A new affordable housing complex has opened in the Clairemont Mesa neighborhood of San Diego. The Paul Downey Senior Residence, located at 5255 Mt. Etna Drive, offers 79 units for low-income seniors and families. This development is the second affordable housing project on County surplus property.
The residence includes five studio apartments, 73 one-bedroom apartments, and a manager’s unit. An adjacent Senior Wellness Center will provide supportive services to residents and the local senior community. Kimberly Giardina, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for the County Health and Human Services Agency, stated, “Housing is health, and that is especially true for our seniors. An affordable home is essential for stability and self-sufficiency in our aging community.”
Residents will benefit from a central location with access to grocery stores, restaurants, retail outlets, public transportation, medical facilities, schools, and parks. The County invested $15 million in funding along with land valued at $42 million for the Mt. Etna Campus project. Once completed by spring 2026, it will include two senior buildings and two family buildings totaling 404 new homes.
Chelsea Investment Corp is developing all four phases of the campus with supportive services provided by Serving Seniors. This project highlights the effectiveness of public-private partnerships.
Since 2017, San Diego County has allocated over $314 million toward affordable housing initiatives using excess land and various funding sources. These efforts have resulted in more than 2,500 homes being made available, including 1,800 units specifically for seniors.
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