Jan. 10 Daily Briefing: More affordable housing, plan for revamped library unveiled, our pet of the week, and more

Welcome to Wednesday, everyone, where we’re preparing to batten down our hatches — once we find where they’re at — as strong winds up to 50 mph are expected to pass through the valley starting tonight. The reason? An “upper-level trough” is moving down from Canada, resulting in a wind advisory from 7 p.m. tonight until to 10 a.m. Thursday. Keep an eye on the sky for falling fronds!

🎶 Setting the mood:  “Alaska” by Maggie Rogers

---

LEADING OFF

First tenants get keys at new affordable housing complex

Two years after breaking ground, and more than a decade since the last project of its type came online, a new affordable housing complex in Palm Springs is now welcoming tenants.

Driving the news: The Monarch Apartments, which sit on 3.6 acres at the southeast corner of North Indian Canyon and San Rafael Drive, have officially handed residents the keys for the first 60 units.

• All units are expected to be occupied by the time of an official ribbon-cutting ceremony slated for Feb. 22.

How we got here: To encourage developers to commit to the project, the city offered up the land, waived fees, and contributed an initial $1.8 million. Local leaders then found a willing partner in the Community Housing Opportunities Corporation (CHOC), an organization dedicated to expanding affordable housing.

By the numbers: Similar to other post-pandemic developments, what was originally a $31 million project when it broke ground became estimated to cost $39 million last year.

• In total, the city’s contribution totals an estimated $5.5 million, including the land value and waived fees.

Why it matters: Local nonprofit Lift to Rise told The Post in late 2021 that from 2010 to 2018, there was an average of about 38 units of affordable housing per year being produced in the Coachella Valley. 

What they’re saying: Councilmember Christy Holstege said Tuesday that the project is a “direct result of the City Council prioritizing the much-needed development of more affordable housing projects….to ensure our residents have safe and comfortable communities where they can continue to live and work in Palm Springs within their means.”

What to watch for: Dozens of affordable housing projects are either under construction or in the works throughout the Coachella Valley, with civic leaders pitching in to push nearly 4,500 units of affordable housing forward.

Dive deeper with our complete story here.

BRIEFLY

📚 Council to receive update on library renovation, funding plan

At Thursday’s City Council meeting, councilmembers will learn more about the renovation of the Palm Springs Public Library, and could vote to approve a plan for raising the remaining funds.

• At last week’s Library Board of Trustees meeting, trustees heard a version of the presentation that councilmembers will hear on Thursday. They learned more details about the structural, aesthetic, and service plans for the library.
  
  
• The City Council has already approved some $15 million in funds for the roughly $40 million project, which includes money from a state grant and Measure J taxes. The city could finance the remaining $25 to $30 million cost through a public debt issuance.
  
  
• What’s next: Pending a funding plan decision from the Council, architects working on the project are ready to enter the design and development phase of the project, having submitted schematic designs at the end of last year.

---

FEATURED EVENTS

Chinese Mah Jong Open Play
2 p.m. | Palm Springs Public Library
Practice your Mah Jong skills against others. There will be one game set provided, but attendees are welcome to bring their own.

Sustainability Subcommittee on Climate Action
5 p.m. | City Hall
During this month’s meeting, committee members will go over a transportation survey and recent discussions at the City Council over a drive-thru-only Starbucks, according to the agenda.

“Avenue Q” Preview
7 p.m. | Revolution Stage Company
Previews begin tonight for the award-winning musical comedy “Avenue Q,” featuring human and puppet actors. ($25)

Rock the Park: Tribute to Tina Turner
7 p.m. | Downtown Park
The popular free concert series returns with Debby Holiday performing Tina Turner’s greatest hits in the lovely outdoor setting of the Downtown Park. Bring lawn chairs and blankets! Rescheduled from last week.

SAVE THE DATE

• Palm Springs Speaks presents an evening with Fran Drescher on Jan. 25.
  
  
• Palm Springs Health Run & Wellness Festival at Ruth Hardy Park on Jan. 27.
  
  
• PS Woman’s Club Annual Patio Sale on Feb. 3.
  
  
• Black History Committee 14th Annual Awards Gala on Feb. 3.
  
  
• Tour de Palm Springs in Downtown Palm Springs on Feb. 10

---

AND FINALLY …

🐾 Each week, The Post partners with a local animal shelter to feature one or more of the many animal companions ready for a new home in our community. 

Today we invite you to meet Beet, a male cat available for adoption at the Frisky Business Cat Cafe.

• Beet is back on the market after his would-be owner chose to adopt another cat.  Frisky Business owner Claire Rogers said Beet is a gentle, sweet, playful, yet serious soul. He’s not a lap cat, but he sure loves being pet!

If you’re interested: You can visit Frisky Business at Rimrock Plaza (also where Von’s is located) at 4781 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Suite F. Look for the cafe’s current hours here.

• All cats available at Frisky Business come from the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. They are spayed or neutered and can be adopted while you sip a delicious beverage or enjoy a tasty treat. 

But wait: Don’t want to adopt but still enjoy cats? You can book a time to hang out in the cat lounge by clicking here.