Two major projects in VTA’s Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) portfolio are moving forward with funding from California’s Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) program. AHSC supports affordable housing near transit while investing in public transportation, biking, and pedestrian improvements. By focusing development near transit, these projects help increase ridership, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and expand access to essential services.
The AHSC-funded projects in Santa Clara County are VTA’s Capitol Station TOD in San Jose and 87 E Evelyn Phase I in Mountain View.
Capitol Station TOD, San José
The Capitol Station TOD is located on a portion of the 10-acre VTA Park & Ride lot at Capitol Expressway and Narvaez Avenue in San Jose. In March 2022, VTA selected MidPen Housing as the project developer.
The AHSC award totals $49 million. Of that, $35 million is for the housing development. MidPen, in partnership with VTA and the Santa Clara County Office of Supportive Housing, will build 201 affordable rental homes for households earning 30-60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), including 51 Permanent Supportive Housing units for formerly homeless individuals.
Approximately $14 million will fund transportation improvements, including:
- A VTA Light Rail Blue Line crossover, allowing trains to turn around mid-line
- 10 new VTA bus shelters
- A new upgraded transit plaza
- 2.3 miles of Class IV protected bikeways
- Over 3,000 feet of public walkway upgrades
These upgrades will create safe, seamless access to transit, schools, parks, and essential services.
Additionally, the project will provide one SmartPass per unit for at least two years and anti-displacement and workforce development programs, totaling over $500,000.
87 E Evelyn Phase I, Mountain View
The 2-acre Evelyn site, located along Evelyn Avenue and Pioneer Way in Mountain View, is a former VTA Park & Ride lot. The station closed in 2015 for Orange Line double-tracking and the property was sold to the City of Mountain View in 2023.
The city selected Affirmed Housing to develop 268 affordable units and a daycare center over two phases. Of these units, 42 will be reserved for Santa Clara County’s Rapid Rehousing Program for Extremely Low-Income households and 15 for Permanent Supportive Housing for unhoused households.
AHSC funding for Evelyn Phase I totals $49 million. Of that, $35 million is for the housing development. In Phase I, Affirmed Housing will deliver 161 affordable homes for households earning 30-60% AMI.
Approximately $15 million will fund transportation improvements, including:
- Two new electric Caltrain trains
- 10 new bus shelters, including VTA shelters
- 2.7 miles of Class IV protected bikeways
- 5,000 feet of public walkway upgrades
Additionally, the project will contribute approximately $400,000 for VTA SmartPasses for all units and anti-displacement and workforce development programs.
These projects show how affordable housing and transit infrastructure can work together to create vibrant, sustainable communities, helping people live, work, and travel without requiring a car.
