Battle Ground’s City Council approved a site plan to provide 100 housing units for residents living below the city’s average income level last week.
In a June 17 meeting, the City Council reconsidered its 2019 approval of a developer’s agreement (DA) between the Vancouver Housing Authority (VHA) and the city for an affordable apartment complex. The site plan is located on the 4.37-acre Weaver Creek property, situated approximately 20 acres west of Southeast Grace Avenue. Originally, the agreement called for 80 low-income housing units, but the site plan was updated to allow for 100 last year, which required further council approval.
Under the state’s Growth Management Act (GMA), Battle Ground must approve a plan to zone for future housing and employment needs based on the county’s estimation. In March, county staff presented the City Council with an early projection, suggesting that the city prepare housing units for 3,000 future residents making below the area’s median income. The approved Daybreak Commons project will bring 100 housing units, which comprises 12 studio apartments, 72 one-bedroom units and 16 two-bedroom units. VHA CEO Andy Silver expects the complex to assist residents below the poverty line. City code requires 1.5 parking spaces per housing unit, adjusting the required amount to 150.
“In this particular development, there’s also set aside for 10 percent of units for people with intellectual development disabilities, and also 10% for families experiencing homelessness the Battle Ground School District,” Silver said.
The city code restricts apartment buildings to a maximum height of 45 feet. However, in response to new design standards, the council granted VHA permission to construct a building up to 50 feet tall. Council members Shane Bowman and Victoria Ferrer requested city staff consult Fire District 3 to confirm compliance with the fire code. Bowman noted the Prose housing complex in South Battle Ground stands at approximately 49 feet. Ferrer commented that buildings taller than 50 feet should be avoided.
“My thing is about green spaces. I think it’s good for our mental health and our physical health and just making sure we’re not gonna turn out looking like a huge city skyscrapers, where you’re just seeing wall-to-wall,” Ferrer stated.
The Reflector previously reported that the proposed 100-acre site was expected to cost $30.8 million. Last year, VHA chief real estate officer Victor Caesar estimated the project would break ground in 2024.
