ARMONA, CA - Armona could have a new low-income apartment complex in the future, if the state buys into the idea. Southern California-based developer AMG & Associates LLC has plans to build a 20-unit multifamily rental housing complex on Lyn Street just south of Highway 198 in Armona. But the company needs $2 million in a state grant to help finance the project.
"For many families and households, affordable housing is very important in establishing self-esteem and self-respect," said Kristen Weirick, vice president of AMG. "Having a location where families can raise their children will not only benefit the individual families, but also the community. This location will provide safe and affordable housing."
The Kings County Board of Supervisors liked what they heard Tuesday. Prompted by the developer's request, the board was reviewing an option to apply for a $2 million grant through the state HOME Investment Partnership Program. There were concerns as to whether the Armona Community Service District has the water and sewer capacity to serve the new development. A moratorium is in place due to a lack of utility capacity.
But the Armona Community Service District has been issuing will-serve letters which could be transferred from one developer to another, Planning Agency Director Bill Zumwalt said. In the end, the board unanimously gave the staff direction to prepare the grant application. "People of Armona have the same right to the opportunity for growth and increased affordable housing," Supervisor Tony Oliveira told Weirick. "If not, we are saying Armona would never grow. I think this is a great opportunity, and I hope you have the ability to make that happen."
The 20 apartments touted as affordable include four two-bedroom units, 12 three-bedroom units and eight four-bedroom units, according to Kristen Weirick, vice president of AMG. The 1.3-acre project site lies between an existing apartment complex and a daycare facility. The complex would be similar to those previously built by AMG in Farmersville and Delano, Weirick said. Any households making between 30 percent to 55 percent of the area median income would be eligible for the apartment. Depending on income level, rents would range from $363 to $667 for a two-bedroom apartment and from $468 to $858 for a four-bedroom apartment, Weirick said.
Having received all the project details, the county is signing an indemnity agreement with the developer. The agreement allows the county to back out of the partnership in the project, although that is not expected, said Chuck Kinney, principal planner with the county.
The county will be responsible for loaning the $2 million to AMG and monitor repayment and project management over a 55-year period, Kinney said. Kings County will submit the application by Aug. 15 and expects to hear back from the state in December, he said.
Source: HanfordSentinel.com