Why did the Council decide to use the former library site for Senior Housing?
In 2001, the City had received a mandate from the State to revise the Housing Element to increase its allotment of affordable housing or risk losing access to State and Measure C transportation funds. With 21% of Orinda residents aged 62 years or older, there is a shortage of affordable senior housing in the community. The former library site, with proximity to existing Senior Housing, public transit, downtown shopping, and services seemed the ideal location to create more affordable Senior Housing. The Council was concerned both with the legal necessity and the community’s need for affordable housing for our citizens.
