Board approves Habitat for Humanity development agreement for 75 affordable homes at Fernwood Park

The Yuba County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 13 approved a 10‑year development agreement with Habitat for Humanity Yuba‑Sutter to transform Fernwood Park in Linda into a mixed pocket‑park and owner‑occupied affordable housing subdivision called Fernwood Village.

Kevin Perkins of Community Development Services Agency told the board the site plan covers roughly 7 acres, with roughly three‑quarters of an acre preserved as a pocket park and the remaining acreage laid out for 75 owner‑occupied units. Perkins said the project stems from a planning process that began years earlier and that the county issued a request for proposals; Habitat scored highest and was selected as the developer.

Perkins said Habitat for Humanity has secured a $5,000,000 state grant intended for site infrastructure and that the agreement grants site control or ownership to Habitat with conditions: Habitat must complete infrastructure and the park and meet map conditions; if the site remains undeveloped after 10 years the county may reclaim the property.

Joseph Hale of Habitat for Humanity Yuba‑Sutter described the project’s intent to move roughly 75 families into owner‑occupied homes, saying the project ‘‘will take 75 families who otherwise wouldn’t be able to own a home to have that opportunity.’’

The Planning Commission recommended the agreement 5–0. The board voted to approve the development agreement; Supervisor Pure recorded an abstention during the roll‑call vote.