MODESTO, Calif. — Just a year ago Debrah McCuistion didn’t know where to live after the new landlord of her home of 36 years forced her out, but today, she and her dog Sweet P have a place to walk and call home.
"It’s all God, I got to say it’s all God," said McCuistion. “I really appreciate it, because it really is nice… it was just perfect timing. This came open in perfect timing.”
It was perfect timing and prayers answered for McCuistion and many others after a two-year-long, nearly $45 million project to expand the Archway Commons in Modesto wrapped up.
“We are so excited for the grand opening today," said Jessica Hill, Modesto's Community and Economic Development Director. "This project helps serve those who are in between 30% and 60% of the area median income."
The expansion project, called “Archway Commons II” was funded by the state and city of Modesto. It brings 74 new affordable apartments to the existing project, originally opened in 2013.
"The great thing about this is that the rent will always be affordable for (residents)," said Hill. "So people will never pay more than 30% of their gross income for the rent towards their property.”
When people think of the Archway Commons, the city of Modesto hopes that people will also think of sustainability with several new solar panels and electric car charging stations being included in the project.
"All of the units are Energy Star as well, and they all have solar panels associated with them," said Hill. "In order to help with the continuity for the residents themselves is the transportation improvements along Ninth Street.”
Those Ninth Street travel improvements include a new bike path and bus routes to take residents to shopping areas, schools and downtown where another affordable housing project is expected to break ground later in the year.
"We wanted to give alternatives for them having to drive cars, to have the ability to walk and bike over there as well," said Hill.
That walkability is something that McCuistion and Sweet P certainly enjoy, as they finally start to settle down in their new home.
"I’m starting to finally feel like, 'Yeah I can do this,'" said McCuistion.
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