Affordable apartments will be ready for residents later this
month at the Murphy Ranch Townhomes on East Dunne and Butterfield
avenues.
Affordable apartments will be ready for residents later this month at the Murphy Ranch Townhomes on East Dunne and Butterfield avenues.
A total of 64 apartments will open in the first phase of the project. The second, and final, phase will open 38 with apartments. Construction of that phase is slated to begin in May 2004.
Rents will be low with some units available for workers earning only 22 percent of Santa Clara County’s median income – $16,896 for two people. Others will be marketed to renters earning up to 60 percent of the median – $46,080 for two people. Two- and three-bedroom units will cost $383 to $1449 per month, compared to similar units renting at market rate of $1450 to $1750 per month.
The project is a working partnership between the Redevelopment Agency and the First Community Housing of San Jose.
First Community Housing of San Jose is a private, nonprofit developer, with a commitment to building affordable and green buildings that set well in the local environment. Its Executive Director, Jeff Oberdorfer is a licensed architect with more than 30 year’s experience.
A move in time has not been set. According to Bill Newkirk, analyst from the Business Assistance and Housing Services, the residents will beginning to move in by mid-month.
“We are close to being on time,” said Newkirk. “Everything is rolling.”
Residents will be notified following inspections of the apartments by the contractors. Newkirk says that not everyone will be notified on the same day.
“As the city signs off on each building, they will available for occupancy,” said Newkirk. “The residents will be eased over several weeks.”
Two building phases are necessary because the project must undergo the same Measure P competition as does all other residential construction in town, even though it is partially a city project.
Last May, the application process for apartments opened for one week. During that time more than 1,500 applications were requested. Out of the 1,500 applications, 1,000 were turned in by the deadline.
Newkirk says there has been no time set for resident application for the second phase of the project.
“Typically, applications are started four to five months prior to completion,” said Newkirk. “This will allow checks to be done on the applicants and allow the applicants to get affairs straight with land lords. They should be able to apply by late 2004 or early 2005.”
The Townhomes, set on 7.2 acres, have two, three or four bedrooms, their own washer/dryer units and large and private backyards. Common areas include a solar-heated swimming pool, two tot lots and a recreation building with lounge and computer study lab.
The project is designed to be highly energy-efficient and “green”, featuring vinyl energy-efficient windows, air conditioning and heating provided by a hydraulic system using hot water recirculated from the hot water heater, recycled non-formaldehyde battery insulation and fluorescent lighting throughout.
Residents will live within walking distance of stores, the Caltrain station and bus stops. Ecopasses will be issued for free transportation on buses and light rail.
