Freedom West outlines multi‑phase redevelopment, presents 115‑unit senior building under SB 4/23 informational hearing

At an SB 4/23 informational hearing, Freedom West co‑op leaders and McFarland Capital Partners outlined Freedom West 2, a multi‑phased plan to rebuild aging cooperative housing and replace units lost to deferred maintenance.

Sponsor Landon Taylor described four guiding principles voted by the community: preserve Freedom West ownership and governance, replace all 382 coop units without increasing housing costs for legacy residents, create a long‑term self‑sustainability economic plan, and ensure ongoing resident participation in design and decisions. The sponsor proposed accelerating a 115‑unit, 100% affordable senior building (the first phase) located adjacent to Bethel AME Church; design firm DLR Group presented massing, on‑site retail and senior amenities.

Freedom West board members and residents spoke in support, praising the resident‑driven process and emphasizing relocation plans, promises of on‑site replacement and long‑term affordability commitments. Planning staff framed the session as an informational SB 4/23 preview, stating that public comments would be reviewed and the project sponsor would later file formal development applications.

Key project clarifications provided in the hearing: the senior building is proposed as a tax‑credit affordable rental for an initial 15‑year regulatory term with an option to convert to coop ownership later; sponsor commits to replacement of legacy units and significant community engagement; relocation for on‑site tenants impacted by demolition is planned and budgeted.

As an informational hearing, the commission took no action. Staff noted the SB 4/23 procedural timeline (notice of intent, tribal notification and 45‑day hearing requirement) and described next steps if the sponsor files a formal SB 4/23 application.