Construction could start on 36 units of new, affordable housing near 32nd Street this summer.

Durango City Council unanimously approved the second phase of the Lumien Apartments this week.

“I am very pleased that the project really is happening now,” Councilor Sweetie Marbury said.

The tax-credit funded housing will accept people based on their income levels, and the housing will be set aside as affordable units for 40 years.

The apartment complex will house people who earn between 30 to 60 percent of the area’s median income, architect Steve Eccher said.

The project will also include nine units that will be set aside as permanent, supportive housing for those experiencing homelessness, at risk of homeless or who have disabilities.

The project includes common spaces and meeting rooms for Axis Health System staff members to meet with residents and provide health care services, Eccher said.

During a hearing before the City Council, neighbor Jeannie Bennett said she was concerned about how those who qualify for units would be vetted before moving in.

A criminal history would disqualify future residents, said Greg Glade, co-founder and principal of Solvera, the owner of the project.

“We don’t want to compromise the safety and integrity of the community,” he said.

Axis Health will also be involved in reviewing applications for the vouchers to ensure tenants would be a good fit for the community, said Bob Munroe, an owner with Solvera.

It’s possible that applicants would already be working with Axis, but not required, he said.

mshinn@durangoherald.com