Folsom approves $25 million in bonds for Harrington Grove low-income housing project

The Folsom City Council last week approved $25 million in bonds to build the 52-unit Harrington Grove affordable housing project near Blue Ravine Road and East Bidwell Street. Developed by Pacific West, the low-income housing project is on a vacant 1.74-acre site on Harrington Way along the Humbug Willow Creek Nature Area. The Folsom Planning Commission recommended approval in November. The Folsom City Council approved a $2.7 million loan to the developer last July to help finance the project. Pacific plans two primary buildings, each three stories and 40 feet high. The first building would have 22 units with the community center on the first floor, and the second structure would be 30 units. Surrounding uses include an apartment community to the south and west, a senior care facility east and Willow Creek north. The site is zoned business-professional. The zoning district restricts multi-family homes, but the city "overlay" allows for mixed use along East Bidwell Street. The overlay establishes a minimum density of 30 home units per acre and no maximum, staff said. The site is mostly flat without trees on three parcels from a 1992 lot division. Trees, including native oaks, are on the perimeter, mostly on the trail boundary. The two main buildings will feature a mix of units ranging from 571 to 1,113 square feet, arranged in an L shape around the parking area. As proposed, the project is 100-percent deed-restricted to provide affordable housing for those at 30 percent to 80 percent of area average monthly income. The project includes a mix of one- to three-bedroom homes, or 18 one-bed, 17 two-bed and 17 three-bedroom units, staff explained. All units would have washers and dryers, plus a covered patio or balcony and outside storage closet. Limited accessibility units would be available to serve disabled and families. A 2,800 square-foot community center with a lease office, community space, fitness area, maintenance room and laundry room will anchor the community. Features include a children's play area, dog run and stormwater basin. Landscaping will give shade, and existing fences and sound walls would remain with no gates. Two new driveways off Harrington Way will be built, staff said. The plan includes 78 parking spaces with 31 EV-ready. Pedestrian paths are planned around the buildings, with one refuse enclosure. The landscaping will be California-native and low water-use trees, shrubs and groundcover selections. The Folsom City Council approved the issuance of the tax-exempt revenue bonds after a required public hearing Feb. 25.