A new senior housing facility was recently approved at a Paso Robles Planning Commission board meeting and could soon be coming to northern San Luis Obispo County.
River Walk Terrace was the proposed name and it is slated to be built within close proximity to the Kohl's store in the Woodland Plaza II shopping center at 110 Niblick Road in Paso Robles.
It will encompass 79 units of affordable housing for seniors 62 years of age and older.
David Cook, Executive Director of the Paso Robles Housing Authority, says one of the factors that went into choosing this site was location.
"It's very walkable to Kohl's, there's a dentist office, a Walmart, so there's groceries, pharmacies, all the amenities are right there," he said.
There will be a mix of one and two bedroom options.
"Tenants have to earn anywhere from 30-60% of the area median income, so rent for a one bedroom could be as low $625 up to about $950," Cook said.
Some feel adding additional affordable housing for seniors will be beneficial for northern San Luis Obispo County.
"To live here in Paso is very expensive, so we all are on very limited incomes, some more than others. Your rent is figured on how much you bring in, so for us it is very important," said Paso Robles resident Beth Winfrey.
The City of Paso Robles Community Development Department wrote in a statement:
"The City was able to identify this site for housing as part of the 2021-2028 General Plan Housing Element update, so now to see this project come to fruition is very exciting as we have come a long way in a short amount of time. Being able to utilize an infill site that already has access to shopping and services has helped the Paso Robles Housing Authority create a well-designed project that will provide a variety of amenities to their residents, while also providing the much needed low-income housing for our senior population. Overall, it’s been a great experience working with the Paso Robles Housing Authority on this project and we’re excited to continue working with them on projects in the future."
Cook says he is optimistic about the project.
"It is going to serve a big need for the Paso Robles community and the seniors."
Financing and building plan approvals are the next step and the Housing Authority says they hope to break ground in December.
