San Mateo County is shelling out nearly $6 million to give farmworkers and their families a place to call home. In a recent unanimous decision, the county's supervisors have green-lit a proposal to spend $5,999,360 on developing affordable housing for those tilling the fields, with a special focus on helping victims affected by the tragic mass shooting last January.
The much-awaited funding will go towards erecting 47 manufactured homes about a mile from Half Moon Bay’s downtown, not too far off Highway 1. This initiative is part of an effort to provide secure housing and bolster the agricultural sector, which plays a crucial role in the local economy. “Every family deserves a safe and healthy place to live,” Supervisor Ray Mueller stated in an article on the county's website. He added, “We must absolutely create opportunities for farm workers to live in San Mateo County, as well as invest resources in stabilizing the agricultural economy that provides for farm working jobs.”
Bigfoot Homes, a company based out of Santa Cruz, snagged the construction contract. However, before the earth can be turned, the proposed project still needs to successfully pass through the regulatory requirements, including obtaining a coastal development permit and building permits, which are still pending approval.
In light of a grim reminder from a 2016 County-commissioned report, which pinpointed a dire need to “improve the quality, availability, and affordability of housing” for farmworkers, the county is aiming to push forward rapidly. Following the mass shooting on January 23, 2023, that saw the loss of seven farmworkers' lives, the issue was thrust violently into the spotlight. “It’s a bright day in San Mateo County to see this project moving forward,” said Mueller in a meeting, according to the website article.
The city of Half Moon Bay, working with the County and other partners, identified a plot at 880 Stone Pine Road for the housing project. The good news for prospective homeowners is that 28 units will be earmarked for farmworker families under California's Joe Serna Jr. Farmworker Housing Grant Program, potentially turning renters into owners.
Residents can see the future, as the county has circulated a draft Concept Plan for public consideration. For those curious about the ins and outs of Stone Pine Cove, the blueprint is available online for review on the Half Moon Bay city website.
