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Board continues Mount Mesa $500,000 HOME‑loan proposal for neighborhood outreach
Summary
After extensive public comment and requests for more local outreach, the board continued consideration of a proposed $500,000 HOME loan for construction of a two‑unit duplex in Mount Mesa to the April 14 meeting to allow the applicant and neighbors to meet and for staff follow‑up.
The Kern County Board of Supervisors voted March 10 to continue consideration of a proposed $500,000 HOME program loan for construction of a two‑unit duplex in Mount Mesa to the board’s April 14 meeting.
Planning Director Craig Murphy explained the request would amend the county’s FY 2024–25 Annual Action Plan to identify the project and allow the county to administer HOME funds. The proposal would fund a new duplex on APN 486‑075‑06, with two 2‑bedroom/1‑bath units (~785 square feet each) and a long‑term deed restriction: staff said a 20‑year restriction is typical for new construction under the HOME program (15 years for rehabilitation). Staff said one unit would be restricted to 50% of area median income (AMI) and the other to 60% AMI; the staff transcript provided AMI figures for a four‑person household (50% = $75,100 and 60% = $56,340), which appear inconsistent and should be verified against HUD/HUD‑area AMI tables.
Neighbors raised concerns about lack of mailed notification, impacts on property values, and local services; residents asked to meet with county planning staff and the applicant. Applicant/owner‑builder Mike Stine and Michael Lichten defended the project as well‑maintained, accessible housing for local seniors, working families and households on fixed incomes. Planning staff and several supervisors said additional outreach could address misinformation circulating online.
Chairman Peters and other supervisors agreed to a short continuance to allow the applicant and neighborhood representatives to meet and for staff follow‑up; the board approved the continuance unanimously and set the item for April 14.
