MHProNews.com has learned that a cherry orchard in Gilroy, California, just south of the Bay Area, may see 349 manufactured homes sited among the cherry trees. According to the GilroyDispatch, the development will be aimed at active older adults and will help Gilroy meet its state affordable housing goals. CW Development plans a theatre, community center, and retail, but must first convince the city council to re-zone the acreage to residential from agriculture. The city must also consider the social and environmental impact of paving over more farmland. The single-family houses, to be built by Palm Harbor Homes, will occupy 60 of the 83 acres, and will have cherry trees in each backyard. Under the auspices of the State Mobile Home Authority, Cherry Orchard Ranch will be operated by Paradigm Senior Living, which already manages a nearby retirement community. The city lost out on its share of $2.8 billion in affordable housing funds because it’s general plan, which encourages MH as a means to achieving low-income housing goals, was deficient in providing affordable housing.
