New Low-Income Apartment Complex Eyed For Murrieta

MURRIETA, CA — The Murrieta Planning Commission is set to review a project this week that, if all approvals are met, would result in more affordable housing in the city.

Wednesday night, commissioners will discuss the proposed 96-unit Sandstone Valley Apartment targeted for a 3.6-acre parcel at 41705 Hawthorn Street, between Adams and Jefferson avenues.

The proposed multi-family apartment project includes 12 one-bedroom units, 48 two-bedroom units, and 36 three-bedroom units spread across four buildings. Each apartment would include an outdoor patio or balcony. Sixteen of the ground floor units would offer features designed for people with mobility disabilities and the remaining 16 units could be adapted for such residents, according to city documents.

All of the units are proposed as 100% affordable, meaning the apartments would be leased to individuals or households that qualify as low-income.

The proposed development includes a one-story community building, barbeque/patio area, tot lot with overhead shade structure, on-site parking with 137 spaces, landscaping, amenities, fencing/walls and frontage improvements, according to city documents.

During Wednesday night's meeting, commissioners will decide whether the project is considered an "urban infill development" and therefore exempt from stringent environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act. Additionally, the five-member commission will need to greenlight a development plan permit in order for the project to move forward.

A residence and structures currently sit on the property — all would be razed to make way for the apartments. Project grading would begin shortly after the demolition and septic system removal, and would take about 30 days. Construction would take approximately two years, with a 2025 open date targeted for the new complex, according to city documents.

The property is privately owned by Michael Weeks and Michelle Dokolas, according to city documents. The project applicant is CRP Affordable Housing and Community Development, which has offices in San Diego and New York City.

Wednesday night's Planning Commission meeting is set for 6 p.m. at City Council Chambers, City Hall, 1 Town Square. See the full meeting agenda here.