Palm Springs push for affordable housing, new projects moving forward
Shay Lawson
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The city of Palm Springs is accelerating its push for affordable housing, with new projects moving forward this year.
Last week, the City Council approved 82-unit 100% affordable apartment units at 305 West San Rafael Drive.
Councilmembers also approving a request for financial assistance and loan commitment for development and construction of the San Rafael Apartments, a 115-unit affordable housing project.
Partner Darren Berberian, with developer Pacific West Communities, Inc., said the city’s support was critical.
“It was a huge deal,” Berberian said. “It’s not easy for the city to come up with these loans, the funding to make these projects happen. They’ve been fantastic to work with.”
Palm Springs Mayor Naomi Soto said affordable housing is a priority for the city.
“We put $3 million a year in our TOT revenue just for affordable housing,” Soto said. “We know we need to build housing to be able to attract the residents and the workers that our city really needs for a thriving economy.”
She said a third affordable housing project on Gene Autry is also in the pipeline, bringing at least 3 new projects this year.
The city has already opened 3 affordable housing developments in recent years including Vista Sunrise II, Monarch Apartments and Aloe Palm Canyon.
“We’ve heard a lot of great feedback on Aloe Palm Canyon, which is our most recent one that has opened,” Soto said.
Stay with News Channel 3 for the full report at 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.