A 79-unit senior housing project developed by Eden Housing on Timber Street will include 40 units for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and 38 units prioritized for extremely and very low-income seniors with a live-or-work preference for Newark, city staff told the City Council Sept. 25.

The city contributed $5.4 million in A1 housing funds and $2.75 million in affordable housing impact fees toward the development, City Manager Merritt Menon said. Staff reported that Eden Housing accepted applications in August but initially failed to apply the city’s live-work Newark preference in its outreach or materials. Eden agreed to reopen the application process for an extra week; the reopened period closed the day after the council meeting.

As of earlier in the week, staff reported there were 30 applications that met the live-work/Newark preference. Staff said Eden intends to conduct a lottery in October, aim for occupancy in January, and schedule a formal ribbon-cutting in the spring following move-ins.

City staff said they conducted outreach through city channels to publicize the reopened preference period. Council members said they hope for a strong showing from Newark residents for the limited preference slots.