Apartment Choice

LEWISTON — The city is seeking a large federal grant that would address housing and other issues in the poorest areas of downtown Lewiston , and neighborhood advocates say the funds could go a long way toward implementing goals they've had for years.  If successful in its bid, Lewiston could receive $1.3 million from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development and what's known as a  Choice Neighborhood Planning and Action Grant. The city council approved the application last week, and will commit $237,500 in local Community Development Block Grant funds during implementation if the grant is successful.  The city hopes the funding can lead to long-term changes in the downtown neighborhood , where nearly half of residents live below the federal poverty level . According to 2015 census figures, the median family incomes in downtown census tracts 201 and 203, are $12,417 and $16,047, respectively.  The main purpose of the funds is to plan and execute major housing...

POWAY -- The city's newest affordable-housing development received its first residents over the weekend, after being cleared by the city for occupancy late last week. Escondido- based nonprofit Community HousingWorks teamed up with the city to build Solara Apartments on the southwest corner of Community Road and Hilleary Place, just south of Hilleary Park. The $16.5 million, 3- acre project added 55 apartments to the city's supply of housing for low- and very- low income people . Contractors are still putting finishing touches on the complex's landscaping. Community HousingWorks asset manager Rosemary Stabrawa said Monday, however, that Solara's first residents moved in over the weekend, and more are expected to follow by the end of this week. All the development's tenants should be in their new homes by the end of the month, she said. "Approximately jubilant," Stabrawa said, describing her mood while handing out Solara apartment keys . "It...