City of Newman plans for 1048 new housing units in upcoming development cycle

During the recent Newman City Council meeting on October 22, 2024, significant discussions centered around the city’s housing allocation and planning strategies to meet state requirements. The city has been tasked with planning for 1,048 housing units as part of California's broader initiative to address a statewide housing shortage, which has identified a need for 2.5 million homes over the next eight years.

The allocation for Newman is part of a larger distribution from the Council of Governments in Stanislaus County, known as STANCOG, which received a total of 34,344 units for the region. The city’s planning efforts will focus on identifying suitable sites for development, including vacant and underutilized properties, as well as areas targeted for annexation.

Key developments highlighted include the Northwest Newman master plan, which has identified 921 units, and Matos Ranch, which is currently under construction with phases that will add 123 units. Additionally, the city is encouraged to explore accessory dwelling units, which can cater to a variety of income levels, and has identified 116 potential units in this category.

The meeting also addressed the distribution of the allocated units based on income levels: 197 units for very low income, 136 for low income, 218 for moderate income, and 497 for above moderate income. This distribution reflects the state’s emphasis on facilitating housing for lower-income families, which has proven to be more challenging to develop.

To comply with state mandates, the city will implement several key programs over the next eight years. These include amendments to municipal codes to establish minimum densities for multifamily zoning, reduce parking standards, and enhance provisions for transitional and emergency housing to support the growing homeless population.

The council's commitment to these housing initiatives is crucial for addressing community needs and ensuring that Newman meets its obligations under state law. As the city moves forward, it will continue to engage with local stakeholders and explore partnerships with non-profits to effectively target and support lower-income residents.