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City approves $3 million commitment for 72‑unit affordable senior housing at Alejo Road
Summary
The Palm Springs City Council voted to commit $3,000,000 in permanent financing for a 72‑unit, 100% affordable senior rental project proposed by Wakeland on United Methodist Church land at 1555 East Alejo Road. The developer plans onsite supportive services and asked for fee waivers and preferences for veterans and formerly unhoused residents.
The Palm Springs City Council voted Wednesday to commit $3,000,000 to a 72‑unit affordable senior housing development proposed at 1555 East Alejo Road.
Jay Verrata, the city’s director of housing and community development, told the council the project—led by Wakeland Housing—would be 100% affordable for seniors (55 and older) earning up to 60% of area median income and include on‑site supportive services. Rebecca Louie, Wakeland’s CEO, said the organization would provide resident services such as budgeting, medical linkages and programs intended to help tenants age in place.
The developer requested participation in the city’s fee‑waiver program and a capital funding commitment to be used as permanent financing once construction is complete. Wakeland representatives said they had discussed a veteran preference for seven units and a potential permanent supportive housing set‑aside contingent on securing county rental vouchers for formerly unhoused residents.
Council members praised the partnership with the United Methodist Church—owner of the site—and the leverage created by combining local funds with state and federal sources. Council member Bernstein noted the city’s contribution would represent roughly 7% of the project budget and commended the leveraging effect of local commitments on tax‑credit scoring and other financing.
Council members also asked about operations and resident transitions. Wakeland officials said the property is intended as independent living with robust on‑site services; staff will work with families and outside providers if tenants later need assisted‑living or memory care placements.
The council approved the funding commitment by motion. City staff said the $3,000,000 is budgeted to be disbursed as permanent financing later in the project timeline, with timing tied to the developer securing construction financing and closing the project’s funding package.
The project will proceed through the city’s land‑use and financing milestones; the city’s action was recorded as a funding commitment and authorization to negotiate the terms of the financing agreement and fee waivers.
