Vista greenlights homeless, affordable housing project

The city will fund two adjacent projects with at least $2 million to address seniors, homeless and other low-income residents

The Vista City Council approved to enter into an agreement and spending $2 million to fund 56 affordable units for homeless and low-income residents. Courtesy image

VISTA — A passionate discussion and debate ended with the City Council approving at least $2 million for an affordable housing project during its June 25 meeting.

The council approved, 4-0 (Councilman Joe Green was absent), a Funding Commitment Letter and Exclusive Negotiation Agreement with Wakeland Housing Development Corporation and Tideline Partners. The developers are working with the city on two projects, but to avoid a public vote, the property at 902 Vista Village was approved, while the proposal for 211 Palm Drive will come back to the council in the coming weeks.

Regardless, the two projects will bring 126 affordable units to the city near downtown. The developers bought the properties from the city under the Surplus Land Act (SLA), while the city has cleared the project with the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

“Wakeland/Tideline was determined to be the most responsive because the proposed the development of a greater number of affordable housing units on each site,” Eric Bunge, the city’s housing program manager, said. “Staff filed the proper forms with HCD in February 2024 and received a letter that HCD has determined the city has met all the requirements under the SLA for the purposes of the disposition of both properties.”

The City Council adopted a resolution last year declaring two sites were surplus land and not necessary under the city’s use via the Surplus Land Act, according to Imelda Huerta, Vista’s assistant city manager. The city issued two Notices of Availability to public agencies and affordable housing sponsors who met requirements set by the California Department of Housing and Community Development.