About the Development
Plan
A new plan was developed in 2019 to incorporate a different unit mix and site design to support young families. This plan was further developed in 2021 and is now ready for public review and steps to construction and completion. The unit mix now includes 12 two-bedroom units, 12 one-bedroom units and 25 studio apartments for a total of 49 units, including an on-site resident manager. The site is also proposed to be divided to create a lot that is in pre-planning for a neighborhood childcare center fronting Burton Mesa.
Architecture
The architectural design of the buildings will adhere very closely to the design of the La Purisima Mission, including stucco smooth-troweled walls, wooden lintels, heavy beam exposed wood roof overhangs and porches, and the unique color palette and column finishes of the La Purisima Mission. Several play areas for children are included, as well as a significant community center and open plaza with traditional Mexican elements and landscaping. The project will have an on-site laundromat, kitchen, dining room, and offices to provide support services to the residents. There will be a total of 60 parking spaces including handicap parking and electric vehicle charging stations.
Environment
The buildings will be “net zero” energy use as all-electric, high energy efficiency structures. No natural gas will be used on the site to enhance carbon neutrality (no direct greenhouse gas generation). Domestic hot water will benefit from solar heating panels and an electric “flash” heating system in the apartment. Space heating and cooling, as well as air filtration, will be provided through an all-electric heat exchanger system. The on-site solar photovoltaic panels and limited on-site battery capacity will provide enough power to balance the electric demand of the units over a one year interval.
Demographics
The expected population includes a range of households from single members to as many as a family of five. We expect 60 adults with 40 vehicles, and up to 40 children between the ages of 0 and 18, with a preponderance of younger children. The Childcare Center is intended to support the needs of young families in immediate proximity, as well the childcare needs of the larger Mission Hills community, to include infants, toddlers and pre-school children in three separate areas.
Our Commitment
Within this community, Firebird Properties, LLC has made a commitment to include 3 units for the developmentally disabled and 9 units for veterans at risk of homelessness or formerly homeless. Research has shown that including veterans in a larger community is helpful to their well-being, and the availability of veterans services and veteran social groups in Lompoc also supports this commitment. The developmentally disabled also thrive in a mixed income and mixed-occupancy residential environment. The Tri-Counties Regional Center will provide funding and services to support the developmentally disabled.
Amenities
RESIDENTIAL
12 Two-Bedroom
12 One-Bedroom
25 Studios
On-Site Manager
Child Care Facility
Community Kitchen
OUTDOOR SPACE
Communal Interior Courtyard
Two Playgrounds
Public Restrooms
Meeting Room for
Birthdays, Graduations, Community Meetings
ENVIRONMENTAL
“Net Zero” Energy Usage
High Efficiency Buildings
Solar Hot Water Heaters
Air Filtration
Solar Panels with Battery Storage
85% Native and 100% Drought Resistant Landscaping
Brisa Encina Housing Project Financing Plan Gets County Board Approval
Mission Hills project would add 49 affordable apartment units and a child-care center on Burton Mesa Boulevard
by Janene Scully | Noozhawk North County Editor February 11, 2023 | 5:31 pm
A financial tool for the Brisa Encina affordable housing project near Lompoc has received the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors blessing.
Board members on Tuesday unanimously approved the Housing Authority of Santa Barbara County issuing tax-exempt multi-family housing revenue obligations to fund the Brisa Encina apartment project in Mission Hills.
Approval followed a public hearing under the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act, or TEFRA, allowing non-profit organizations to access municipal bond markets.
The project will seek an amount not to exceed $11.5 million.
Under the financing tool, the Housing Authority will be the issuer of the bonds while Brisa Encina will be the borrower.
“The county will incur no obligations, either moral or legal, for the repayment of the debt. It does not affect our credit rating in any way,” Treasurer-Tax Collector Harry Hagen said.
The $21 million Brisa Encina project would create 49 apartment units at 1498 Burton Mesa Blvd. under a joint venture with Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation, according to developer Frank Thompson.
“The project’s fully approved for land use by the county, and this is our next step to get a complete financing package so that we can begin construction,” Thompson said.
Land-use and zoning approvals were granted in August 2022.
Grading at the site could start in September, with construction done and apartments ready for residents around October 2024, Thompson told Noozhawk.
Twelve units have been set aside for 12 formerly homeless veterans, with 13 studio units reserved for tenants with special needs.
“We have a market study that shows there’s a tremendous need, and we all know we have a tremendous need in the community,” Thompson said.
The remaining 24 units will include one- and two-bedroom units with rents set at very low-income levels. A manager would live on site.
Additionally, the project calls for an on-site child-care facility for up to 49 youngsters in a separate building at the site.
Thompson said CommUnify has worked closely with the developer on establishing a Head Start program at the facility.
Third District county Supervisor Joan Hartmann, who formerly represented the area, recalled the neighbors’ concerns about the proposal leading to meetings and revisions to the project.
“This project really developed with the input of the neighbors and the responsiveness of Mr. Thompson and his team,” Hartmann said. “I think it’s going to be a real asset to the neighborhood.”
Initially, Brisa Encina proposed 70 units, leading Mission Hills residents to object and install “No on Brisa Encina” signs in the community. The revised plan still raised objections.
Hartmann and Fourth District Supervisor Bob Nelson, who now represents the area, complimented Thompson’s approach to development of affordable housing.
“I kind of hold you up there as the gold standard for other developers that are coming into this space,” Nelson said. “A lot of people are coming into our community to stack and pack and not really think about the residents that are going to be living there or the community around them.”
