Habitat for Humanity closes Stewart financing; Edison poles cloud Torch townhome timeline

Habitat for Humanity told the Baldwin Park City Council on April 16 that it has closed construction financing for the Stewart project and aims to begin building within one to two weeks, while the nearby Torch Street project remains delayed by a dispute over Edison utility poles on Marlinda Street.

The two developments together would create 28 affordable, for‑sale homes in Baldwin Park: a 15‑unit Stewart project that will adapt the existing Baldwin Park Presbyterian Church and add four new townhome units, and a 13‑unit Torch project of attached townhome‑style units. Grant Powerhead, speaking for Habitat for Humanity, said the organization and city staff have worked through “different steps” and that “we believe that we’re at an inflection point and that both of these projects are going to move forward more quickly after this evening.”

The projects’ goal and why they matter: Habitat said all 28 homes will be sold to low‑income buyers under its typical affordability structure—buyers pay about 30% of income for housing costs and Habitat covers the remainder—and the homes will include long‑term affordability restrictions. Brian…