The Orcutt Union School District Board is approving a long-term lease for a new senior development. The board says they approved the 99 year lease with TAIT & Associates in hopes of closing the gap between generations.
The facility is proposed on 9.5 acres on Soares Avenue between Dyer Street and South 1st Street, which is right next to the Orcutt Union School District offices. The district says they will receive around a quarter of a million dollars a year for the lease of the property.
"It's a win for the community because this is going to bring jobs into the community, as well as, a really great facility that the community can be really proud of,” said Dr. Debbie Blow, superintendent of the Orcutt school district.
The housing development is set to include a community center which will be open to people of all ages for a series of different programs. Tutoring and daycare services alongside a farmer’s market are a few of the proposed plans to help the residents avoid some of the loneliness typically experienced at a senior living facility.
"It creates social infrastructure, social capital, makes the community stronger, more resilient, and they are both coming together in kindness,” said Tom Tait, CEO of TAIT & Associates.
The housing development will include 233 units, which will be split between independent and assisted living and even include a 21 unit space for memory care.
TAIT & Associates will present a layout plan to Santa Barbara County next week and if they are approved, they will begin the construction process as soon as possible.
People are expected to start moving into the senior housing development in 2021.
