La Habra Approves New Housing Development by Diocese of Orange

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An artist's rendering of the upcoming housing complex in La Habra.

News Summary

The La Habra City Council has approved a new 21-unit apartment complex behind the Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, transforming an unused ballfield into a mix of affordable and market-rate housing. This project aims to generate income for the church and cater to moderate-income households while addressing community concerns about traffic and parking. The Diocese of Orange is also exploring future developments in nearby areas.

La Habra Welcomes New Housing Development by Diocese of Orange

In a significant move for local housing, the La Habra City Council has given the green light for a new 21-unit apartment complex to be constructed behind the Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. The decision was made after careful consideration during a recent council meeting. The complex will rise from an old ballfield, taking up around 1.5 acres of what has long been an unused space. This development is poised to generate rental income for both the church and the Diocese of Orange.

Affordable Housing and Market Rate Units

The apartment complex will feature a mix of rental options. Out of the 21 units, two will be specifically allocated for moderate-income households, which is defined as families earning no more than 110% of the median area income. The rest of the apartments will be available at market rates, reflecting a strategy to cater to a broad range of tenants.

Future Development Plans

The Diocese of Orange is not stopping here; church leaders are actively scouting for underutilized properties within the diocese for potential housing developments. Reports suggest that the diocese is contemplating additional projects in nearby municipalities like Fullerton, Irvine, and Santa Ana, although specific details on these future endeavors remain under wraps.

Layout and Design of the Complex

Residents can expect a thoughtfully designed complex, which will include six two-story buildings. Each apartment will come with three bedrooms, an attached garage, and charming architectural features inspired by traditional Spanish designs, such as wrought iron lighting, wooden shutters, decorative tile, and balconettes. The complex promises to be a cozy living space with small backyards for outdoor enjoyment.

To aid in parking logistics, the development plans include individual parking spaces for each unit, a visitor parking lot, and even a passive park with gardening spots to foster a sense of community. Notably, there will be no access from La Habra Boulevard; instead, access will be routed from Walker Street, ensuring that the residential neighborhood to the west is utilized efficiently.

Addressing Community Concerns

parking, traffic safety, and overall community health were raised, especially given the existing activities hosted by the church. Residents fear that the additional housing could only worsen these issues.

Council Discussions

The council acknowledged the concerns yet ultimately appreciated the design elements of the housing project. However, navigating public apprehensions alongside state regulations presented challenges. It’s essential to note that even with the local concerns, the proposed development met all city standards and requirements, raising potential legal implications had the project faced rejection.

Next Steps

Moving forward, while the project has received approval, church leaders aim to facilitate further conversations. The pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church plans to host a gathering with local residents to address their concerns directly, ensuring that community voices continue to be heard.

The 21-unit apartment complex represents a blend of community needs and development opportunities. With ongoing conversations and potential future projects on the horizon, La Habra is gearing up for a dynamic chapter ahead in local housing and community engagement.