Board Approves Bloomington Affordable Housing Community Final Plans

Final plans to construct a 190-unit affordable housing community that will include a new Bloomington Branch Library and community center, have been approved by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. The 13,993 square foot development, located near the corner of Valley Boulevard and Locust Avenue, will be built in two phases. Phase one, projected to begin construction in fall 2014, will consist of 70 units for seniors, a public library and 2,200 square foot senior community space. It will also include 36 family units, 2,625 square foot community center and classroom facility. Phase two will consist of the remaining 84 family units. The housing project will lease one, two and three bedroom units. The approved project is headed by the county’s Community Development and Housing Department, which held multiple public meetings in Bloomington to solicit input from local residents on the architecture style and to address any direct concerns. “I am very excited for the residents of Bloomington,” said Dena Fuentes, director of the Community Development and Housing Department. "The board approval is an important step towards building this beautifully designed mixed generational housing community. The new library and housing community exemplifies the Countywide Vision in action." The development is in part of three major investments — affordable housing project, public library and the Valley Corridor Specific Plan —that San Bernardino County is making in the Bloomington community. “This project is more than just housing, it is a long term investment that will deliver senior services, improve education, provide jobs and expand local business opportunities for a growing community we serve,” said Supervisor Josie Gonzales. Gonzales is San Bernardino County’s Supervisor for the Fifth District, an area that includes the unincorporated community of Bloomington.