 115 will be rapid rehousing for people experiencing homelessness.
• 499 will be affordable housing for those making 30% to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), which is $181,300 in Santa Clara County.
• 10 will be managers' units.