East Palo Alto is set to tackle its housing affordability crisis head-on, with shovels hitting the ground at the site of the future Colibri Commons. The new affordable housing complex, developed in partnership with EPACANDO and MidPen Housing, promises to deliver 136 units designed to shelter individuals and families facing economic challenges. Celebratory remarks were echoed by state and local officials at the recent groundbreaking ceremony, marking the commencement of a project that aims to breathe new life into a vacant city-owned plot of land that's laid dormant for years.
The development is not just about the brick-and-mortar of new homes; it also encompasses amenities that could enhance the quality of life for its residents. According to a statement from the Department of Community Development, the complex will include a community room, outdoor recreation areas, and an after-school learning center for kids living in Colibri Commons. With these provisions, the project aims to do more than just put a roof over heads - it seeks to foster a sense of community and support for the families that will call it home.
Funding for this ambitious endeavor comes in part through the deep pockets of the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) program, to the tune of nearly $20 million. AHSC, a collaborative effort involving the Department of Community Development, the Strategic Growth Council, and the California Air Resources Board, is a component of California Climate Investments. This initiative funnels billions from cap-and-trade dollars into projects geared towards diminishing greenhouse gas emissions, spurring economic growth, and ameliorating public health and the environment.
The timeline for Colibri Commons extends to 2025 when the project is slated to complete. With the gears in motion, East Palo Alto edges closer to addressing a critical need embodied by the AHSC program's significant financial injection into affordable housing. Officials noted the importance of such developments in the fight against a housing market that too often prices out those struggling to make ends meet.
