Permits and a zoning resolution for 71 units of affordable housing in Moss Beach — that has been touted as a way for many to live close by to where they work but has drawn concern over traffic and density — received unanimous approval by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors.
The development, dubbed the Cypress Point Affordable Housing Community Project, has been in the works since 2016 and has sparked concerns from local residents. After years in the pipeline, the project has finally made headway with approval from the county to move forward with their goal of occupancy by early 2027.
Main areas of concern raised throughout the duration of the project are primarily about the safety of nearby intersections with Highway 1, as well as the narrow streets in the neighborhood that some believe will become oversaturated with the introduction of a significant number of new residents.
Infrastructure improvements are expected to occur alongside the development, but are not expected to be completed until 2030.
Supervisor Ray Mueller, who oversees most of the coastline, said that the county must be committed to addressing the improvements needed along Highway 1 to maintain a trusting relationship with the midcoast residents.
“As we approve this project today … I don’t just hope, it should be a commitment from the county to the significant infrastructure improvements that will be required for safe and efficient traffic flow in this area on a day-to-day basis and in emergencies,” Mueller said.
The conditions of approval for the project requires the applicant — MidPen Housing, a nonprofit low-income housing developer — to contribute toward the construction of the intersection improvements and the applicant has agreed to this stipulation.
“We’ve been committed to these improvements on Highway 1 for some time now, with or without the project,” Steve Monowitz, county director of Planning and Development, said. “These improvements are needed to serve not only the Moss Beach residents, but the residents of the larger midcoast community and all the visitors that come to the coast.”
Cypress Point would have 16 two-story buildings. All homes would be listed at a below-market rate, making the units available to people earning 80% of the area median income, which is currently $124,000 annually for a family of four.
More specifically, MidPen is proposing that 49 of these units will be priced at 50% of the area median income or below, which is currently at $93,200 annually for a family of four. Most of the units will have two bedrooms.
The majority of those who spoke during public comment shared their support for the approval of the development because of what it would provide for nearby agricultural workers and lower income families who need affordable housing options.
MidPen is aiming to reserve 75% of the units for coastside workers or residents and 25% for agricultural workers and their families.
“This is a huge opportunity I think for the coastside to live up to its values in support not just farm workers but affordable housing on the coastside,” Supervisor Noelia Corzo said.
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