The soon-to-be completed design and contract with Shea/Centex homes for development of the central area of the old base is expected to call for designation of 453 of the planned 2,105 housing units as “affordable,” or subsidized so lower-income people can afford to rent or buy them.

Of the 4,212 built or planned housing units at the old base, 879 are planned as affordable. And of those affordable units, 564 are expected to be available for purchase; the remainder will be rentals.

Tustin’s commitment to affordable housing exceeds state guidelines but City Council members and city staff say their motivations are practical as well as well altruistic.

By build-out, Tustin Legacy is expected to generate 24,000 new jobs. Living quarters for many of those workers is expected to be every bit as challenging as it is now.

“The more housing opportunities, the less traffic on the road,” said Bill Huston, city manager. Moreover, he said, “pride of ownership promotes a stable community.”

In a Register survey last year, Tustin received the top score for cities its size for police performance.

Tustin also has been philosophically inclined to go beyond requirements for affordable housing although its affordable housing programs cost it millions of dollars it might have received in property taxes if the properties had been sold at full market value.

In addition to the affordables planned for the old base, the city also is required to dedicate 15 percent of all future development to affordable projects. Tustin builds its affordables as part of each project rather than designating certain buildings as affordable.

“Home ownership builds a strong community,” says Mayor Doug Davert. “It creates pride in neighborhoods, civic participation and enhances the quality of life.”

Qualifiers for Tustin’s affordable housing programs must earn at least 50 percent of the area’s median income.

Plans call for the city to control the resale price of the new for-sale units for 45 years.

Here’s the number of affordable units at other areas of the old Tustin air base:

Columbus Grove and Columbus Square – Lennar Homes and William Lyon Homes – 308 units

Tustin Field I and II – John Lang Homes – 118 units (all sold)

For information on Tustin’s affordable base housing programs, go online to http://www.ocregister.com/legacy  or call (714) 573-3000.

http://www.ocregister.com