In a leap forward for the housing-strapped region, Linda Vista welcomed the completion of Levant Senior Cottages on Thursday. This affordable housing development, the first to emerge from the County's innovative use of excess land, opens its doors as a beacon of hope for low-income seniors. With 127 units ready for occupancy, the site has transformed from an outdated child welfare center to a vibrant senior living community.
Levant Senior Cottages stand as a testament to progress and the collaboration between public and private entities. The County of San Diego joined forces with Wakeland Housing and Development, alongside San Diego Kind Corporation, fostering an accessible haven for seniors. According to officials, each of these units will remain affordable for 70 years. Monica Montgomery Steppe, County Supervisor, hailed the project as a "moral obligation," emphasizing the stability it provides against the threat of displacement, as reported by County News Center.
Targeting the population segment that earns between 25 and 50% of the median income, the cottages offer financial respite, capping rents at 30% of the occupants' income. In this structured environment, seniors can access accommodations ranging from $603 to $1,206 monthly. The County's proactive stance on affordable housing since 2017 has been palpable, with investments totaling $310 million, funneling into projects that leverage excess County land and other funds.
From the orchestration of on-site health care services to the incorporation of a small pet park and community facilities, the developers have meticulously crafted an ecosystem conducive to the independence and security of the elderly. Dr. Eric McDonald of the Health and Human Services Agency highlighted the critical partnership with St. Paul’s PACE program, which will "provide wraparound medical care and social services" for the most vulnerable residents.
