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Disabled adults to have a place of their own  

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The City Council approved a 27-unit apartment project Tuesday night that will provide homes affordable to adults living with disabilities.

The project was approved 6-1 with Mayor John Inks opposed over how the city's funds were being used, though he said he saw the value in the project.

It consists of a pair of three-story buildings that will replace a six-unit apartment complex at 1581-1585 El Camino Real. It includes 400-square-foot studios with full kitchens and bathrooms and only 10 parking spaces, as the residents aren't expected to drive.

Linnea Wickstrom said it was the perfect project for her son, who is about ready to move out of the house.

"His dream is to be able to live in his own apartment with a job and maybe even a girlfriend," Wickstrom said. If he is selected to live in the project, "Per may achieve his dream and do what he can for his community."

Residents of the project will receive transportation vouchers and help in finding jobs, among other services from Housing Choices, Inc. a San Jose-based non-profit that specializes in support services for the disabled.

Most of the project -- 16 units -- is designated for those whose income is 30 percent of the area's median household income, which is $89,000 according to 2007-2011 census. Another 10 units are for those earning 50 percent of the area's median income.

The project is a result of new "Notice of Funding Availability" process for distributing the city's below market rate housing funds. The city contributed $3.4 million in housing funds to the $10.3 million project by First Community Housing.

Relocating the six low-income households that now live on the site -- who pay rents as low as $750 a month -- will cost $176,000.

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Comments

Posted by susan, a resident of the Castro City neighborhood, on Jan 25, 2013 at 2:39 pm

It sounds like a handpicked few will benefit. I wonder when true "affordable housing" will actually happen for those in need.


Posted by Rich, a resident of the Blossom Valley neighborhood, on Jan 25, 2013 at 3:50 pm

Hmm. 10.3 million for 27 tiny apartments. Nearly $1,000 per square foot.

Somebody is playing with a different definition of "affordable" than I am used to.


Posted by Christopher Parkinson, a resident of the Willowgate neighborhood, on Jan 25, 2013 at 4:03 pm

400 square foot studios have a market rent of about $1300 a unit the affordable amount should be about $800. Who makes up the difference? We do need more affordable housing for the elderly as there is a shortage. Maybe some of that gas tax money for transit centers and BRE.


Posted by Gary, a resident of the Sylvan Park neighborhood, on Jan 25, 2013 at 7:12 pm

Did I read that right? $176,000 to relocate 6 households? 30 grand a family?


Posted by ice cream man, a resident of the Blossom Valley neighborhood, on Jan 25, 2013 at 9:51 pm

now McCalister can hire some of these folks to work in his ice cream shop for minimum wage


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