Council takes action to increase affordable housing

Additional affordable housing is in the works for Thousand Oaks.

Last month, the city council agreed to provide about $5.2 million to the Area Housing Authority (AHA) to help purchase four parcels on Los Feliz Drive.

The property at 1972 Los Feliz is about 27,000 square feet and is being acquired for $1.6 million.

The three other parcels, at 1994, 2020 and 2026 Los Feliz- totaling nearly 56,000 square feet-are being purchased for $3.6 million.

AHA would like to acquire another property between the above parcels. The agency is negotiating with the property owner of 1990 Los Feliz.

About 36 affordable housing units could be created, based on current zoning rules, but that may change if the site is rezoned, according to a city staff report.

The acquisition must be completed by June 1. No decision has been made on whether the units will be rented or sold. A development proposal is expected to be finalized within one year.

These properties wouldn't be the only affordable housing projects on Los Feliz.

In February, Many Mansions opened Hacienda de Feliz, a nearly $8-million, 25-unit townhouse-style complex. The group also acquired Bella Vista, a 72-unit family apartment com

plex for $14.5 million also on Los Feliz. Like the proposed AHA proposal, both projects were the result of partnerships between an affordable housing agency, the city and other groups.

The city also approved a grant of $240,100 in Community Development Block Grants to help fund the project.

--Sophia Fischer