City officials, developers and members of the Morgan Hill
community came together Thursday afternoon for the grand opening
celebration of Jasmine Square, another success story in Morgan
Hill
’s affordable housing program.
City officials, developers and members of the Morgan Hill community came together Thursday afternoon for the grand opening celebration of Jasmine Square, another success story in Morgan Hill’s affordable housing program.
What used to be a small restaurant and a trailer park with a series of rundown units, deemed a blight by the city, has been transformed into a beautiful mixed-use project with affordable housing apartments, a daycare center and commercial space.
Jasmine Square, Morgan Hill’s newest affordable housing community, is the result of a partnership between the city of Morgan hill and South County Housing Corporation. The $19.4 million project includes 72 family rental housing units, 5,000 sq. ft. of commercial space, plus the daycare center. The Redevelopment Agency devoted $3.25 million for the purchase of the land and architectural design of the project.
“This was a joint effort by a lot of people and it’s had an extraordinary outcome,” South County Housing Executive Director Dennis Lalor said. “The project started 8 years ago when Morgan Hill officials wanted to improve the Monterey corridor. That was the genesis of this. We appreciate the support we’ve received from the city.”
Lalor praised South County Housing’s 20-year partnership with the city.
“We have a wonderful partnership with the city of Morgan Hill, from our first project in 1980 and have had a consistent string of projects and support,” he said. “We’ve been working in a lot of jurisdictions and Morgan Hill is an extraordinary strong and resourceful partner.”
Mayor Dennis Kennedy also praised the new development as another shining example what a partnership between local government and private industry can accomplish.
“This type of project means a lot to Morgan Hill,” Kennedy said. “We’re hoping this project will accomplish the objective, which is to turn the blight. We’re honored and happy to be partners with South County Housing.”
Kennedy acknowledged money for the project came from dwindling RDA funds.
“The RDA is running out of money,” he said. “We’re in the process of extending the RDA because it has done many wonderful projects.”
Kennedy noted, $3.25 million of RDA money spent on the Jasmine Square project translates to $4,500 per residential unit the city has spent.
Lalor said the new development “is going to be a place that will provide families an environment that encourages growth and enables them to achieve growth in their lives.”
Over 800 people applied for residency in Jasmine Square before it opened in April. All 72 units are now filled and there are currently 100 applicants on the waiting list.
