What is the role of Sunstone Housing Collaborative?
The bylaws of Sunstone and MSA with the Ashland School District exhibit that Sunstone is in a role to maintain oversight and provide administrative support through the completion of the housing development as well as documentation of associated increase in enrollment and housing of district staff.

Have other school districts supported building affordable housing?
School districts all over California have created affordable housing to support their teachers and staff. The California School Board Association has recently completed a comprehensive resource page (found here) reflecting the efforts.

How is this housing project being paid for?
Sunstone, as a private nonprofit working on behalf of and in agreement with Ashland School District, has facilitated an innovative collaboration of partners to meet the needs of creating this development. Sunstone has received operational and pre-development funding from the City of Ashland and AllCare Health and is pursuing other grant requests as they become available.

The developer, Edlen & Co., will manage the capital funding through OHCS grants, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, Bond financing through the Northwest Community Housing Trust as well as LIFT funding granted to Trusted Homes Community Land Trust for affordable homeownership.

Who will own the land?
As part of the agreement with the school district, Sunstone will facilitate in an administrative capacity the sale or lease of the land at market rate value to a developer or partnership of developers dedicated to ensuring the Master Plan is adhered to in it’s essential requirements, which honors the needs of the school district. Sunstone does not have financial gain to be made from the sale of the land.

Do Sunstone’s board members receive compensation for their work or have personal financial interests in the project?
All of Sunstone’s board members are members of the community voluntarily serving the goal of supporting the Ashland School District in increasing enrollment and stability for staff through the development of affordable housing. Sunstone’s operational expenses are paid for through grant funding.

Who will qualify to live here?
The housing will be available to ASD staff, as well as individuals and families with household income at 80% AMI or below and 80-120% AMI. (AMI=Area Median Income). While it is our intention for future development to target the needs of families attending or working in the Ashland School District, housing in any new development would be available to all individuals and families who meet income qualifications. We have reached out to Oregon’s Fair Housing Council to ensure our marketing meets the requirements as well as the spirit of Fair Housing laws and intend to use their feedback as the project moves forward.

What types of housing will be built, how many units?
There will be a total of approximately 75-100 housing units with a combination of apartments, townhomes and cottages. Sizes ranging from studio to 3 bedroom. Some units may have private patios or fenced yards. The exact composition will build upon the Master Plan Draft and be determined through a community led design process facilitated by Arkitek Design and Architecture.

Will pets be allowed?
The developer and property management will plan to include a pet allowance for residents.

How will this affect traffic in the area?
The property is in close proximity to bus stop, bike path and within walking distance to schools. As part of the pre-development process required by the city of Ashland, a traffic analysis will be conducted to ensure that the safety and flow of the neighborhood are maintained.

What amenities will be available?
Details will be released once planning is approved. However, the all new construction aims to include LEED certified energy efficient appliances, solar offset electricity, Ashland Fiber Internet, fire resistant outer wall panels and roofs, and universal design accessibility standards.  
Shared space goals include multi-purpose community room with kitchen, easy access bike storage, garden plots, auxiliary storage rental options, children’s play space and on-site early learning childcare program. 

Will there be only rentals?
Stable rentals and affordable ownership options will be available to meet residents where their needs and lifestyle intersect.

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