The state of California is stepping up with a hefty $33.7 million grant to bolster affordable housing in San Ysidro. This funding, secured through the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) program, is set to give a green light to the development of the Avanzando housing project, run by a collaboration between Hitzke Development Corp. and Casa Familiar, according to the City of San Diego. San Diego’s Mayor Todd Gloria expressed jubilance over the grant award, highlighting the project’s alignment with the city’s goals for affordable housing near public transit options and citing it as an exemplary model for transit-oriented housing development.
With a strategically chosen location near bus routes and the Trolley’s Blue Line, Avanzando is expected to serve as a vital hub for residents, granting them efficient commuting ways that would potentially initiate more sustainable living standards, "I am thrilled to see another AHSC grant awarded to our City," Mayor Gloria stated, as per the City of San Diego, stressing the importance of the development's proximity to public transportation and a set of improvements which includes pedestrian and bike lane enhancements, residents in San Ysidro are soon to benefit from better transportation options tailored for their daily travel. The City of San Diego, also playing a part as a sub-recipient partner for the grant, will be utilizing $320,000 of the awarded funds for transportation infrastructure development surrounding the housing project. This includes ADA-accessible sidewalks and enhancements to transform existing bike lanes into safer, separated bikeways.
Casa Familiar’s Executive Director, Lisa Cuestas, acknowledged the critical role of the grant in their commitment to community and sustainable development in a pledge to create a nurturing community where 103 families can thrive for generations. The Avanzando project isn't just about putting roofs over heads.
The significance of these projects goes beyond the immediate provision of affordable homes; they are also about laying the foundation for a more sustainable and equitable future for the community. Overall, Mayor Gloria’s term has seen San Diego benefit from a cumulative $74.8 million in AHSC funds, resulting in the construction of 293 homes in the region, marking a significant stride in tackling the housing deficit.
