Dear Desert Hot Springs Planning Commissioners,

I am writing to express my wholehearted support for Park Lanes Homes by Abode Communities and to encourage the City of Desert Hot Springs to address the urgent need for more affordable housing by approving this crucial development.

Park Lane Homes comprises approximately 167 units and a 10,000-square-foot early childhood education center on Park Lane east of Palm Drive. It will help hard-working parents and their children gain the stability and security required to lead fulfilling, thriving lives. With several other projects underway in the Coachella Valley, the nonprofit developer Abode Communities has been a key partner in the regional efforts to build more high-quality affordable housing.

In Desert Hot Springs, the average home value of $384,271 and average monthly rent of a two-bedroom apartment of $1,851 is simply not affordable for many working families. Currently, nearly two-thirds (63%) of Desert Hot Springs renters are rent burdened and at least a third are severely rent burdened, spending more than 50% of their income on rent.

The City of Desert Hot Springs has a Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) commitment to accommodate by 2029:
– 284 units for extremely-low-income households
– 285 units for very-low-income households
– 535 units for low-income households
– 688 units for moderate-income households

In addition, the city’s growing population and a new Amazon facility bringing approximately 1,400 new jobs underscore the need for additional workforce housing.

The Coachella Valley’s economy, heavily reliant on tourism, has resulted in significant wealth inequity, compounded by limited investment opportunities and no infrastructure to withstand economic shocks. Pre-COVID, almost two-thirds of renters in the Coachella Valley were rent-burdened, a number that has escalated in recent years. The cost of living in the Coachella Valley has outpaced household incomes over the past decade, leading to 56% of renter households paying over 30% of their monthly incomes on rent.

Access to safe and affordable housing is fundamental to a person’s overall well-being and quality of life. Housing instability and cost burdens can have negative impacts on physical and mental health, and educational outcomes. By addressing housing needs, cities can contribute to improved living conditions and overall community well-being.

I urge you to support Park Lane Homes, recognizing its potential to address critical housing needs and contribute to the city’s long-term growth and well-being.

Thank you for your time and consideration.