Affordable Housing Eyed on Old Ahimsa Site

A plan to transform a former nursing home for AIDS patients into an affordable housing project got a decisive boost Tuesday when the City Council voted to buy the property for $675,000.

“In my view, it’s a rare opportunity when a piece of property this close to downtown comes up,” said Councilman Paul Freeman, who joined the majority in the 3-2 vote to buy the former Ahimsa Care Center at 450 Glenneyre St.

The city has $800,000 in a fund set aside for affordable housing and has been searching for years for appropriate locations for such projects.

Both the city staff and the city’s Housing Committee have endorsed the proposal, which involves a 21,090-square-foot parcel that could accommodate at least 20 apartment units.

Councilmen Wayne J. Baglin and Steve Dicterow voted against the proposal.

Baglin called it bad business to undertake such a project without first conducting a study to determine whether the city really needs such housing.

“We’ve just decided because we have a bunch of money, let’s spend it,” Baglin said. “I think we’re on the wrong track.”

The majority, however, agreed to appropriate $700,000 from the fund to buy and maintain the property.

It is still not clear exactly what will be done with the approximately 40-year-old building now located on the site. It could be refurbished but the staff report says it “would probably need to be demolished.”

Other specifics also must be worked out, such as whether the units will be for seniors only or for residents of all ages. The staff report says that “because the location is not particularly conducive for family housing,” the units would more likely be offered to couples or singles.

A Housing Committee member said the apartments could rent for about $500 per month.