Heber project gets county nod
The county board cleared the way Tuesday for the construction of up to 320 affordable housing apartments in Heber by voting in favor of subdividing the 16- acre site into five lots.
The vote was 3-0 with Chairman Jesus Eduardo Escobar abstaining and Supervisor Michael Kelley absent.
The county Planning Commission had given its recommendation for approval of the Miraluz project on April 13. It calls for developing the units in phases, the first having 64 units, a county report states. Subsequent phases would be built based on “funding availability and market demand.”
The developer is listed as Heber Meadows Land Holdings, LLC.
The board approval came despite the objections of a member of the public who spoke during Tuesday’s meeting.
“You’re basically saying what they think doesn’t matter,” Andres Garcia said of those he noted oppose the project. “A lot of people approve of this affordable housing, but it costs $ 400,000 per dwelling and single-family homes cost $350,000. I’m not sure where the term affordable comes in, or if it’s just to force it on the community.”
Affordable housing is the legal designation for housing for those with incomes below an area’s average monthly income.
The site is located at 175 E. Correll Road. Work would also involve improvements to the nearby intersection of Highway 86 and Pitzer Road, including a traffic signal. The project would include various on- site amenities, parking, storm- water treatment and related infrastructure improvements, the county report states.
Supervisor Luis Plancarte, whose District 2 includes Heber, said he sees the project as a positive for the unincorporated community.
“I think it will bring welcome change— the signal, property taxes, impact fees. Once it’s built out, the community will see the value,” he said.
Supervisor Ryan Kelley noted he hopes to see more such projects, noting “the lack of housing stock — there is a huge need, not just in Heber. I encourage the developers. There are other opportunities you need to be engaged in.”