Major Affordable Housing Development Approved By City

The Long Beach Planning Commission has approved a major affordable housing development that will be built in the Midtown area along the Metro Blue Line corridor.

The Spark at Midtown, will be located at 1900 – 1940 Long Beach Blvd., and is projected to be a five-story building with 95 one-, two- and three- bedroom units for families and individuals experiencing home insecurity and/or earning between 30 and 60 percent of the Long Beach median income.

The 47 units will be designated for individuals and families either currently or at risk of experiencing homelessness according to the city. “The Spark at Midtown,” is one of many high-quality developments planned for Midtown according to the city’s release. This is in line with the Midtown Specific Plan, approved by the City Council in 2016. The plan allows for the construction of taller, multi use buildings along 2.5 miles of the Long Beach Boulevard corridor. This specific development will provide future tenants with a commercial retail ground floor, spanning 12,388 square feet that will be neighborhood serving, according to the city.

A Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) office and support service offices will provide a base for The Spark at Midtown. The Long Beach Community Investment Company approved an agreement to pass on the housing development to LINC Housing Corporation on October 18, and will provide a $3-million loan to cover a portion of development costs.

“The Long Beach Community Investment Company is working to bring forward high quality residential projects along transit corridors, offering greater mobility and access to job centers,” said John Thomas, The LBCIC Chair in a statement. “It is essential to support every segment of our community by providing increased housing opportunities in thriving neighborhoods.”

For more information on the City’s affordable housing and assistance programs, visit http://lbds.info and click on “Housing and Community Improvement.”

Article by Julissa James

staff@longbeachlocalnews.com