Planning Commission approves design review and density bonus for 59-unit Thornton Avenue affordable housing project

The Newark Planning Commission on March 25 approved design review, a minor use permit, a tentative parcel map and an 80% density bonus for the Thornton Avenue Apartments, a 59-unit, 100% affordable housing development proposed by Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA) at 6347–6375 Thornton Avenue. The commission also voted to forward a recommendation to the City Council on an alternative means of compliance with Newark’s affordable housing impact fee and found the city’s planned acquisition and ground lease of the project site to be in conformance with the general plan.

Housing Policy and Programs Manager Michael Coolum presented the item to the commission, describing the project scope, relevant entitlements and the financing timeline. "This project could break ground as early as spring 2026 and begin leasing as early as winter or spring 2028," Coolum said, contingent on successful award of state financing and fulfillment of conditions of approval.

The project would construct a five-story building with 59 homes (including one manager’s unit) on approximately 0.54 acres, yielding a proposed density of 109 units per acre. More than half of the homes are planned as two- and three-bedroom units for families. Ten units will be reserved for individuals with intellectual…