Photo by Magali Gauthier, Palo Alto Online

At SV@Home, we are excited to support the redevelopment of Buena Vista Mobile Home Park in Palo Alto, spearheaded by the Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA). This ambitious project is a step forward in addressing the region’s housing affordability crisis.

In early August, the Housing Authority sought support for this initiative. In response, we submitted detailed public comments and a letter to the Palo Alto City Council, underscoring the project’s importance. The redevelopment plan is set to preserve 44 mobile homes on two-thirds of the site while introducing a new, multi-story, 61-unit affordable housing building on the remaining third. This development is designed to cater to various income levels, offering essential housing solutions for families and individuals facing affordability challenges.

The project worked through several issues in the process of designing the redevelopment, including debates over unit sizes, demands for enhanced green spaces, and resident preferences for design elements. The Housing Authority has tackled these challenges head-on, engaging in thorough community outreach, hosting multiple meetings, and maintaining transparent communication. They have considered feedback, explored equitable solutions, and clarified site constraints, such as limitations on financial packages and the impossibility of accommodating household splits due to site limitations.

On August 12, 2024, the Palo Alto City Council unanimously voted to approve the redevelopment, a crucial milestone for the project. With $39.5 million in committed funding, including $25 million in state resources, the project is now set to proceed with the next phase. This involves securing additional financing through tax credits and tax-exempt bonds to ensure its financial viability and successful completion.

We applaud the Housing Authority for its dedication throughout the redevelopment process and extend our heartfelt thanks to the Palo Alto City Council for its crucial support. The Buena Vista redevelopment is not just a project; it’s an advancement in affordable housing that promises to provide Buena Vista residents with safe, stable homes while also enhancing community well-being.