Council Will Review Senior Housing Plans

Plans for the city’s first affordable-housing complex for senior citizens will be reviewed Monday by the City Council.

A package of funds from state, federal and city sources would subsidize the rent of those who live in the 143 apartments planned at Oso Parkway near Marguerite Parkway.

Rent would start at about $500 monthly for a one-bedroom unit and $689 for a two-bedroom apartment. More than 75% of the dwellings would be rented for $609 or less a month.

“This is more like it, except we still need more affordable housing for seniors,” said Milt Jacobsen, a former member of the city Senior Activities Committee. “We’ve been fighting for housing for seniors for a long time. I think this is a good project.”

There had been some concern among residents of nearby neighborhoods because of the height of the building and other issues. But dissent faded after the proposal was altered so that the project would be only four stories, rather than five, and 143 units, down from 152.

Danberg Development of San Juan Capistrano has indicated that it will ask Mission Viejo for $897,000 in redevelopment agency funds to subsidize construction. The firm is also seeking federal Community Development Block Grant funding.

The project has won praise from city planners. “It’s going to look pretty good, particularly for low-income housing,” said Clint Sherrod, director of community development. “It also fills a need for people whose [elderly] parents live in other areas who want to bring them closer.”

Council members on Monday will consider creating a zoning designation for senior housing and applying that to the Oso Parkway site.

The council will meet at 6 p.m. in City Hall, 25909 Pala. Information: (714) 470-3000.