Folsom officials and developers will hold a grand opening today for the city's first new affordable housing complex for families in more than two decades.
The opening of Forestwood on Greenback Lane adds 55 apartments to the city's affordable housing mix, which includes three family complexes built more than 20 years ago and two senior complexes built more recently, said city planning manager Scott Johnson.
Geoff Brown, president of USA Properties Fund, a for-profit developer of affordable housing, said the complex is already 50 percent leased and 25 percent occupied.
"I think we're meeting a critical need in the community … and improving that immediate area," Brown said, noting that the project is near jobs, a light-rail station and high-performing schools.
The opening comes even as the city – which saw sharp growth in upscale single family housing in recent decades – is being sued by the Sacramento Housing Alliance over its lack of a low-income housing ordinance.
The group is challenging the city's decision to let its ordinance expire last year, eliminating a requirement that developers build low-income units with every large residential project.
"They've disabled one of the major tools for (achieving) the housing element" of the city's general plan, said Tyrone Buckley, policy director for the housing alliance.
It's the second time housing advocates have sued Folsom, he said. The first lawsuit ended with a settlement that included adoption of the housing ordinance that has since expired.
Folsom has a goal of building 915 affordable housing units, he said, but "405 of those units are supposed to be achieved through an ordinance which doesn't exist anymore." Meanwhile, USA Properties said apartments are still available at Forestwood.
The project is designed to be affordable to families making between 50 percent and 60 percent of Sacramento County's median income, USA Properties said. A family of three can earn up to $41,100 to qualify; a family of five can make up to $49,320.
Rents range from $664 a month for a one-bedroom apartment to $1,118 for a three-bedroom unit. To find out more, email forestwood@usapropfund.com or call (916) 987-1007.
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