Palo Alto 50-Unit Affordable Housing Project Moves Ahead

PALO ALTO, CA — Mitchell Park Place, a 50-unit affordable housing development in Palo Alto, received land use entitlements from the city this week, according to a news release.

The mixed-use project at 525 East Charleston Road will specifically serve lower-income residents who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. The project will also feature office space for public social services.

The development is located on Santa Clara County-owned land. County Supervisor Joe Simitian, who proposed the project in 2020, said in a news release that the approval “puts us one step closer to offering affordable housing to some of our most vulnerable community members.”

“I’ve spoken with so many parents in the community who worry about what will happen to their children when they’re no longer around,” Simitian said. “We’re getting closer and closer to developing homes where folks can live safely and independently in their own community – with all the services they need to thrive.”

The number of adults in the county with developmental disabilities has increased by over 47 percent over the past decade.

Palo Alto Mayor Pat Burt added that the city is excited to support the streamlined approval of the affordable housing project.

“We are pleased this project has been designed to reflect both our community goals and needs, along with embracing the Eichler design characteristics of the neighborhood,” Burt said.

The development, which will replace the space currently taken up by AbilityPath, includes 2,750 square feet of office space in addition to the 50 apartments. The apartments will include studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom options.

Construction is projected to begin in spring of 2023. The city still has to approve the final design and financing options.