(FOX40.COM) — State leaders broke ground on a new affordable housing community in downtown Stockton after an executive order was signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom.
• Video above: Small units to serve as homes to homeless individuals in Stanislaus County
Newsom stated that through the signed executive order, the former state-owned site will be turned into 94 homes for low-income households.
“Once again, the Excess Sites program is helping transform state-owned land into something more: hope and stability for our state’s residents. California continues to lead by example in addressing the nation’s affordable housing crisis,” Newsom said.
The Excess Sits program is administered in partnership by the California Department of General Services and the California Department of Housing and Community Development, Newsom stated. The program is focused on identifying state-owned land available and suitable for housing and creating a digital inventory of those properties through the State Excess Sites, Affordable Housing Opportunities Map.
“Thanks to the Governor’s executive order, nearly an acre of land sitting unused in the heart of Stockton—blocks from the Civic Center and waterfront—will be transformed into critically needed affordable housing,” HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez said. “Through this ongoing partnership, we are connecting residents in need of housing stability to jobs, transit, amenities, and opportunity.”
Newsom said that the sites are available to developers from a long-term ground lease, allowing for low-cost development of affordable housing.
“The State’s Excess Sites program continues to transform neighborhoods across California by turning underutilized state property into affordable housing and revitalizing communities,” Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Secretary Tomiquia Moss said. “This energy-efficient project will reduce the community’s carbon footprint and breathe new life into Downtown Stockton with housing and services for families and seniors.”
Here’s what the project entails.
The plans for La Passeggiata at 622 East Lindsey Street in Stockton include two buildings, five and sex stories high, which would be connected by a breezeway. The five-story building is set to have 39 one and two-bedroom apartments, and the six-story building will have 55 two and three-bedroom apartments.
The units are set to have energy-efficient appliances, rooftop gardens, and will utilize solar energy for seniors and families.
“The modern, energy-efficient units at La Passeggiata will provide homes for dozens of local families who need an affordable place to live,” DGS Director Ana M. Lasso said. “This project harnesses the best of state, local, and nonprofit collaboration to deliver much-needed sustainable, affordable housing across the state.”
