Soledad staff outlines 143‑unit Eden Housing plan, ADU growth and homelessness supports
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Summary
City staff said the city purchased 540 Gavilan and selected Eden Housing to develop a proposed 143‑unit affordable project; staff also reported 41 ADU permits, 33 certificates of occupancy, 14 formerly encamped people permanently housed and continuation efforts for youth homelessness programs.
City housing staff told the Planning Commission the city has taken steps to accelerate affordable housing and sheltered more people who had been living in a riverside encampment.
Kimberly, the housing presenter, said the city acquired the 540 Gavilan parcel and selected Eden Housing through an RFQ process to develop a proposed 143‑unit project. "Eden Housing has been selected as the developer in which a 143 units have been proposed, and the city is currently negotiating a exclusive agreement with Eden to advance the project and begin the entitlement and financing," Kimberly said. Staff said purchase funds included American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) monies and successor agency funds used in early 2024.
On production numbers, staff reported 41 accessory dwelling unit (ADU) permits issued in 2025, one 20‑unit multifamily project (apartments on 8th Street) and 33 final certificates of occupancy. Kimberly described the city’s strategy to support affordable production by providing land and streamlining permits while nonprofit developers pursue tax credits and other financing.
Staff also described homelessness program results tied to the housing element: part of a riverbed encampment of 42 people was resolved, 15 remained at the Sendero interim housing site and 14 participants have been permanently housed in market‑rate apartments in the county. The youth homelessness demonstration program assisted 12 households during its prior run and staff said the city has reapplied for funding to continue the program.
Staff cautioned project timelines are lengthy and uncertain: large developments can take multiple years for entitlements, financing and construction. Commissioners asked about affordability categories for workforce and teacher housing, and staff said many workforce units will fall into above‑moderate or moderate tiers (up to 160% area median income for workforce housing) with a subset prioritized for first responders.
Next steps: city negotiates an exclusive agreement with Eden Housing and will continue efforts to secure financing and begin entitlement work.