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Youth presenters propose 120-unit affordable housing development at 58 West Market Street
Summary
A student-led community development presentation recommended building about 120 affordable units on a vacant city-owned parcel at 58 West Market Street, estimating a $50 million project funded by state and federal grants plus private developer investment; council members asked about parking, environmental review and long-term affordability.
Community Development Director Jelissa Vigil presented a student-prepared affordable housing initiative that would place roughly 120 units on a vacant, city-owned parcel at 58 West Market Street, which the presentation described as centrally located near schools, parks and public transit.
"Our 1st strategy is partnering directly with affordable housing developers to maximize our resources," Vigil said, outlining a plan to serve families, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities. She said the proposal would include parks, walking paths, community rooms and energy-efficient buildings.
Vigil put the total estimated cost at about $50,000,000 and described a funding mix that included approximately $18,000,000 from state housing grants, $10,000,000 from federal grants and a major developer contribution presented as around $20,000,000. "We are not asking the city to do this alone," she said.
Council members asked practical questions about the site. Council member Alvarez asked why staff chose the location; Vigil said the site supports goals to encourage housing near transit and existing services. A council member asked about parking; Vigil said resident parking would be built into the development and the city would evaluate nearby public parking and shared-parking opportunities and complete a parking study before construction.
City staff said next steps would include pursuing grants, negotiating agreements with development partners and beginning the required environmental review. The city attorney told the council the project must comply with local, state and federal laws, including the California Environmental Quality Act, and that the city can require long-term affordability through binding regulatory agreements that often extend 55 years or longer.
Because the meeting was a mock youth-led session, no formal council action was taken; staff noted any major agreements or funding requests would return to the council for consideration in the future.
