San Diego

New Affordable Housing for Those with Developmental Disabilities Breaks Ground in Otay Mesa

Nearly 30 percent of the apartments will be dedicated to families and individuals with developmental disabilities

A groundbreaking ceremony kicked off construction for new affordable apartments in the Otay Mesa area for people and families with developmental disabilities.

Pacifica at Playa del Sol will house 42 apartments, 12 of which are set aside for those with developmental disabilities.

“This project is an example of what we need to do more and more of around the San Diego county region,” said County Supervisor Greg Cox.

Across the complex’s three buildings, three will be single-bedroom apartments, 15 will be two-bedroom, and 24 will be three-bedroom.

“Adults with developmental disabilities desire what [those who don’t] desire – good jobs, benefits, good pay, and a nice affordable place to live,” Executive Director of the San Diego Regional Center Carlos Flores said. “Most people with developmental disabilities, adults, survive on an income less than $1,000 [per month].”

Rent will range from $730 to a little more than $1,500 per month, based on the apartment’s floor plan.

The apartments are promised to remain affordable for 55 years, according to Stefanie Benvenuto, Vice Chair of San Diego Housing Commission.

It budgets for San Diego families making up to 60 percent of the area’s median annual income of $58,380 for a family of four, Benvenuto said.

“There are few things that are more treasured in life than the ability for people to have their own home. It brings stability, warmth, and security to the family,” Cox said.

The county is currently investing $25 million in projects to create more than 500 new affordable housing units, according to Cox.

The complex was funded, in part, by the California Housing Finance Agency, the County of San Diego, the Richman Group, Banner Bank, and the Foundation for Developmental Disability.

The project's total cost was roughly $17.3 million.

Construction began in September and is expected to be completed by July 2019.

Contact Us