YUCAIPA - The Yucaipa Planning Commission approved an affordable housing project for senior citizens Wednesday night.

The 77-unit development will be on the east side of Third Street, about a half-mile south of Yucaipa Boulevard. The 4.92-acre site is currently vacant.

Property owner Craig Heaps previously proposed, and the commission approved, a 29-unit condominium development for the property. He said that with the nature of the economy, that idea didn't work out.

"Hopefully this is the right project at the right time," Heaps said.

The complex will consist of 77 garden-style apartments, each with a private patio or deck.

There will be three laundry rooms on site, plus a 2,450-square-foot clubhouse.

The development also will include a putting green, water features, a community garden and a raised concrete area that Heaps said can be used for performances.

Along the perimeter of the property will be a walkway with exercise stations.

"To me it seems like a nice development," Commissioner David Alban said.

Commissioner Denise Work said she was a little concerned that there will be only one parking space per unit. City staff said that because this is an affordable housing project, many tenants might not have cars.

The development is expected to generate $1.15 million in development-impact fees for the city, according to a staff report.

Heaps said the site is perfect for this development because of its proximity to amenities for senior citizens, including medical and dental offices, a bus stop, a market and a senior center.