February 7, 2006

Santa Barbara Turns Blighted Area into Affordable Homes

Once a blighted area that attracted gang activity, the Paseo Voluntario development in Santa Barbara now stands as a 27-unit affordable infill housing development.

A joint project between the Santa Barbara Housing Authority and the Santa Barbara Redevelopment Agency, Paseo Voluntario features living units ranging from studios to four-bedrooms, and rents between $400 and $900 per month. The apartments are set aside for those households of very-low to moderately-low income.

The Housing Authority started work on Paseo Voluntario in 2003, completed construction of the new units in 2004, and completed the rehabilitated units in 2005. Financing for the $5 million project included Redevelopment Agency funds, City HOME funds, HUD Comprehensive Grant funds, Housing Authority reserve funds, and funds from a refinanced bank loan on other Housing Authority property.

Paseo Voluntario before redevelopment.	Paseo Voluntario after redevelopment.

Paseo Voluntario also features a new community center and playground for Housing Authority residents throughout the city. Adults benefit from classes in computer training and financial literacy, while children can attend after-school academic tutoring and arts enrichment programs. These activities are made possible through a collaboration of the Housing Authority with Santa Barbara City College, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Mid-State Bank and Santa Barbara Bank & Trust.

This "infill housing" project provides a host of benefits to the community, most notably the production of new affordable housing through neighborhood revitalization. Residents are able to remain close to major employment centers, established school systems, and the city’s many cultural and recreational attractions. Infill development thereby helps reduce highway traffic congestion and also helps ease pressure to develop open areas on the city’s edge.

Paseo Voluntario was awarded the 2005 Award of Excellence in Outstanding Planning from the American Planning Association, California Chapter, Central Coast Section.

Paseo Voluntario: At a Glance

Year Completed:      2005
Total Cost:                Approx. $5 million
Number of Units:      27