Developer seeks $1.36 million redevelopment loan for low-income Springs apartment complex

A developer tonight will make a bid for a $1.36 million loan of Sonoma County redevelopment money to help fund construction of the Patwin Family Apartments, a 55-unit low-income apartment complex at 18360 Sierra Drive.
The request will be made to the Sonoma Valley Redevelopment Advisory Committee, which, in turn, makes recommendations to the county board of supervisors about how to spend redevelopment money.
Irvine, Calif.-based Global Premier Development is seeking the loan to help fund construction of seven two-story apartment buildings on the 3-acre property.
The new apartment complex would feature 31 two-bedroom units, 11 three-bedroom and 12 four-bedroom apartments. It would replace an aging, 36-unit apartment complex of mainly studio and one-bedroom apartments.
By law, 20 percent of a redevelopment district’s funding has to be spent on affordable housing, said Boris Storch, county redevelopment manager.
“We have affordable housing funds available and there’s a need for affordable housing,” he said.
The proposed apartments would have six apartments for “extremely low”-income residents who earn 30 percent of median income. Rents would range from $507 per month for two-bedroom apartments to $653 per month for four-bedroom apartments.
To qualify, a family for four would could earn a maximum of $22,550, which is 30 percent of the $75,100 median income for a family of four in Sonoma County.
The complex would have 28 units for “very low”-income residents ranging in price from $845 per month for two-bedroom apartments to $888 for four bedrooms. The remaining units would be for residents earning 60 percent of median income.
Storch said that redevelopment advisory committee members expressed concerns during previous discussions about the project.
“There were issues regarding … affordability. They wanted to see pictures of completed projects – that kind of thing,” Storch said.
The existing complex would be demolished. As part of the project, Global will have to find temporary housing for its residents, Storch said. Construction is expected to take a year.
Pat Sabelhaus, a Sacramento attorney who represents Global, couldn’t be reached for comment by the Sun this week.
But a project description provided by the developer says, “Careful consideration was given to designing a project that meets the demands of affordability, yet has the architectural amenities to present itself as a quality, market-rate comparable apartment community.”
The apartment buildings will have clay-tile roofs and a stucco exterior. The complex would feature such amenities as free high-speed Internet service and a computer center.
Other items on the redevelopment advisory committee’s agenda include appointing a renter to fill a committee vacancy and continued discussion about the art to be used to spiff up the Springs “gateway arch” on Highway 12 near the McDonald’s restaurant.
The committee meets at 7 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club Valley of the Moon at 100 Verano Ave.