Elk Grove Advances Affordable Housing Project

(FOX40.com)—The Elk Grove City Council has unanimously agreed to provide a $3.5 million loan for the first stage of a new 240-unit affordable housing initiative. This project will reserve some rental spaces specifically for individuals with disabilities. The Sheldon Farms North Affordable Housing Project is being brought forward by Abode Communities, which specializes as a nonprofit organization focused on providing affordable homes.

Sarah Bontrager, who serves as the Housing and Public Services Manager for the City of Elk Grove, remarks, "Many individuals within our community find it challenging to cover their housing expenses." According to her, Phase 1 of Sheldon Farms North, located close to the intersection of Bruceville and Sheldon roads, would require approximately $1.3 million solely for the land acquisition. Given the scale of this initiative, they plan to divide it into multiple stages to facilitate financing.

Affordable housing has shown remarkable popularity in Elk Grove, as evidenced by the significant interest generated towards two prior initiatives—the Lyla and Mosa Apartments. According to Bontrager, "These two ventures together offer around 700 units, yet they garnered an impressive 13,000 lottery entries, highlighting substantial demand for cost-effective living options within the municipality."

In 2023, California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Governor Gavin Newsom filed a lawsuit against the city due to their alleged unlawful denial of a proposed 66-unit supportive housing development intended for low-income families.

The development of Sheldon Farms North arrives as housing costs keep climbing steeply. In addition, Bontrager notes, "Currently, our median sale price for houses in Elk Grove has risen over $640,000. Rental prices are equally elevated; a typical two-bedroom apartment rents for around $2,300 monthly."

This initiative is pioneering inclusive progress specifically for Elk Grove residents. Bontrager mentions that they plan to reserve 25 percent of the housing units for adults who have intellectual or developmental disabilities, marking a first for affordable housing in Elk Grove. According to her, many individuals with such disabilities remain under parental care into adulthood, either staying with their families or requiring constant support from relatives. Many older parents express concern over the future well-being of their grown children once they can no longer provide this care themselves.

The city aims to achieve an elevated level of design to foster greater community engagement. According to Bontrager, numerous neighborhood facilities are part of the plan, including a splash pad at the location and two play areas.

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