Redwood City Approves Affordable Housing Complex, Pursuing Another

Artists Rendering of Project Planned for 707 Bradford

Late last year, Redwood City approved a 7-story 117-unit residential complex for low-income seniors at 707 Bradford Street, and now they are close to commissioning proposals for additional affordable housing at a vacant lot on 611 Heller Street.  Both the Bradford and Heller lots were purchased by the city with redevelopment funds for affordable housing before state Redevelopment Agencies were dissolved in 2012.

Mid-Pen Housing, a non-profit affordable housing developer, is taking on the project at 707 Bradford, which will include an 8,000-square-foot child care facility to accommodate up to 70 children, and a new public trail along Redwood Creek with trees, lighting and bike racks. Redwood City Council is expected to authorize staff to obtain development proposals for the Heller lot sometime late January.

To ensure there are funds for similar projects in the future, City Council is also considering dedicating hotel tax revenue generated from short term rentals (i.e. Airbnb) towards affordable housing.

The council also recently approved new rules making it easier to build small living units on properties that include single-family residences. It also approved revisions to the Downtown Specific Plan that dedicated 375 units out of a a maximum of 2,500 to affordable housing.