May 24 Daily Briefing: New options for affordable housing, an update on Serena Park project, and more

Happy Friday! A reminder that, just like the Post Office, schools, banks, and City Hall, Mark and Kendall will be closed for business on Monday as we celebrate Memorial Day. That means there will not be an edition of The Post waiting for you in your inbox that morning. But never fear! We’ll be back bright and early on Tuesday to our regularly scheduled programming. Enjoy the long weekend and please take a moment to remember service members no longer with us.

🎶 Setting the mood: “My Hero” by the Foo Fighters

LEADING OFF

First-of-its kind home ownership program approved by City Council

The Palm Springs City Council has approved a new homeownership opportunity program in partnership with Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services, Inc. (NPHS). The program will create six affordable single-family homes using a community land trust (CLT) model.

Driving the news: The program, which would be the first of its kind in Riverside County, aims to ensure long-term affordability for low-income, first-time homebuyers by utilizing a community land trust model, which NPHS said will keep these homes affordable for multiple generations without additional subsidy from the city.

How it works: Under the community land trust model, three parcels in the northern part of the city will be owned by NPHS and leased to homeowners through a 99-year renewable ground lease.

Dive deeper: When the city deeds the land to NPHS, it will hold it in perpetuity, meaning it is now off the speculative market. “There is a separation from the home and the land,” explained Dev Goetschius, a CLT consultant. “The home is owned by the owner, and the land is set aside as a community asset.”

Yes but: When it comes time to sell, homeowners agree that the maximum sale price they will receive will be calculated based on what was paid initially, plus an annual increase based on a change in area median income. “The price of the home is tied to the paycheck, not the market,” said Goetschius.

Why it matters: This innovative approach not only allows homeowners to build equity and generational wealth but also increases the city’s affordable housing stock in homeownership, protecting and preserving affordability.

The details: The six homes will be built on three city-owned lots using manufactured, factory-built, energy-efficient homes. They will include solar panels with battery storage,  fire safety features, and eco-friendly construction.

By the numbers: The total budget for all six homes is $3.8 million, with each home costing approximately $180,000. The remaining funds will go towards ground improvements and infrastructure.

But wait: NPHS acknowledged that because the mode of ownership is so new and complex, they’re committed to community outreach and education. NPHS also will provide ongoing support, counseling, and advice to first-time homeowners throughout their homeownership journey.

What they’re saying: “This really creates this pipeline of homeownership, which I think is really exciting,” said Councilmember Grace Garner. She gave an example of a home buyer buying one of these homes, eventually getting a better job, but being able to stay in their home instead of being kicked out because they exceed low-income requirements.

What to watch for: Councilmembers were all in favor of expanding the program to other city-owned lots and asked staff about other ways to procure land or homes to help with housing affordability.

• “I want to see us acquire more lots,” said Councilmember Christy Holstege. “I’d love to see us buy homes. There’s a lot of opportunity that we have in terms of thinking of creative ways to serve residents, to provide them with housing that they need.”

BRIEFLY

🏠 Suncal takes over Serena Park development

Suncal, a nationwide developer already active in the Escena community in Palm Springs, is set to revive the Serena Park residential project at a former country club, aiming to break ground after years of stagnation.

• The company intends to buy the 125-acre former Palm Springs Country Club golf course, proposing to amend its development agreement with the city to advance a project featuring 386 residential units and a public park.
  
  
• Proposed amendments, supported by commissioners but still needing final approval by the City Council, include paying $3.2 million in development fees, phased infrastructure and public park construction beginning by June 2025, and possibly making early improvements to Golden Sands Drive and adding a new access point at Francis Drive.
  
  
• During a Planning Commission meeting Wednesday evening, a Suncal representative highlighted their dedication to property maintenance and better communication with local residents, including immediate landscaping enhancements.
  
  
• Up next: The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the amended development agreement, with conditions, to the City Council.

Dive deeper with our complete story here. 

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YOUR WEEKEND

ALL WEEKEND

• High School Student Art Show on Saturday and Sunday at Desert Art Center.
  
  
• “Halas Powyźej” performances all weekend at the Palm Springs Cultural Center.

TODAY

• High School Student Art Show opening reception at Desert Art Center at 10 a.m.
  
  
• The Perez Art District’s Fourth Fridays at Perez Road at 4 p.m.
  
  
• Country Western Dancing at Dance Ranch Palm Springs at 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY

• Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market at the Palm Springs Cultural Center at 8 a.m.
  
  
• Open Cockpit Saturdays: P-40 Warhawk at the Palm Springs Air Museum at 10 a.m.
  
  
• “Day of the Locust” 50th Anniversary screening at the Palm Springs Cultural Center at 5:30 p.m.
  
  
• The Sand, Stars, and Guitars series at 8 p.m. at the Palm Springs Cultural Center

SUNDAY

• I·CON·IC Sundays Drag Brunch with Morgan McMichaels at One Eleven Bar at 12 p.m.
  
  
• Screwball  Sundays: “Trouble in Paradise” at the Palm Springs Cultural Center at 3:00 p.m.

MONDAY

Annual Memorial Day Air Fair and Flower Drop at the Palm Springs Air Museum at 10 a.m.

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AND FINALLY …

This Memorial Day, American Veterans (AMVETS) Post 66 along with Veterans for Peace (VFP) Jon Castro Chapter 19, will honor Palm Springs Police Lieutenant Gustavo Araiza in a special luncheon at Cimarron Golf Resort.

Driving the news: Lieutenant Araiza, recognized for his efforts in promoting diversity, equity and community safety, will receive a Special Achievement Award.

What they’re saying: In announcing the award, the city wrote online, “From spearheading initiatives like the Police Department’s LGBTQ+ Outreach Committee to implementing policies aimed at fostering a safer, more just society, Lieutenant Araiza’s impact is profound and enduring.”

What else: This long weekend, there are several events and memorials being held throughout the city and in surrounding communities, including the annual Flower Drop at the Palm Springs Air Museum.

• If you have a chance, check out the back wall at the Welwood Murray Library for a display of information and photos of veterans, curated by Palm Springs American Legion Post 519. There’s also a display in front of the historical society, and one at Patriot Park in Cathedral City.