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Santa Paula outlines 2,500+ unit housing pipeline, Kmart site eyed for 213 townhomes
Summary
City development director James Mason told the joint session the city has more than 2,500 residential units approved, roughly 1,400 under construction and a pipeline of infill and affordable projects including a Kmart-site proposal for 213 townhomes and a Harvest public-benefit housing program promising $25,000 assistance for qualifying public employees.
Director James Mason presented the city’s development snapshot to the joint meeting, saying the city has “well over 2,500 residential units approved” and roughly 1,400 units under construction with another 300–500 in due diligence.
Mason described several large projects: the Harvest development with phased construction (554 units overall, multiple phases active), a Redtail (Red Veil) apartment project of about 298 units with about 60% targeted as low- and very-low-income housing, and a proposed conversion of the former Kmart site into 213 for-sale townhomes with an intended price point “around $500,000 or below.” He said the city changed zoning so that many commercial properties can be converted to residential uses and noted inclusionary requirements that the Kmart project must include 32 affordable units.
On incentives and homebuyer assistance, Mason said a Harvest public-benefit housing program will deliver a $25,000 assistance package for qualifying public employees; the city will share program details with staff and district representatives in coming weeks.
Council members pressed Mason on infrastructure and safety: he said the Santa Paula Street Bridge over the creek constrains development and that the bridge project’s completion is targeted for late 2027; until then the Harvest project faces limits on additional units. Mason and council members also discussed traffic pressures on Highway 126 and coordination with Caltrans and the Ventura County Transportation Commission for safety and corridor studies.
What happens next: the city will post development updates on its economic development landing page and share details of the Harvest public-benefit housing assistance program when finalized.
