City Council Approves Housing Project Amid Threats of Agency Elimination

The City Council on Tuesday night unanimously approved a $7.6 million loan to the Poway Redevelopment Agency for an affordable housing project.

The 52-unit complex, which is located at 12510 Oak Knoll Rd., will be entirely revamped.

Interior renovations include new flooring, complete kitchen and bathroom renovations, and new heating and cooling systems. Exterior improvements include a new 1,800-square-foot community building, tot lot, masonry wall, drought-tolerant landscaping, resurfacing of the parking areas and new parking space striping, stucco repair, new paint, upgraded energy-efficient windows and doors, and architectural roof enhancements.

Rent for the one-, two- and three-bedroom units currently range from $895 to $1,395. Rent rates will be reduced to $418 to $990 after the project is completed.

The project will cost about $14.5 million, which includes acquisitions, construction and relocation costs.

The city already loaned Poway Family Housing Partners, a collaboration between Affirmed Housing Group and the Foundation for Affordable Housing, about $1.3 million to acquire the property and prepare for renovations in December 2009.

Affirmed Housing Group President and CEO James Silverwood said the private driveway near the property has stalled the project, but the company has come to a “viable solution” with the driveway's various owners.

The private driveway that connects Poway and Oak Knoll roads will be redesigned to include speed pillows, a new sidewalk, decorative lighting, paving and landscaping.

“We put a lot of time and energy in that, but we’re pleased to report that we made great progress in that front,” he said.

Earlier in the evening, the council approved the Poway Redevelopment Agency’s annual report for the 2009-10 fiscal year.

The agency, which was formed in 1983 to revitalize the city’s deteriorating neighborhoods and business areas, is in danger of being dissolved. Gov. Jerry Brown recently proposed that the state redirect city and county unallocated redevelopment money to the state.

“It’s kind of ironic that we’re here tonight for a redevelopment agency action item when you’re discussing the future of redevelopment,” Silverwood said. “I did want to assure you that there is no intent by staff to push our project along.”

 Several community members addressed the council in favor of the project.

 “We benefit from having employees who are able to live and work in Poway,” said Poway Transmissions owner Karen Dunn, who has eight full-time employees. “Affordable housing, I believe, reduces rapid turnover by reducing commute time and increasing family time and improving community loyalty.”

Bob Young, a 15-year Poway resident, also spoke in favor of affordable housing in the community. Young is the project superintendent of Brighton Place, another affordable housing project that is currently being constructed in Old Poway.

Beverly Becker, who has lived in Poway for 23 years, is on the waiting list for one of the 77 units, which are expected to be ready next fall. The single mother of two young children, ages 7 and 10, said affordable housing is necessary for the community.

“I just want to continue to reside in the City of Poway and be with my family,” she said. “I’m a working mother just trying to make ends meet…I’m just trying to gain my independence from unforeseen events in my life.”

Maria Bitanga said living in Haley Ranch Estates, affordable housing on Poway Creek Road, helped her excel in college.

Bitanga recently graduated from San Diego State University as the valedictorian for public health and health science. She is now a board member of the nonprofit Community Housing Works.

“I believe that it has been a great experience to live in Poway,” she said. “I was totally motivated and inspired to do my best in everything I do academically and also in the work force.”

Councilmembers agreed with the members of the public.

Councilwoman Merrilee Boyack said she has visited the Orange Gardens property and was “horrified of the conditions there.”

“I think this project is going to be an outstanding contribution, both to the community in terms of providing good, affordable housing and also to revitalize that entire neighborhood,” she said. “It is being transformed miraculously and I think that just benefits all of us.”

Councilman Dave Grosch visited the complex earlier on Tuesday.

“It is in dire need of help,” he said. “I actually talked to some of the people who live there and they are looking forward to it.”

The renovation project is expected to begin in June. During the relocation process, current residents will undergo an interview process that will include income certification and a background check. If they are determined to make too much money, they will be moved to another location and receive relocation payments.

The project is part of a revitalization effort of the Oak Knoll Road area.

According to city reports, in 2008 the City of Poway began to work to revitalize the area, investing approximately $10 million on road and sewer improvements, installation of landscaping, decorative lighting, hardscape and the undergrounding of existing utilities. 

In 2008, the agency partnered with nonprofit developer Community HousingWorks and invested more than $8.2 million to acquire and rehabilitate the 52-unit Oak Knoll Villas apartment complex, which is across from the Orange Gardens property on Oak Knoll Road. These units are now available to low-income households.  

Councilman Jim Cunningham thanked Becker and Bitanga for addressing the council and the public.

“Folks that don’t know and understand what affordable housing means in Poway, and indeed most places, don’t understand that it’s a hand up, not a handout,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for our folks to be able to live in Poway and enjoy the schools and the quality of life.”