Modesto to use NSP funds to build senior facility

MODESTO -- Eleven apartments for low-income senior citizens will be built with taxpayer money next year near downtown Modesto.

The city of Modesto owns the empty lots at 412 and 416 Downey Ave. Now about $2.4 million from the federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program and other government sources will be spent to build the complex.

"We can't build enough affordable senior housing," said Bill Fagan, who heads Stanislaus County's housing authority.

The authority will manage construction and rental of the apartments. The project is in the planning stage, but the units are expected to be finished in about a year.

"We haven't started the bidding process yet," Fagan said. He expects to submit construction plans next month to Modesto's planning department.

It is too early for prospective tenants to apply to live there. Fagan expects to start a waiting list for those apartments early next fall.

Only those age 62 and older whose income is less than half the county's median will be eligible to live there.

"We're going to try to make them as affordable as we can for people in need," Fagan said.

Each 650-square-foot unit will have one bedroom, one bathroom and a small kitchen and living area. The apartment complex will have a community room for tenants to share.

Fagan said the units will be designed so they can be adapted to meet the needs of those with disabilities.