State law fast-tracks affordable housing project in Palm Desert, sidestepping council vote
Luis Avila
PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – A major affordable housing development has been approved in Palm Desert — but the decision came without a city council vote or any opportunity for community input, leaving many residents with mixed reactions.
The 298-unit project, planned for the corner of Cook Street and Frank Sinatra across from the Cal State San Bernardino Palm Desert campus, is moving forward under Senate Bill 35, a California law that requires cities falling behind on state housing goals to fast-track qualifying developments. The development will feature three- to four-story apartment buildings and will include units designated for low-income and extremely low-income residents.
Carlos Flores, Palm Desert’s Deputy Director of Development Services, explained that the city has no discretion under SB 35 as long as the project meets existing municipal code requirements.
For nearby residents, news of the project has been met with mixed emotions. Some community members say they should have had a chance to weigh in before the project advanced.
“There should be a little bit of input, but at the same time we really need people to have places to live.”
Josh Israel, Palm Desert Resident
Others feel affordable housing developments have become too frequent and that notice to residents is insufficient. One neighbor, Lulu, shared her frustration after a previous housing project near her home impacted her.
“I think it’s saturated. They’ve built so many and the community doesn’t know until it’s half done. They told us it would be two stories. Now my only sunset view is gone. All I see is windows and people.”
Lulu, Palm Desert Resident
Flores acknowledged concerns about the lack of community input but says residents can push for changes to the city’s development standards if they want a greater say in future projects.
“They can make their voice heard. We can still change the standards within our code — they just have to be objective standards.”
Carlos Flores, Palm Desert Deputy Director of Development Services
Despite concerns, city officials say the project will have a major impact on Palm Desert’s ability to meet state housing requirements. Flores confirmed that once built, the project would help the city fulfill all of its “very low-income” housing obligations and bring it close to meeting its “low-income” goals — putting Palm Desert at about 75% of its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA).
Construction on the project could begin as early as the first quarter of next year.
Stay with News Channel 3 for more.