Turlock might cancel plan for 50 apartments made from shipping containers. Here’s why
Turlock might rescind a controversial plan for 50 apartments made from shipping containers on the west side of town.
The City Council voted 3-2 in April for this approach to helping homeless people. It could reverse the action Tuesday evening due to the terms of the $9.95 million state grant sought for the project.
A city staff report said the Homekey program requires that most of the apartments be permanent homes, not the transitional housing envisioned by the council.
The project would be on 2.5 city-owned acres on South Walnut Road, a mostly industrial area that includes the city corporation yard. Turlock would partner with Custom Containers 915, which repurposes steel boxes no longer used to ship goods.
The apartments would have up-to-code plumbing, wiring, heating, air conditioning and other systems, company President John Glavin said in April. The outdoor space would have landscaping and security cameras.
Opponents said the cost per unit was too high and the complex could increase theft and other problems in the area. Supporters said the residents would agree to follow the laws and receive mental-health counseling and other services they might need. State rent vouchers would cover operating expenses.
Mayor Amy Bublak and council members Rebecca Monez and Cassandra Abram voted for the housing. Members Pam Franco and Kevin Bixel were opposed.
Merced is the closest complete project for Custom Containers 915, which is based in El Paso, Texas. It used a Homekey grant of $4.42 million last year for 22 veteran apartments on South R Street near Childs Avenue.
The Turlock council will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12, at City Hall, 156 S. Broadway. Instructions on taking part remotely are at www.turlock.ca.us/government.
This story was originally published September 11, 2023 at 11:50 AM.
