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County outlines tiny‑cabin interim housing plan for Troy Street site
Summary
County staff described a proposed temporary tiny‑cabin program on Caltrans land at Troy Street and Sweetwater Road, citing environmental checks and plans for on‑site services. Residents at a Lemon Grove special meeting raised safety, access and program‑design concerns during an extended public comment period.
County staff presented details on a proposed interim housing site on Caltrans property at Troy Street and Sweetwater Road, saying concept design and environmental checks are complete and that the county is negotiating a lease with Caltrans. The project would install low‑water landscaping, walkways and a cluster of tiny sleeping cabins intended primarily for people without cars; planners said 13 parking spaces would serve staff and visitors and that construction could start this summer.
Officials told the council the project grew from a multi‑year county search for interim housing and the 2022 Compassionate Emergency Solutions and Pathways to Housing Plan, which set site criteria including proximity to utilities, avoiding floodplain and access to support services. One county presenter said a soils survey and Phase I environmental assessment found no lead levels or contamination that would require further study. A resident asked whether the county had secured funding for operations; staff said the estimated annual operating cost is about $3,000,000 and that the county would fund operations.
“After receiving the board's direction last July, we completed the concept design and the environmental investigation,” the presenter said during the project walkthrough. The county emphasized the site is intended to link residents to case management, housing navigation and behavioral‑health services rather than serve as a long‑term residence.
The council did not take a formal vote on the project at the special meeting. Staff said presentation materials and the PowerPoint are available to the public and that the council will continue deliberations at its next regular meeting on 2025‑03‑18.
