Santa Clara Co. leaders approve funding for low-income senior housing

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- Santa Clara County leaders have approved funding for a project to build affordable housing for low-income seniors by a 5-0 vote. They say this is just their latest step in housing 5,000 people.

RELATED: Report says SF, San Mateo, Santa Clara counties have least affordable housing in California

The property on the corner of Leigh Avenue and Southwest Expressway in San Jose isn't pretty. It's behind a chain link fence but county leaders say when it's done, it will be a big step for affordable housing.

This is all made possible by the $950 million affordable housing bond approved by voters in 2016.

On Tuesday, the supervisors approved up to $13.5 million to buy the property and develop it. The plans call for 64 units for low-income seniors and also some commercial space on the ground floor.

This is the 2nd project using money from the bond measure going specifically to low-income senior housing, allowing the county and other groups to provide supportive services on the properties.

The other project is a 19-unit housing development in Cupertino called "The Veranda."

A groundbreaking ceremony was held for that project in April.

"I think for all of us who see our parents who are becoming seniors, really starting to think about what happens that we're living longer. Where is it that we can live that is safe? And where can we get services, especially for those who are low income and high need?" asked Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez.

The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors has also approved $111 million from the housing bond for 10 multi-family developments.

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