UPDATE: In a significant move today, Half Moon Bay city officials have authorized a plan to address the urgent housing crisis for senior farmworkers. This decision follows mounting pressure from Governor Gavin Newsom and the fallout from the tragic 2023 mass shootings that highlighted the dire living conditions in the area.
City leaders have set in motion a 99-year, $1-per-year land lease for a new five-story development at 555 Kelly Ave. This project will provide 40 housing units specifically for retired and working farmworkers aged 55 and older, a demographic that has long struggled to find affordable living spaces.
The urgency of this project has escalated as Half Moon Bay grapples with a critical housing shortage. The new housing initiative, first proposed in 2022, faced delays due to community concerns regarding height, density, and parking. Although the City Council approved the project last year, further negotiations are needed before construction can begin.
During a special council meeting today, members expressed their support for moving forward, with a detailed agreement expected to be discussed at next month’s gathering. This development, spearheaded by Mercy Housing in collaboration with local nonprofit ALAS, aims to alleviate the housing crisis faced by the local farmworker community.
The $42.4 million project will feature a mix of unit types: three studio units, 34 one-bedroom units, and three two-bedroom units, including one for an on-site property manager. Of the total units, 39 will be deed-restricted for extremely low- and low-income households, with 29 units reserved for those earning at or below 50% of the area median income (AMI) and 10 units for those at or below 30% of AMI. This means a single farmworker earning $41,150 or less would qualify for the lower-tier housing.
The housing crisis was starkly illuminated following the mass shooting that exposed the substandard living conditions many farmworkers endure. In response, Newsom previously threatened legal action against the city if progress was not made. With agricultural production rebounding – reaching $106.5 million in 2024 – the demand for housing remains pressing.
Supporters of the project voiced their concerns during the meeting, emphasizing the need for housing justice for the farmworkers who have significantly contributed to the economy and community of Half Moon Bay. “Sometimes I feel like you talk about the Latino community like a charity case,” said resident Rocio Avila. “We want 555 Kelly to better the lives of older people who have contributed to Half Moon Bay.”
While some councilmembers raised concerns about parking and potential traffic impacts, the developers suggested utilizing additional spaces at the nearby Ted Adcock Community Center to alleviate overflow. “Senior housing communities historically do not require one parking space per unit,” stated Ramie Dare of Mercy Housing, underscoring the project’s urgency.
Looking ahead, Mercy Housing plans to apply for federal and state low-income housing tax credits by mid-2026, necessitating groundbreaking within six months. If all approvals are secured, the new development could open its doors by 2028.
As Half Moon Bay aims to meet its housing targets for 2031, which include building 480 units with 285 reserved for low- to very-low-income residents, today’s actions represent a crucial step towards addressing the longstanding needs of the community’s aging farmworkers. The project is not just about housing; it embodies a commitment to social justice for those who have tirelessly worked the land for decades.
