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Commission hears SB 35 informational presentation on proposed 50‑unit senior affordable building at 7954 MacArthur Boulevard
Summary
Developers and staff described a proposed 6‑story, 50‑unit, 100% affordable senior project under SB 35 at 7954 MacArthur Boulevard, including a 25% set‑aside for people experiencing homelessness, sustainability features, on‑site services and nearby transit access; commissioners asked questions on unit mix, funding, parking and façade design.
At an informational SB 35 meeting on July 16, project representatives presented a revised plan for 7954 MacArthur Boulevard that would increase an earlier approval from 40 units to 50 units and add a sixth floor. "This is going to be 100% senior housing — 50 units," said Timothy Moreau, senior project manager with Community Housing Development Corporation, describing the proposal as a six‑story building with one‑bedroom units and one manager’s unit.
Moreau said the project would include AMI bands ranging from 20% to 60% and that 25% of the units — 13 units — would be set aside for people experiencing homelessness. He listed ground‑floor resident amenities including a community room, kitchen and resident services offices; sustainability measures such as rooftop photovoltaics and all‑electric appliances; and MERV‑13 filtration.
The team described partnerships with East Oakland Community Development Corporation, Kingdom Builders Christian Fellowship Church and LJ Jennings to use church land for affordable housing. Moreau said the project had not yet secured all funding: it was not successful in the most recent Oakland NOFA but is in funding pipelines and expects a combination of city funds, project‑based vouchers, state HCD programs and tax credits to subsidize units.
Commissioners asked detailed questions. Commissioner Raab asked why the unit mix is primarily one‑bedroom for seniors; Moreau responded that senior housing typically uses mostly one‑bedroom units and occasionally studios, while larger two‑bedroom units are uncommon for this population. Commissioner Randolph confirmed the project adds roughly 10 units by adding a floor and heard from staff that the project remains in a pre‑application, ministerial SB 35 review and would follow the eligibility and administrative steps before final changes are accepted.
On parking and mobility, Moreau said there will be fewer parking spaces than units; most spaces will be assigned to residents via property management at lease‑up and a small number for staff and visitors. He confirmed bike storage will be provided on‑site and that senior eligibility is 62 and above. Public comment was opened and none was received.
Commissioners offered design suggestions — landscaping, material options and possibly a mural or other façade modulation to break up what some described as a stark schematic elevation — and expressed general support for adding affordable senior housing near transit.
