City Council approves two new low-income housing developments

The Watsonville City Council on Oct. 22 unanimously approved two new low-income housing developments that will add 18 units to the city and give some families a chance at home ownership.

The developments at 36 Airport Road and Evan Court—both properties are near each other but are separate projects—will be on parcels that are currently vacant.

Because both will offer 100% affordable units, they qualify the city for a “density bonus,” a tool used by developers and jurisdictions to add more units in exchange for offering a public benefit.

The Airport Road project will be developed in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay (H4H). It will consist of 13 affordable homes and will be available to first-time homebuyers with a gross household income between 50% and 80% of the Area Median Income.

Under the terms of H4H’s ownership program, no more than 30% of the homebuyer’s income goes toward their mortgage and other housing-related expenses.

As part of the program, homebuyers must contribute 500 hours of “sweat equity” working with H4H volunteers in building their homes or their neighbors’ homes.

The project on the 41,556 square-foot lot—just under one acre—includes a mix of 13 two- and three-bedroom homes. 

It includes two parking spaces for each unit.

The project will break ground in early 2025 and take approximately four years to complete. It is being developed on land provided by the City of Watsonville. 

“It is a great privilege and honor to serve the people of Watsonville,” said H4H Chief Executive Officer Catherine Stihler. “We are grateful to the City Council and Planning Commission for giving Habitat the opportunity to build 13 affordable homes which will always remain affordable homes. We look forward to working with the local community to ensure the plans become a reality and that over the next four years, we can build 13 new homes serving local low income families.”

The second project on Evan Circle will consist of five two-story single-family homes with five attached accessory dwelling units for a total of ten units.

Both projects include a 48-foot-wide public right-of-way (including sidewalks, curb, and gutter) to provide access and a six-foot-wide public utilities easement. Both are exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act under the infill exemption.