San Diego City Wire

San Diego County News Center reported a significant milestone in addressing the region’s housing crisis with the grand opening of the Levant Senior Cottages in Linda Vista. The development, which was celebrated on Thursday, is the first of 11 affordable housing projects to be constructed on County excess land.

The Levant Street site, previously home to an old child welfare center, now offers 127 affordable units for low-income seniors. The 4.5-acre property includes bungalows and studio apartments, a community building with a kitchen and computer lab, a pet park, and courtyard gardens.

“We know that we must do more to alleviate the housing burdens for all the people in our region,” said County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe. “Affordable housing for seniors is a moral obligation, and these Levant Senior Cottages provide a safe, stable environment without the constant fear of displacement.”

Thirty-two units are designated for seniors who qualify for PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly). “St. Paul’s PACE program will provide wraparound medical care and social services,” stated Health and Human Services Agency Interim Director Dr. Eric McDonald. “Our most vulnerable elderly residents can get the care they need right here onsite.”

The project was developed through collaboration between the County, Wakeland Housing and Development, and San Diego Kind Corporation. The developers will lease the land for $1 annually and pay an annual $10,000 administrative fee to the County. These housing units will remain affordable for 70 years.

Financial support came from various sources: the San Diego Housing Commission provided 70 project-based vouchers; state funding included $19 million through the Multifamily Housing Program; federal tax credits contributed over $20 million.

Eligible seniors earning between 25% and 50% of the area median income qualified for these units, paying approximately 30% of their income toward rent. Monthly costs range from $603 to $1,206.

Construction at Levant Street began in June 2022. The project is now complete and fully leased, with residents expected to move in next month.

Further developments are underway on other County properties. Two additional projects include one providing 334 affordable homes for families and seniors in Grantville and another offering senior housing in Ramona.

Affordable housing remains a budget priority for San Diego County. Since 2017, over $310 million has been invested into affordable housing initiatives using excess land, its Innovative Housing Trust Fund, along with state, federal, and local funding sources administered by the County. An additional $10 million is recommended for allocation toward this trust fund in the next fiscal year.

Overall contributions by the County aim to support over 10,000 affordable housing units across the region, potentially providing homes to nearly 21,000 individuals.

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