Officials clear way for senior housing plans

The potential construction of a senior housing facility took a step forward Tuesday after officials formally asked for design proposals for the project on city-owned land in northwest Glendale.

In 2008, the city bought a 1.56-acre lot at the corner of 5th Street and Sonora Avenue near Glenoaks Boulevard. In June, the Housing Authority voted to build an affordable housing project for the elderly there.

There’s no cap on how many units might be built. While 39 is allowed by code, Housing Authority members said they would accept having something double that size.

One of the main stipulations, however, is that applications are asked to implement more open space than minimum zoning rules call for — specifically more than 17,000 square feet, according to a staff report.

“We would be looking for amenities both for the project and possibly the community as well,” said Mike Fortney, a senior housing project manager.

City Manager Scott Ochoa reiterated the authority’s recommendation to build senior housing because it may be the most appropriate use and have the least negative impact on the surrounding area of multifamily residences.

But Councilwoman Paula Devine, speaking as a member of the authority, asked whether the proposed project would provide enough parking — especially if relatives will be visiting — and not have a negative impact on street parking.

“I wouldn’t want to go in and cause a huge parking situation there,” she said.

Fortney said for senior housing, one on-site parking space has been a proven formula.

Councilman Vartan Gharpetian, the authority’s chair, said most senior housing residents don’t have their own cars and tend to take public transit.

“If you go at night, when everybody is home, and look at their parking lot, it’s half empty,” he said.

Builders have until January to submit their design plans. If one is found to be appropriate, the City Council could vote on making a choice by next April, Fortney said.

However, the project likely wouldn’t be shovel-ready until the end of 2017 because of the tax-credit application process.

Since the city owns the lot the project would be built on, it’s unlikely the city would have to spend any more money for the development and would just rely on state credits for funding, Fortney said.

The city currently offers 615 affordable housing units for seniors, with the 18-unit Cypress Senior Living project at 311 E. Cypress St.

Fortney said he doesn’t expect to see less than 3,000 applications to live at the 5th Street and Sonora Avenue housing project once it is complete.