IRVINE : Low-Cost Housing for Seniors Planned

The Irvine Co. on Tuesday unveiled plans to build 600 units of low-cost housing for senior citizens at four site across the city.

Company officials said the proposal reflects the city’s growing senior population, which now stands at about 14,000 but might triple over the next few decades.

“We think there is a market and a need for this kind of product,” said Dawn McCormick, spokeswoman for the Irvine Co.

Funds to build the apartments must still be secured. Irvine Co. officials hope to receive federal Community Block Grants and other government monies through the city. They also expect private investors to help fund the project because they would receive investment tax credits from the Internal Revenue Service.

C. Keith Greer, president of the company’s Irvine Community Builders, estimated that the project will cost $25 million to $30 million.

The company has already selected sites for the four senior complexes. Each would consist of about 150 units contained within wood-framed apartment buildings. Each site would include such amenities as a social room, lounge, library and laundry facilities. Both one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments would be offered.

The sites are:

* At the corner of Main Street and Veneto in the Westpark village.

* At the corner of Santa Alicia and Santa Clara in the Westpark II area.

* On Alton Parkway near East Yale Loop in Woodbridge.

* Between Jeffrey Road and Sand Canyon Avenue in an undeveloped village known as Planning Area 12.

Most of the 600 units would be available for senior citizens who earn less than 50% of Orange County’s median income, or about $27,000 a year. An apartment is expected to cost between $550 and $650 a month.

Construction on the first of the buildings could begin in 1995 and be completed in 1996.

Greer presented the plan to the City Council on Tuesday night. He asked that the city give the project a high priority as it moves through the planning process.