SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Construction crews are on the ground at the former Hi‑Way Drive‑In on Santa Maria Way, beginning the first phase of the Skylight Homes development. The nine‑acre site will become a 49‑home single‑family subdivision aimed at low‑income and middle‑income buyers, with 16 of the homes set aside for farmworker households.
Project details and community impact
People’s Self‑Help Housing, a nonprofit developer focused on affordable homeownership, is leading the effort. CEO/President Ken Trigueiro emphasized that the homes are designed to blend into the existing neighborhood while providing a path to ownership for families who might otherwise be limited to rental options. “These are single‑family homes that will fit right into the neighborhood,” Trigueiro said. “We’re happy to be able to do homeownership. The demand is super high for both forms; we have over 6,000 households on our waitlist in Santa Barbara County for about 1,000 units.”
Senior Construction Manager Emily Baranek noted that the team has already pulled permits, begun site grading, and started removing the old concrete, asphalt, and audio‑cable infrastructure that once served the drive‑in theater. “We are excited,” Baranek said. “Our grading contractor is pulling up some of the old infrastructure in preparation for the new homes.”
Timeline and expectations
The construction schedule anticipates a 14‑ to 18‑month build period before the first residents can move in. Baranek described the project as a significant milestone for both the organization and the city: “It’s a big project for the organization, a big project for the city, and a big, big project for affordable housing in general.” The development is expected to increase the supply of affordable, owner‑occupied housing in Santa Maria, a market where homeownership rates have been challenged by rising prices.
How to apply
Potential buyers can learn more about eligibility and submit applications through the People’s Self‑Help Housing website. The organization provides information on income limits, required documentation, and the selection process for both the for‑sale homes and the units reserved for farmworker families.
Community response
Local residents and community leaders have expressed support for the project, noting that it addresses a long‑standing need for affordable homeownership options in the area. The development aligns with broader regional efforts to increase housing supply without compromising the character of established neighborhoods.
For additional details, visit the Skylight Homes page on the People’s Self‑Help Housing website.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
