THIS WILL BE GT>>> THE STATE WILL REQUIRE IT:

City to break ground on new low-income housing
By Paula King
CONTRA COSTA TIMES
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OAKLEY - Construction on two apartment complexes is scheduled to start early next year despite the initial controversy surrounding the affordable housing project.
More than 200 low-income units for seniors and families will be built on Carol Lane. The 54-unit seniors complex and 154 units of work force housing will be on land formerly zoned for light industry.
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Oakley City Council last year changed the zoning to multifamily residential to meet the state's pressing requirements to provide more affordable housing. Some long-time light industrial business owners and residents opposed the decision, however, fearing it would cost the city valuable jobs and revenue.
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Local Realtor Enrico Cinquini has expressed concern over the rezoning, saying the city needs commercially zoned land to thrive.
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"It is hard to make up that commercial and light industrial land once you give it up," he said.
Still, Cinquini said some upcoming commercial sites along nearby Main Street should compensate for the loss.
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The four-story apartments also drew criticism from area residents who argued that the high-density dwellings would lead to more crime and traffic as well as lower property values.
Nearby neighbor Carol Manning said she is not against affordable housing, but disagrees with the high density of this particular project and mixing senior housing with multi-family units. Now that the city has approved the project, Manning said it must manage it properly to avoid problems.
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"They are buying themselves a nightmare," she said. "It is not going to be a project we are proud of."
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Nonprofit developer Corporation for Better Housing said it has constructed several high-quality projects all around the state.
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The site near Main Street was too deep for commercial purposes, added CBH employee Charlie Brumbaugh, noting that the project will be gated and subject to strict management practices.
Brumbaugh says this area needs at least 10,000 affordable housing units. The state recently recommended CBH for $35 million in federal tax-exempt bond funding for the project.
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"This project will provide much-needed housing for our seniors and local working population," Redevelopment Director Barbara Mason said. "The developer has worked diligently with the city to address trees, design and infrastructure challenges."
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Although Mayor Brad Nix still disagrees with the decision to rezone the property, he has vowed to ensure that the project is well-managed. He is scrutinizing this project especially closely because there are market-rate condominiums planned nearby that could be converted into affordable housing.
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"Obviously, we are going to be watching it because we don't want that problem any more than anyone else does," Nix said.
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Nix and city officials are considering an ordinance that would force landlords to pay fees through a rental housing licensing requirement. That money could pay for additional code and law enforcement efforts targeting rental properties throughout the city, according to City Manager Bryan Montgomery.
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The developer has strict management practices, which should allay concerns about public safety, he added. The project will provide a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and is scheduled to open in 2008.
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The multifamily complex will feature a computer learning center that will offer tutoring and classes, as well as playgrounds, picnic areas, barbecues and a lounge.
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The senior housing will provide a walking track, rose garden and exercise classes.
Rents will be based on income and are likely to range from $700 to $800 per month for seniors and $700 to $1,200 for families.
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For more information on the project, call 818-905-2430.
Paula King covers Oakley. Reach her at 925-779-7189 or pking@cctimes.com.