Durango Planning Commission unanimously approved new affordable housing proposed near 32nd Street.

It is the second phase of an affordable housing project that is funded by tax credits.

“It meets a really important need,” said Commissioner Geoff Hickcox.

Durango City Council will vote on the project, called Lumien Apartments, in April, said Planning Manager Scott Shine.

Developers are proposing 36 units in two buildings. Nine units will be set aside as permanent supportive housing for those experiencing homelessness and disabilities.

The developer plans to put in an additional 33 parking spaces on the site for a total of 154 spaces, said Planner Savannah Jameson.

The project has more parking spaces than the city requires, and so some of the spaces may be used to meet some of the city’s landscaping requests, said architect Steve Eccher.

The new complex is expected to have 21 one-bedroom units and 12 two-bedroom units, said Greg Glade with MGL Partners.

Crews may break ground over the summer, and construction is expected to take a year, he said.

The project will serve low-income residents, who earn between 30 and 60 percent of the area’s median income.

For a family of four, 60 percent of area median income is $44,000, Glade said.

mshinn@durangoherald.com