Lindsay low-income housing project making headway

LINDSAY — Sequoia Villas, a 19-unit housing project for low-income families with a projected finish date in October, will be located next to the Wellness Center.

According to Margaret Lowe, the deputy executive director for the Tulare County Housing Authority, the project is a partnership between Pacific West Communities, Inc. a housing developer and Kaweah Management Company, which is the non-profit development arm of the TCHA.

“At this point it’s a done deal. The financing is secure and state approval has been made. Now it’s up to the builders,” said Tim Sciacqua, a business development consultant with Pacific West Communities Inc. The company has developed many projects in the San Joaquin Valley including; a senior community in Lemore and a 65 unit family project in Madera.
“Pacific company is one of the largest developers of multi-family affordable units in the Western United States. They have over 110 projects in management,” said Sciacqua.

The housing development project, according to Bill Zigler city planner, received council approval in 2007 or 2008. However, Zigler said there were many variations on the project and the previous developer was not able to finish it.

At the site, which is located at the corner of Sequioa and Alameda, two units are standing.

According to Denise Carter, the vice-president of asset management at Pacific West, the homes will be matched to the existing units and the company will bid out the construction of the project.

“We use as many local construction companies as we can,” said Carter.

Tulare County Housing Authority is also working in tandem to see the project to fruition.  

“Right now you’ve got a vacant piece of property that’s sitting there. With the Housing Authority managing it, it will be well maintained,” said Lowe. The rent for a 1,200 foot three bedroom/two bathroom home is $685 and the rent for a 1,400 square foot four bedroom/two bathroom home is $759. Amenities for the units include a stove, dishwasher, garbage disposal and a refrigerator. The renters, according to Lowe, will be responsible for the gas and electric bill while the water, garbage and sewer is included in the rent. To qualify for a unit renters will have to meet certain criteria which include passing a criminal record check, a credit check and having an unannounced house visit at the renters current location.

Lowe said that the renters money will go towards upkeep. There is a management fee as well which pays for things like support services and computer services.
 
Contact Emily Shapiro at 784-5000, ext. 1050, or on Twitter @EmilyShapirogar.