UPDATE: In a crucial move for affordable housing, Half Moon Bay officials just authorized the development of a $42.4 million project aimed at providing urgent housing for senior farmworkers. This decision comes amid rising pressure from California Governor Gavin Newsom and follows the tragic mass shootings in 2023 that highlighted the dire living conditions for local agricultural workers.
On Thursday, October 5, 2024, city officials approved staff to draft a 99-year, $1-per-year land lease for a five-story building at 555 Kelly Ave. This development will create 40 units specifically for farmworkers aged 55 and older, addressing a critical housing shortage that has persisted for years.
The project, which has been in the pipeline since 2022, faced delays due to community concerns over its height, density, and parking. Despite these hurdles, the City Council’s support signals a significant step forward, with a draft agreement to be discussed at next month’s meeting.
Developed by Mercy Housing in partnership with local nonprofit ALAS, the housing will feature three studio units, 34 one-bedroom units, and three two-bedroom units, including one for an on-site property manager. Significantly, 39 of the 40 units will be reserved for extremely low- and low-income households, with 29 units allocated for those earning at or below 50% of area median income (AMI). This means a single farmworker earning $41,150 or less would qualify under the low-income threshold.
The urgency of this project has intensified since the 2023 shootings, which exposed the squalid living conditions many farmworkers endure. Governor Newsom previously threatened legal action if progress was not made. Only a handful of affordable units have been developed since, with the 47-unit Stone Pine Cove community being a separate initiative.
San Mateo County’s agricultural production surged to $106.5 million in 2024, a 7.6% increase from the previous year. Yet, farmworkers remain among the lowest-paid workers in this expensive region, with many living in cramped or inadequate housing. A recent study revealed that the average annual income for farmworkers was only $24,871 in 2022.
During a special council meeting, supporters expressed their frustrations over the prolonged delays. Resident Rocio Avila emphasized the need for housing justice, stating, “This is about housing for those who have contributed to our community.” Meanwhile, councilmembers voiced concerns regarding parking and traffic impacts, which could derail the project.
To alleviate parking issues, developers proposed that residents could utilize 28 additional spaces at the nearby Ted Adcock Community Center during evenings and overnight. This solution, however, has not fully satisfied community concerns about traffic safety and parking availability.
Councilmember Deborah Penrose voiced strong support for the project, stating, “I can’t buy this argument as something that would stop a necessary project for so many people who deserve it.” Mercy Housing aims to apply for federal and state low-income housing tax credits by mid-2026, with groundbreaking anticipated within six months of approval.
The development could open by 2028, contributing to Half Moon Bay’s goal to build 480 units by 2031, including 285 units reserved for low- to very-low-income residents. This project not only seeks to provide essential housing but also represents a critical recognition of the contributions made by farmworkers to the community.
As discussions continue, the next council meeting on the draft agreement will be pivotal. The community is urged to stay engaged as this urgent housing initiative moves forward, promising to change lives for those who have long supported the agricultural backbone of Half Moon Bay.
