First residents move into Solara complex
Imagine moving into a new apartment with appliances that work, solar-powered energy and getting a break on the rent.
Stephen Clause told the Poway News Chieftain Sunday that being one of the first Solara garden apartment residents, “is kind of like winning the lottery.”
Many of the first wave of residents settling into the $16.5 million complex, which has 56 units located at the corner of Community Road and Hilleary Place, shared similar views after being selected from a pool of more than 800.
“We were probably some of the first families to apply,” said Maggie Root. “We held our breaths for a while — then the call came.”
Root, her husband, Carl, and granddaughter, Josie Root, a 10-year-old Valley Elementary School student who lives with the retired couple, were jubilant for many reasons.
Living on a fixed income and raising a school-aged child had stretched their budget to the limits, but now there will be some “breathing” room financially, Maggie Root said.
While they had to downsize from a larger living space, the adjustment has been fairly easy, she added.
Across from their apartment is a homework center, complete with computers for Josie and other youngsters to get school work completed.
The Roots paid about $1,200 monthly for a two-bedroom unit at their previous apartment on Oak Knoll Road. Now rent is about $790 monthly, more than $400 in monthly savings.
A portion of that could be used for a “splurge or two,” possibly dance lessons for Josie, who will remain at Valley School, Maggie Root said.
The added bonus of living at Solara is that a new system, a photovoltaic process turns sunlight into energy, will spare tenants a monthly utility bill for electricity.
That attention to conservation and the use of environmentally friendly materials in construction are helping to promote a “green” approach to living conditions at the complex, said Dena Fuentes, director of Poway’s redevelopment agency.
The city entered an agreement with Community HousingWorks in overseeing the project, one of four others in Poway designed as affordable units for specific income levels.
Thomas Wholey, who is married with two young children, paid about the same rent as the Roots at his former apartment on Hilleary Place.
The move to Solara had all the right elements for his family, who already liked the neighborhood and nearby Hilleary Park, next door to Solara.
“We love the area, the apartment and how close it is to everything,” he said.
Meanwhile, single-parent Maria Hernandez, 33, who tries to keep up with her 16-month-old daughter, Lizett, is enjoying being a first-time tenant with an apartment all to herself — and her daughter.
“I’ve always rented a room or helped others pay rent,” Hernandez said. “This is the first time I can call an apartment all mine.”
While she tried applying for other projects, this was the first time that she was selected, said the former Imperial Beach resident.
She pays just under $500 a month for her apartment, which was about the same rent she paid for just one room in someone’s home.
Solara, which was built by the nonprofit Community HousingWorks, is one of several affordable complexes, including four others already in operation, including: Hillside Village, Park View Terrace, Poway Villas and Haley Ranch Estates.