MidPen Housing, City of Belmont Welcome Residents to Firehouse Square, a New Affordable Community
Firehouse Square Provides 66 New Affordable Apartments for families and individuals along Amenity-rich El Camino Real in Belmont
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 16, 2022
As part of Housing Leadership Council’s Affordable Housing Month, MidPen Housing joined San Mateo County and City of Belmont leaders to celebrate the Grand Opening of Firehouse Square, a new – and MidPen’s first – community in Belmont.
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Firehouse Square is the result of long-standing partnerships and commitment to bring affordable housing to Belmont along amenity-rich El Camino Real, several years in the making. The community provides 66 apartments for families and individuals with income levels up to 80 percent of Area Median Income (AMI) including eight units reserved for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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“Firehouse Square is a shining example of what can be achieved when people work together to create a common goal,” said Julia Mates, Mayor of the City of Belmont. “Our partnerships have contributed to creating a centrally-located, vibrant, diverse, affordable, and sustainable neighborhood that Belmont be proud of.”
The City of Belmont prioritizes vibrant, mixed-use, community-oriented development on this City-owned property. Firehouse Square incorporates the beauty of the old historic Firehouse façade and includes two murals by local artist Xuan May Ho, who incorporated salvaged materials from the original firehouse into her pieces.
“Firehouse Square is high-quality housing in an incredible community with access to good jobs, great schools, public transportation and nearly everything else our residents look for in a great place to live,” said Matthew O. Franklin, President & CEO of MidPen Housing. “We know that housing is more than just a roof over someone’s head. It’s a foundation for futures, a source of stability and opportunity, and a key to well-being. We are proud to partner with the City of Belmont and local organizations to make this community a reality.”
At Firehouse Square, the Family Services Program will help working-age adults build resources, better manage their assets, and advance in their life goals. The After School Program will provide academic youth services based on four core elements: homework assistance, nutritious snacks, enrichment, and literacy. In addition, targeted supportive services will be provided to the eight residents with I/DD by Housing Choices, in coordination with Golden Gate Regional Center.
Firehouse Square is situated in a prime location in Belmont across the street from the Belmont Caltrain station and within walking distance of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, and more. The community also provides residents with ideal access to high quality jobs and schools and includes retail space below along El Camino Real.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Kim Ish 650-477-4902 kish@midpen-housing.org
Note to Editors: Please contact Kim Ish, MidPen Housing’s Marketing Programs Manager, for interview requests, architectural photos, or to inquire about the Grand Opening highlight video, to be produced post-event: kish@midpen-housing.org
About MidPen Housing:
It is the mission of MidPen Housing to provide safe, affordable housing of high quality to those in need; to establish stability and opportunity in the lives of residents; and to foster diverse communities that allow people from all ethnic, social, and economic backgrounds to live in dignity, harmony and mutual respect. Since 1970, MidPen has developed and professionally managed over 9,600 homes for low-income families, seniors and those with supportive housing needs. With offices in Foster City, Oakland, Santa Rosa and Watsonville, MidPen works in 11 Northern California counties. For more information visit: www.midpen-housing.org
The Belmont Story
The City of Belmont is located on the San Francisco Peninsula and combines the magnificent views of the Northern Santa Cruz mountains and San Francisco Bay with the strength and resilience of a long-established population of 27,110. The 130-city staff and leadership are dedicated to providing Belmont with sound infrastructure and well-connected mobility options, building upon our major corridors. Belmont is developing a thriving business community, while balancing sustainable fiscal operations and maintaining safe and healthy neighborhoods with a rich selection of recreational and cultural opportunities. These priorities work together to create a vibrant and enjoyable quality of life that is uniquely Belmont. For more information, please visit www.belmont.gov.
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