Potential Affordable Housing Opportunity 

Why is 880 Stone Pine being considered as a potential affordable housing site?

The City of Half Moon Bay (City) has been working with the County of San Mateo (County) to identify and evaluate potential opportunity sites for affordable housing, including the 880 Stone Pine site.  The City owns a limited number of properties and most are unsuitable for housing due primarily to environmental constraints.  The 880 Stone Pine site, being owned by the City, helps to reduce the time and cost of development.

Are other locations being considered for affordable housing development?

Yes. There is an acute affordable housing shortage on the Coastside.  The City’s recently released draft Housing Element (www.hmbcity.com/housingelement), which is mandated by State law, identified 880 Stone Pine as an opportunity site because it is close to downtown, resources and services.  There are several housing sites identified within the Housing Resources technical report of the draft Housing Element.  A detailed analysis of Half Moon Bay’s housing needs, constraints, and resources is available for community input by visiting the Housing Element webpage linked above.  The City is committed to the production of affordable housing that directly supports our residents, with the primary focus on special housing needs groups including our farmworkers, service workers, elderly, unhoused, and individuals, families and households with special needs.  

What kind of housing is the City/County considering for this site?

The City and County are evaluating 880 Stone Pine as a site that can accommodate a manufactured home community with up to (50) detached single family manufactured homes.  Manufactured homes provide the opportunity for lower initial construction costs and quicker construction with the added advantage of providing a pathway to homeownership to extremely low-income individuals and families.

Who will be eligible to live in this housing?

This site is being considered for permanent affordable housing. Specifics regarding affordability and eligibility will depend on the funding sources utilized and affordability goals of the City and County.  At present, the County is seeking funding for the first 28 units under a State grant program (Joe Serna Jr. Farmworker Housing Grant Program) which is limited to supporting farmworker housing.  These 28 units are being considered for replacement housing for the families displaced by the January 23 shooting incident.

How will the project be managed after construction?

The City and County are committed to ensuring that any affordable housing project on this site is well-designed and planned and is an asset to the community.  The City and County acknowledge that professional management of the site and housing units, including on-site presence needs to part of the operational plan.

Is the City evaluating traffic impacts?

Yes. The City is working with a transportation consultant firm to assess traffic impacts associated with this project.  The assessment will include:

1. Existing traffic levels and anticipated changes to traffic levels that could result from a maximum of fifty (50) detached affordable manufactured homes;
2. Potential extension of Stone Pine Road to Highway 92;
3. Existing Stone Pine user speeds and means to calm traffic and improve pedestrian safety; and
4. Current and anticipated impacts to nearby intersections.

Have you considered emergency access needs?

Any project will be subject to review and approval of Coastside Fire which means that internal access will need to be able to accommodate the efficient and safe movement of fire apparatus and crews.  Emergency access to Hwy 92 currently exists at the easterly boundary of the Corporation Yard.  This access will remain available to route persons and vehicles, on an emergency basis either easterly or westerly.  The transportation consultant along with the Coastside Fire Protection District will be asked to assess this as well.

Has the City evaluated potential environmental impacts?

Yes. The City completed extensive environmental studies which covered the entire parcel as part of the Corporation Yard Project.  A copy of the adopted environmental document can be found at the following link.  The Corporation Yard and any subsequent development is required to protect Pilarcitos Creek and downstream properties.

Is the City protecting and preserving habitat?

Yes. More than fifty percent of the 880 Stone Pine site is permanently protected from development.  The areas include protection of Pilarcitos Creek and habitat/dispersal area for the California Red-Legged Frog.  Additionally, the City has invested more than $50,000 over the last two years to protect and preserve the westerly boundary tree line for habitat and buffering.  

Are there any identified soil contamination hazards on the property?

No. Prior to acquiring 880 Stone Pine Road, a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment was prepared.  This report did not identify any areas of concern.  The property was utilized as a nursery until POST purchased it in 2004.  Phase 1 and 2 studies and investigations concluded there are no contamination issues or concerns.

Will adequate parking be provided on-site?

Yes. While the project design phase has not started, the City is committed to meeting or exceeding its on-site parking requirements.

Where can I find more information?

All information regarding 880 Stone Pine and City-wide affordable housing can be found at www.hmbcity.com/housing. 

How do I provide comments or ask questions?

We ask that questions and comments be directed to the following email address, 880stonepine@hmbcity.com.