A proposed 50-unit affordable housing complex in Fillmore near City Hall, that includes 24 units designated for farmworkers, is expected to break ground before the end of the year.
Ken Trigueiro, CEO of San Luis Obispo developer People's Self-Help Housing, said construction could take 18 to 24 months, with residents moving in by the end of 2028.
“I’m very excited,” Trigueiro said. “It’s our first time working in Fillmore.”
Known as Fillmore Terrace, the project at 215 and 221 Palm St. and 534 Santa Clara St. received City Council approval for $25 million in tax-exempt bonds at their Sept. 8 meeting. The action does not commit the city to provide the financing.
As the nonprofit developer, People’s Self-Help Housing requested that the California Municipal
Finance Authority serve as the bond issuer, according to a staff report.
Bond proceeds will help finance and refinance acquisition, construction and improvement costs for the rental housing project, owned by the developer, according to the report.
Brian McCarthy, Fillmore assistant community development director, said by email that People’s Self-Help Housing first proposed the development in February 2019 as a 73-unit, three-story affordable and supportive housing project.
After the Planning Commission recommended denial at the 1.44-acre site, the developer redesigned the project and returned in 2023 with a 50-unit, two-story complex, McCarthy said.
In August of the same year, the city’s Community Development Department administratively approved the project. Because the redesigned development qualified for approval under state housing laws, the project did not return to the Planning Commission for a public hearing, McCarthy said.
The project cost is about $44 million, funded through tax credits, private equity and state, county and city sources, Trigueiro said.
About half of the cost will go toward construction with the rest covering city fees, permitting, architectural services, financing and other expenses, he said.
Of the 50 units, 24 are designated for farmworkers, five for people with disabilities and 13 for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, Trigueiro said. The remaining units are at various low-income levels and a manager's unit, he said.
The development will include a mix of incomes, including extremely low-income households and below, he said.
The complex will include 22 one-bedroom units, 14 two-bedroom units and 14 three-bedroom units.
Mayor Albert Mendez said the project will provide housing opportunities for residents at different income levels while supporting local families.
“I’m proud to see the investment made into Fillmore,” he said.
The project is close to City Hall and transportation, which Mendez said will help residents access essential services.
“Everything that residents need should be close by within walking distance,” he said.
Trigueiro said prospective applicants will likely have to wait until early 2028, about six months before the project is completed.
For more information, visit: pshhc.org.
Wes Woods II covers West County for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at wesley.woodsii@vcstar.com, 805-437-0262 or @JournoWes.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: 50-unit Fillmore affordable project seeks 2028 opening with financing
