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Affordable housing applications are due on Oct. 31

The Berkeley-based Affordable Housing Associates (AHA) is now accepting applications for Valley Oak Homes, its sustainably built community of 43 low-income apartments and town homes at 875 Lyon St., in Sonoma.

The application deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 31.

One-, two- and three-bedroom units are included on the property, available to those earning between 30 percent and 50 percent of the medium household income for Sonoma. Rents will range from $425 to $1,064.

“Valley Oak Homes will offer safe, comfortable, healthy and environmentally responsible housing coupled with services from La Luz Center to support families working in the City of Sonoma,” said AHA Executive Director Susan Friedland, upon announcing the project.

The city purchased the site from a private owner in 2008 and selected AHA as the developer in 2009. In 2010, AHA formed a Housing Advisory Committee consisting of people from the surrounding community to advise on a design that would fit within the neighborhood. 

In 2011, AHA raised $17.5 million, the funding needed for the project despite the decline in financing sources for affordable housing. Funding comes from the previous City of Sonoma Redevelopment Agency, Sonoma County Community Development Commission, Silicon Valley Bank and Enterprise Community Investment.

Designed to be as green as possible, homes include Energy Star appliances and solar panels, along with a community garden and bike parking.

For an application or additional information, visit ahainc.org or call 758-0426.