Jurupa Valley planning commission OKs one-year extension for Habitat for Humanity veteran housing project

The Jurupa Valley Planning Commission on a 4-0-1 vote approved a second one-year extension for Tentative Tract Map 37601, keeping in place entitlements for a 26-unit affordable housing subdivision aimed at veterans.

Senior planner Reynaldo Aquino told the commission the 5.3-acre site on Amarillo Street, north of Mission Boulevard, would be subdivided into 26 single-family homes and two open-space lots. "It is a 5.3 acre site that is going to be subdivided into 26 affordable veteran homes," Aquino said, and explained the applicant and staff requested the extension because rising construction costs delayed the recording of the map.

The extension would move the tentative map's expiration to May 27, 2025, and the related site development permit to Aug. 16, 2026, if the commission adopted the recommended resolution (PC-2024-417). The recommendation also included a finding that no further environmental review is required under CEQA guidelines section 15.162.

Jamie Deason, a member of Habitat for Humanity's board who addressed the commission as the applicant's representative, described project details and the organization's plans for affordability and tenant selection. "The whole reason that we're doing this is to is to make sure that we're providing affordable housing for veterans," Deason said, adding that Habitat has about 12 families prequalified and 14 openings remain. Deason said Habitat is targeting roughly 80 percent of area median income and plans to work with CalVet for financing and veteran services.

Commissioners pressed for clarity on eligibility and outreach. Staff and the applicant said Habitat handles prequalification and that the city will help advertise the opportunity; staff reiterated state housing law prevents reserving units exclusively for Jurupa Valley residents but that the city can support outreach so local veterans know about the application process.

Commissioners also asked about site access. Planner Aquino said the primary public entrance will be on Amarillo and that Avalon/"Avon" shown on maps is a flood channel, not a vehicular entry; he confirmed fire department sign-off on the access plan.

Commissioner Schultz moved to adopt the resolution approving the one-year extension; Commissioner Perrett seconded. The motion passed 4-0-1 with Commissioner Jackson absent. The resolution extends the map and keeps all previously adopted conditions of approval in place.

The commission heard no public speakers on the item; staff and applicant representatives said they would provide outreach materials to help veterans learn how to apply. The commission then took up routine reports and adjourned to its next meeting on Sept. 11.