Alameda is marking a significant stride forward in affordable housing with the unveiling of Estuary I and Linnet Corner, integral parts of the North Housing initiative. According to the Housing Authority of the City of Alameda, the grand opening ceremony is scheduled on Thursday and is open to the public. The event, a culmination of over a decade's worth of planning and development efforts, will include several speakers, among them Alameda County Supervisor Lena Tam and City Manager Jennifer Ott.
The project features two housing communities; Estuary I began welcoming residents in July, while Linnet Corner started its move-ins this September. Combined, they offer 109 affordable rental homes to low-income residents. These developments are a cornerstone of the North Housing Master Plan, which aims for over 500 affordable rental units on twelve acres of land once belonging to the U.S. Naval Air Station. Initially owned by AHA, this land houses families linked to the naval base's workforce before returning to AHA's stewardship in 2019, pursuant to the Surplus Land Act with naval clearance.
Estuary I, designed for previously homeless individuals, comprises 45 studio and one-bedroom apartments, including a two-bedroom manager’s unit. Reflecting a thoughtful approach to supporting vulnerable populations, the Housing Authority has partnered with LifeSteps to supply on-site social services, ranging from intensive case management to an array of property amenities, like secure bike parking, a community garden, and a BBQ area. Linnet Corner caters to seniors, offering 64 units and reserving 16 for senior veterans who are disabled or were previously homeless.
Each development is tailored to the needs of its residents; for instance, all units at Estuary I are fully furnished, and the same applies to the veteran-dedicated accommodations at Linnet Corner. Additional resources include an AC Transit EasyPass for each head of household, registration for Alameda Food Bank programs, and an Energy Assistance Program from Alameda Municipal Power, offering residents a 25% discount on monthly energy bills.
