History of the Development
 

Why is Mercy pursuing this development?
 

In 2018, a development agreement was negotiated between Mercy Housing and the City of Norwalk for the 1.5-acre parcel located at the intersection of San Antonio Boulevard and Foster Road. Mercy Housing continues its commitment to work with the city to develop affordable rental housing which includes apartments serving veterans who have experienced homelessness and veteran families.

 

Planning Process
 

What was the planning process for this development?
 

Mercy Housing California obtained planning approval and entitlements through the City Norwalk. Veterans Villas at San Antonio Drive required a zone change, general plan amendment, density bonus, tentative parcel map and precise development plan, all of which were processed through the Norwalk Planning Commission and City Council in Spring 2020. 

 

Design
 

Who are the architects working on this development?

 

TCA Architects is designing the Veterans Villas at San Antonio Drive, which occupies the site at 11950 Foster Road and 13629-13705 San Antonio Drive.​​​​​​​​

Click here for TCA Architects (tca-arch.com)

 

Management and Resident Services

 

What is the management and services staffing at the property?

 

There will be a full-time property manager, assistant property manager, janitorial staff member, and maintenance technician who will work at the property. A member of the management team will also live on-site.

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Describe the resident services staffing at the property and what services will be provided for the residents?

 

There will be one full time Resident Services Coordinator and one part time Activity Coordinator to provide programming throughout the day in the areas of health and wellness, financial literacy, art and cooking, and other activities developed with the seniors living at Veterans Villas at San Antonio Drive. The resident services coordinator will also connect residents with organizations and additional services throughout the Norwalk community. There will be two case managers who will interact with residents who have experienced homelessness and will work one-on-one with those residents to help them achieve their goals and advocate on their behalf. Case managers will provide referrals for addiction treatment and mental health support, as well as assistance with medication compliance. 

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Who are the anticipated residents of Veterans Villas at San Antonio Drive?

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Future residents will be veterans who have experienced homelessness as well as families with a veteran head of household. Anticipated renters of the one-bedroom apartments will be earning 25 percent of the area median income or less. For 2023, 25 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) is $22,075.

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Families will be expected to have a combined household income of between 30 and 60 percent of the Area Median Income. By way of example, for 2023, the maximum combined income for a family of four would be between $37,830 and $75,660. 

 

Application Process 

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What is the leasing/screening process?

 

The leasing process includes requests for information on credit history and landlord history, as well as other indicators that the applicant will be able to live successfully in the community. All members of the household will sign the lease obligating them to the conditions of the lease and all lease addenda. In addition, Mercy Housing contracts with a third party to conduct criminal background checks on all applicants for the properties in its portfolio. This is to determine that neither the resident nor any household member will have a record of misdemeanor convictions within the past 3 years or a record of felony convictions in the past 4 years. No applicant or household member who is subject to the national sex offender lifetime registration will be admitted under any circumstance.

 

How will property management handle any issues that may arise? 

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         The property manager is responsible for responding to neighborhood concerns regarding the property and the                 impact residents or guests are having in the community. Neighbors will have contact information for the property               manager and will be encouraged to share their concerns. 

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How can I apply to live in these apartments?

 

The lease up process will begin in Spring 2024 for an approximate move-in period of Fall 2024. Please check www.norwalkveteranshousing.org in Summer 2023 for application information.

 

Parking and Traffic

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Will there be parking for residents/ staff/ visitors?

 

There are 61 parking spaces for residents and 6 for staff.

 

Will this development have a significant impact on traffic in the neighborhood?

 

A traffic study conducted for the development found that the new building will have an insignificant impact on traffic in the neighborhood.

 

 

Volunteer Opportunities

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Will there be opportunities for the community to be involved at the property?

 

Yes! Volunteers, both individuals and groups, are welcome at all Mercy properties. There will be opportunities for volunteers to help with many different events and activities, as well as holiday celebrations. Residents are also encouraged to volunteer in the community, so suggestions of opportunities are gratefully received.