Farm worker housing plan debated in Greenfield

UPDATE (9/25/18 10:30 p.m.): A future farm worker housing development in Greenfield is already facing pushback.

While the project had already been approved by the city’s planning commission, an appeal is challenging the proposal, claiming in part there needs to be more discussion about the economic and traffic impacts.

Rent is already high on the Central Coast, and that is especially true for farm workers.

“Right now there are no farm worker housing. If you go to a home there about 15 to 20 people living under the same roof. And I know a lot of people that live like that,” said Elias Perez, a farm worker.

The new affordable housing project would help solve the issue by creating 168 units that can house about 1,200 ag workers. The housing would be located on the intersection of Walnut and 3rd Street near Highway 101.

But for some residents, that location is a problem especially when it comes to concerns about traffic congestion.

“We’re going to have those long lines getting in to that side when we’re trying to build up that area for future commercial use and more businesses to come in,” said Rachel Ortiz, a Greenfield resident.

The appeal filed to city council points to inconsistencies in the staff report of the project design and the loss of prime commercial real estate should housing be built at that spot.

“We don’t want to go to Salinas or out of town to shop. This is what we want and what we demand,” said Stephanie Garcia, a Greenfield resident who filed the appeal.

But the developers are firing back saying there is no basis for the appeal.

“I think that you’ll find that there is no evidence presented in the appeal or otherwise that would support a denial of this housing project,” said a lawyer representing the developers during public comment at the city council meeting on Tuesday. “On the contrary, the evidence overwhelmingly supports your approval.”

Project supporters argue this new housing is desperately needed for farm workers.

The Greenfield City Council will continue the discussion on Oct. 9, when they will potentially take action on the appeal and the future of the project.

PREVIOUS STORY:

A farm worker housing development in Greenfield is planned to take shape on the highway side of Third Street and Walnut Avenue, but an appeal has already been filed.

The housing is designed to help farm workers like Elias Perez. He said he barely scrapes by now, paying bills and $1,100 a month in rent.

“Right now there are no farm worker housing, if you go to a home there are about 15 to 20 people living under the same roof,” said Perez.

Perez said more affordable housing would help him send money back to his family in Mexico. It’s why he and many others hope the high density agriculture worker housing project becomes a reality.

The plan is to build 168 units to house roughly 1,200 people at the intersection of Walnut and 3rd just off Highway 101.

The housing is part of the Walnut Avenue specific plan. The plan will include more housing, retail and commercial space with the Starbucks already up and running. .

Last week, a Greenfield resident filed an appeal to halt the farm worker portion of the plan but the city’s community service director said the appeal won’t stop the project.

“The whole appeal was for design and review and design and review does not address land use and location issues,” said Community Service Director, Mic Steinmann.

The appeal challenges inconsistencies in the city’s proposal. It claims there has not been enough discussion over the economic and infrastructure impact and it takes issue with housing restrictions that prevent undocumented workers from applying, fearing many who actually need the housing will not qualify.

Not everyone in Greenfield is on board. One resident said he’s seen crime rise with this type of added housing over the years.

“With more people coming in the more problem that it builds. Why don’t they do it in Soledad or King City? We’re already full here,” said Greenfield resident, Gilardo Sanchez.

Perez, excited to move in said it’s needed for the population already here.

“It’s good for us and it gives us possibilities to better ourselves,” Perez said.

Next month the council will discuss and make action on the appeal. However, the public gets to weight in Tuesday night and we expect some heated debate.

KION’s Josh Kristianto will have the latest tonight at 10 and 11 p.m.