More than 400 people are expected to benefit from a $10 million investment in two developments approved recently by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, according to a news release this week.

The funding will help families and individuals with low incomes by expanding affordable housing options in the Chandler area, the board said in the release.

Clint Hickman,  District 4 Maricopa County  Supervisor and this year’s board chair, said  it’s obvious  housing costs are unlikely to decrease to pre-pandemic levels any time soon.

“Maricopa County is funding housing solutions to help income-qualified households keep pace with rising rents,”  Hickman said. “This project with the City of Chandler will provide affordable housing options and revitalize vacant parcels of land.”

Funding for the collaborative effort with the city of Chandler comes from the county’s allocation of federal American Rescue Plan Act, or ARPA, dollars.
Vice chair Jack Sellers of District 1, which includes the Chandler area, said finding a safe and affordable place to call home is difficult.

“Many people cannot afford to live in the communities where they work,” Sellers said. “I’m very pleased that by partnering with the City of Chandler we will help create housing opportunities for working families struggling in today’s market.”

South Hamilton

The board said $5 million will be used to help construct an affordable housing rental community on 7.4 acres located at 73 S. Hamilton St., between Commonwealth Avenue and Frye Road on the eastern edge of Downtown Chandler.
When complete, the newly constructed community, which is targeted for senior housing, will have an estimated 300 affordable rental units.

The board said every unit in this housing development will serve income-qualified households earning at or below 60% of the area median income, or AMI. The complex will offer a community room and will have nonprofit agencies co-located on-site to serve senior populations.

There are also plans for a walking path, indoor community space, and ramadas.

Villas on McQueen

The second project funded with $5 million through this partnership is known as the Villas on McQueen and will be located on McQueen Road, just south of Chandler Boulevard. This development will include 157 units of rental housing targeted toward seniors, veterans, families, and people with disabilities. This community will also serve income-qualified households earning at or below 60% of the AMI.

In addition to its location near public transportation and recreation amenities, as well as nearby health providers, public parks, and employment opportunities, the Villas on McQueen is set to include a variety of amenities. Multi-purpose community space, playgrounds, ramadas, a walking path, and a sport court are in the plans.

Services will also be available for residents including youth activities, senior services, as well as employment and career training opportunities.

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