Metro Village has 70 units and 5,500 square feet of ground floor apartments.

LOS ANGELES—Transit-oriented development is coming to the low-income market. The development niche has exploded in recent years, with more and more projects in Los Angeles focusing on transit stops and accessibility; however, almost all of the units built have been market-rate apartments. Developer ROEM has now delivered Metro Village, a 70-unit multifamily complex in Baldwin Park for low-income families making 60% or less of the average area income. The project cost $27 million to develop, and is expected to fuel more growth in this market.

“Transit-oriented development needs to be affordable for the people who use public transit. Low- and moderate-income residents are the core transit riders,” Alex Sanchez, EVP of ROEM Development, tells GlobeSt.com. “Workers with household incomes of $50,000 or less make up almost 90% of all transit commuters in Los Angeles County, according to a 2013 Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority report that studied housing affordability and transit ridership. We know that when demand for housing near transit increases, so does the housing price, and we want to be sure that we don't displace lower-income families who are depending on that transit to get to work, the doctor and school. There's no doubt that developing mixed-income housing—with 20% or more units being affordable—is more challenging, but it's necessary and good public policy.”

The project is adjacent to the Metrolink station, and has great accessibility. The project, however, meets more needs than just transit accessibility. It was built to provide similar living style as a market rate building, and includes 5,500 square feet of ground floor retail. “Building affordable housing that is sustainable and that rivals the quality of market-rate housing are goals for every ROEM development, and Metro Village is a prime example of that,” explains Sanchez. “In addition to pursuing LEED for Homes Gold certification for Metro Village, we were able to include upgraded unit amenities such as stone countertops, LED lighting, high-quality plumbing fixtures and raised panel cabinet doors. All residents have access to a community room with an entertainment center, lounge area and kitchenette, computer room, fitness room, laundry room, secure bike storage area, patio space, child play area and outdoor barbecue space. Comprehensive on-site resident services, including adult education and after-school programs, rounds out that vision.”

The developer funded the project through federal low-income housing tax credits awarded by the State of California, tax-exempt bonds, conventional bank loans and local agency loans. They also partnered with several organizations, including the City of Baldwin Park, AEGON USA Realty Advisors, City Community Capital, Withee Malcolm Architects, MJS Design Group and Pacific Housing to build the $27 million project.

ROEM held its official grand opening ceremony last week, and the reception has been phenomenal. “The resident response to Metro Village has been excellent,” says Sanchez. “My colleagues had the pleasure of walking through units shortly after people moved in, and everyone is loving their flooring, cabinetry, common areas, and how the outdoor community area is a great place to be while watching their kids play.”

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Transit Builds for Low-Income Residents

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