Committee approves declaring 772 Pacific Avenue exempt surplus land for 100% affordable housing project

The Land Use and Transportation Committee on April 21 voted unanimously to forward a resolution declaring the City-owned parcel at 772 Pacific Avenue exempt surplus land under California’s State Surplus Land Act so it can be developed as 100% affordable housing with ancillary commercial space.

William Wilcox, Bond Program Manager at the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD), told the committee the parcel—acquired by the city in 2017 after community advocacy—would be used by MOHCD to develop affordable housing targeting low‑income seniors. Wilcox said the project team seeks to increase competitiveness for state multifamily housing funds by making the surplus‑land declaration now and that the project is seeking $32 million from the state multifamily housing program. If funded, the project would create approximately 75 affordable apartments for low‑income seniors (MOHCD stated an estimate of '75' in committee), with about 25% of the units set aside for seniors currently experiencing homelessness. Interim uses include preserving the ground‑floor banquet hall/grocery use until redevelopment.

Sheila Nicholas of MOHCD said additional site acquisition requests depend on availability of funding; the office is evaluating other opportunities after a regional bond failed. No public speakers registered. Chair Mirna Melgar moved to send the resolution to the full Board with a positive recommendation; Vice Chair Cheyenne Chen and Member Bridal Mahmood voted aye and the motion passed 3-0.

Wilcox said, if awarded state funds and tax credits, the project would apply for tax credits next year, potentially start construction in 2027 and finish in 2029. The committee’s action simply declares the site exempt surplus land and affirms MOHCD’s intended use; no funding award had been announced at the time of the hearing.