Milpitas approves building 118 affordable apartments near Main Street

Main Street in Milpitas to Gain 118 New Affordable Housing Units

Introduction

The City Council of Milpitas has unanimously approved the development of 118 new affordable housing units on Main Street. The project aims to address the housing needs of low-income and moderate-income families in the area.

Project Details

The development will be carried out by AMG & Associates LLC, an Encino-based company. The project will consist of two apartment complexes on a .97 acre lot at 1300 S. Main Street, located half a mile from the VTA Great Mall light rail station. Over half of the units will be reserved for low-income families, while the remaining units will be available to those with moderate incomes. The estimated cost of construction is $18.4 million and will include amenities such as a community garden, a public space, and 39 parking spots for tenants.

Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

1. Goal 1: No Poverty

• The project will provide affordable housing options for low-income families, contributing to the eradication of poverty in the community.

• The development is strategically located near public transportation, promoting sustainable mobility and reducing carbon emissions.
• The inclusion of a community garden and public space encourages social interaction and community engagement, fostering a sense of belonging and well-being.

Local Context

In Santa Clara County, the low-income threshold for a family of four is $137,100. The median household income in Milpitas is $169,460, and approximately 64% of residents own their own homes. The median gross rent is $2,762, according to the city’s data.

Housing Element and Regional Housing Demands

The project aligns with Milpitas’ housing element, a state-mandated blueprint for adding a specific number of homes at various price points. Milpitas aims to construct 7,028 new housing units by 2031. Similarly, the nine-county Bay Area plans to build over 441,000 new homes by then to meet housing demands. Approximately 40% of these homes must be allocated for individuals with low or very-low incomes.

Compliance with SB35

The project, submitted in 2021, complies with SB35, a state law that streamlines affordable housing projects. This law prohibits cities from imposing restrictions on 100% affordable projects located within half a mile of transit services. In 2022, the city requested that AMG consider incorporating additional amenities such as on-site parking, a community garden, and an open space into the project.

Conclusion

The approval of this affordable housing development in Milpitas will provide much-needed housing options for low-income and moderate-income families. The project aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 1 (No Poverty) and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). By addressing the housing needs of the community and promoting sustainable urban development, Milpitas is taking significant steps towards achieving a more equitable and sustainable future.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 1: No Poverty

   • Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable.
   • Indicator 1.3.1: Proportion of the population covered by social protection floors/systems, by sex, distinguishing children, unemployed persons, older persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, newborns, work-injury victims, and the poor and the vulnerable.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
   • Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements or inadequate housing.

The article discusses the approval of a development project in Milpitas that will add 118 new affordable housing units. This directly addresses SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, specifically Target 11.1, which aims to ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing. The specific indicator related to this target is Indicator 11.1.1, which measures the proportion of the urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing.

The article also provides information about the low-income threshold for a family of four in Santa Clara County and the median household income in Milpitas. This relates to SDG 1: No Poverty, particularly Target 1.3, which focuses on implementing social protection systems and measures for all. The indicator associated with this target is Indicator 1.3.1, which measures the proportion of the population covered by social protection floors/systems, including the poor and the vulnerable.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: mercurynews.com

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