VISTA, CA—Affirmed Housing Group's Paseo Pointe project appeals in part because of its transit-friendly location, which principal James Silverwood tells GlobeSt.com matters even in suburban submarkets like Vista, CA. As we reported in June, the project, which celebrated its grand opening on September 22, consists of three stories of retail space and parking, along with multifamily housing. We spoke exclusively with Silverwood about the significance of this project and the importance of transit-friendly developments like it in suburban San Diego.

GlobeSt.com: What is most significant for you about this project?

Silverwood: We're extremely proud of its energy-efficiency measures, including drought-tolerant landscaping and extensive rooftop solar. Additionally, Paseo Pointe is a part of a larger vision the City of Vista is implementing for the redevelopment of the South Santa Fe area—with street improvements, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, and a linear park that connects to Vista Village Drive, creating a pleasant and walkable pathway to shopping, dining and transit. It is expected to be a draw to further residential and commercial investments. This makes it a very exciting project.

GlobeSt.com: How important are transit-friendly developments in San Diego, a market that is mostly not known for its densification or urban appeal outside of the Downtown area?

Silverwood: Extremely important. There are many compelling economic and social benefits of transit-friendly development. Density, especially in community centers, provides for the efficient use of land and public services. It helps restore vitality to the Downtown cores and main streets of smaller communities, reversing the vacuum created by suburban sprawl.

Importantly, it also helps make the transit system economically viable, by providing potential riders who live and work near transit stops. And, pedestrian activity around transit stops is natural catalyst for retail activity. Housing near transit ultimately gives people the option of not having to own a car, which can pay off by reducing automobile dependency in the long run.

The public policy is the same outside of downtown San Diego—the goal is to provide housing and jobs clustered around transit stops, to ensure a rider base for transit and to provide for transit accessibility so that people don't have to get in their cars to drive to transit stations. The difference is that outside of the urban core—where transit frequency is less or connectivity between transit modes aren't fully developed, where people may be accustomed to assuming transit isn't a viable option—the changes may come more slowly. Maybe people aren't fully weaned from their cars, but start to see transit as an option for some weekend activities—riderships grow, service and connectivity continues to improve with the implementation of transit planning. We are still talking about the same public-policy objectives. It's a regional planning effort that will reap benefits over time. Creating the connectivity between housing, jobs and transit is the essential groundwork we must lay for these longer-range efforts to be successful.

GlobeSt.com: What are the necessary elements of an affordable development today?

Silverwood: Excellence, value, and good design. Good design needs to foster a sense of community, provide for the safety of residents and create community pride. This includes, among other things, creating inviting public spaces and designing so that there are “eyes on the street”—a visual connection between the residential spaces and surrounding outdoor spaces.

Sustainability is also important—incorporating green building systems, which reduce utility bills and save non-renewable resources. Finding well-located sites is becoming increasingly important for sustainability, as well. Locating housing where there are economic and social opportunities for residents avoids isolating affordable homes in distressed neighborhoods and ensures we can all benefit from healthy, balanced communities. Paseo Pointe incorporates all of these elements.

GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about this project?

Silverwood: This project is a result of the vision of leaders in the City of Vista, who have dedication and persistence in planning and implementing revitalization efforts along the South Santa Fe Corridor, made this a reality. Paseo Pointe is truly representative of the best practices in community development today—with its mix of uses, sustainability, walkability and proximity to transit. Additionally, the incorporation of a linear park with a Vietnam memorial honoring a local hero will give it added vitality as well as local and historical significance. We are very proud of this development and the community partnership that made it possible.