More affordable housing units will soon be coming to the City of San Luis Obispo.

If you’ve driven down Broad Street lately, you’ve probably noticed a brand new building. It’s the city’s latest affordable housing development and demand was through the roof.

“We had over 1,000 people apply for these 46 apartments,” said Scott Smith, HASLO Executive Director.

The project was also set to include a 4,400 square foot commercial building, but plans are changing.

“We’re just not seeing the need for that big of a building but we are seeing the need for a lot of housing,” Smith said.

Up for discussion at Tuesday’s city council meeting is whether to make that commercial building smaller and add four studios and five one-bedroom apartments. The council must sign off on the increase in housing density.

“The City of San Luis Obispo has more affordable housing than in the entire county combined,” said Mayor Heidi Harmon.

The development will also appeal to folks with other incomes, too.

“We’re going to be able to provide housing for a little bit higher of income person also because there were some people that were just past the cut off and they couldn’t get in here,” Smith continued.

Not far away, another new affordable housing complex, The Courtyard at the Meadows, will start construction this week.

Located on Violet Street, there will be 36 units consisting of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments for rent.

Newly re-elected Mayor Heidi Harmon says moving forward, housing is a top priority she hopes to tackle.

“How do we get more affordability for working people here that aren’t in the low, very low or moderate income categories,” Harmon added.

If approved, construction should start within 90 days.

The waiting list for the new units has not yet been created. In six months, the housing authority will start taking names for the units on Violet Street.