The City of Salinas will use its grant award to fund Community Housing Improvement Systems and Planning Association (CHISPA), a local Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO), to construct 10 new units of mixed-income ENERGY STAR certified housing.

ENERGY STAR housing units must meet guidelines for energy efficiency established by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, and are at least 15 percent more energy efficient. The project, Wesley Oaks, will consist of infill development and is located on Carr Street.

Eight units will be sold to first-time homebuyers, of which six will be low-income farm worker families. Two units will be reserved for rental to low-income mentally-ill adults. All units will be certified by an independent HOME Energy Rater (HER) as meeting the ENERGY STAR criteria. The project will use photovoltaic panels to provide at least 10 percent of the project's electricity demand. Salinas will ensure that its CHDO also uses sustainable site designs; installs water conserving fixtures, energy-efficient appliances and lighting; uses materials from renewable sources or with recycled content; uses low VOC paints and sealants and formaldehyde-free composite wood; uses mold prevention techniques; and gives residents an instruction manual that provides information on how to maintain the Green features of their homes. All units assisted with the grant award will be affordable to low-income families.



For More Information Contact:
Housing and Community Development Division
Office of the City Manager
200 Lincoln Avenue
Salinas, CA
93091
TEL: 831-758-7334