In a recent meeting of the El Cajon Planning Commission, a significant step towards increasing affordable housing in the city was taken. Bart Jacobs, a property owner, presented his plans to split a rental property on Oakdale into three units aimed at providing affordable housing options. With a hopeful tone, Jacobs expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I look forward to completing the project and bringing these houses to market in a timely manner.”

Jacobs confirmed that he had reviewed and agreed to all approval conditions set by the commission. When asked about the current tenants, he mentioned that while they had been notified of the changes, discussions about purchasing their homes had not yet begun. He expressed a desire for some tenants to eventually buy their homes, indicating a commitment to fostering community ownership.

Commissioners showed support for Jacobs' initiative, with discussions revolving around pricing strategies for the new homes. Jacobs indicated that he aimed to keep the prices affordable, estimating they might fall around the $750 range, depending on market conditions at the time of completion.

The commission unanimously approved Jacobs' proposal, which includes a CEQA exemption and a tentative subdivision map, paving the way for the project to move forward. The city council is set to review the proposal on August 12, 2025, marking a crucial date for the future of affordable housing in El Cajon.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners expressed their appreciation for Jacobs' efforts to transform rentals into ownership opportunities, highlighting the importance of pride in homeownership within the community. The approval signals a positive step towards addressing housing needs in El Cajon, with hopes that this project will inspire similar initiatives in the future.