On Tuesday, September 21, 2021, the Santa Barbara City Council will be considering our next step in providing permanent housing on the Carrillo/Castillo Commuter lot, located at 400 W. Carrillo St., for moderate-to-middle income households.  This next step is to approve the project agreement which will allow us to move forward with submitting a development application to the City to receive development entitlements.   We are excited to get to this point as we know there is a desperate need to provide housing for this “missing-middle” income group – that is those who do not qualify for low-income affordable housing programs but also cannot afford market rents.   All of the units will be income and rent-restricted under a rolling 90-year affordability covenant – meaning that if the property ever transfers, a new 90-year term would be triggered.  The City Staff report, Project Agreement and some talking points are linked below for your review:

City of Santa Barbara Staff Report
Project Agreement between City and HACSB
Talking Points for Council Meeting

Our initial concept drawings after studying different massing and densities, comprise 63 units – with a mix of studios, 1 bedroom and 2-bedroom units.   There will be plenty of opportunity for additional public input during the standard City entitlement process on the design – size bulk and scale, but the current plan calls for 4 total stories all being within the City’s height limit.  

The hearing on September 21, 2021, is to approve the Project Agreement between the City and the Housing Authority, which will allow us to move forward with the development.  If you are available, the Housing Authority would appreciate your support during the public comment portion of the hearing on this item.  The item (Item #10) on the agenda, should be first up after the Consent Calendar Items.  If you are not able to attend, you may send in a public comment letter to Clerk@SantaBarbaraCA.gov.   See below for GotoMeeting registration requirements for making public comment at the meeting.

Thank you,

Rob Fredericks, CEO/Executive Director
Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara


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