State gives $42.8M to 3 housing projects
Money will be shared among projects in Daly City, Burlingame and Moss Beach
REDWOOD CITY >> Three affordable housing projects are set to split $42.8 million in funding from the state, including two projects on the Peninsula and one coast apartment complex reserved for farmworkers and their families.
The state funds — officials announced this month — will help build 212 units across San Mateo County as part of its ongoing commitment to fighting the Bay Area's affordability crisis: a 71-unit project in Moss Beach with several apartments reserved for farmworkers, a 69-unit project in Burlingame and a 72-unit apartment near the Colma BART station. The three projects — proposed by affordable housing developers — received grants from the California Housing and Community Development Department through a competitive process.
The money builds on millions in financial commitments from the county too, and all projects that received funding already have affordable housing developers.
“Without local affordable housing, there is a ripple effect that hurts not just the economy but our communities,” San Mateo County Supervisor Dave Pine said. “People must commute from farther distances for work, costing them both time and money. And that means less time people can spend with their families, getting involved in schools and volunteer groups and being active members of their community.”
The 71-unit project proposed by MidPen Housing Corp. on 10.8 acres in Moss Beach got $17.8 million from the state and will include 18 apartments specifically reserved for farmworkers and their families. The other apartments will be rented to households that earn less than 80% of the area media income, which is currently about $124,000 for a family of four.
Farmworker housing is a top priority for San Mateo County officials after a mass shooting at two Half Moon Bay mushrooms farms that killed seven people and exposed the living conditions of farmworkers. The county announced Feb. 13 it started a new task force dedicated to finding farms that operate workforce housing without the proper permits.
“The state funding is a critical milestone in developing this much-needed housing for farmworkers and families,” said Matthew O. Franklin, president and CEO of MidPen Housing. “We look forward to working closely with our County partners to complete the entitlements process and build 71 new affordable homes.”
The county also has pledged $5.5 million to the project to assist in the development. In Daly City, the CORE Affordable Housing project received $3 million in state funds to build 72 apartments for individuals and families with low incomes in an area served by transit near the Colma BART station.
“The dtate of California is in a housing crisis, with a $9.5 million pledge from San Mateo County, 72 affordable apartment units for individuals and families will be constructed in Daly City,” said San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa, who is from Daly City. “San Mateo County continues on its quest to provide dignified housing for all in need and this is a step forward.”
The third project to receive funding from the state is the 69-unit complex proposed by Allied Housing Inc. at 1875 California Drive near the Millbrae border, which received $22 million from the state. The project, which has also received a pledge of $5.7 million from Measure K funds, would give much-needed housing to low-income individuals and families.
The state selected the three projects under a new process that aims to accelerate approval and save time and money. In making the announcement, Gov. Gavin Newsom said the new process is “to ensure projects are not stalled in an endless bureaucracy that favored process over production,” according to a San Mateo County news release.