Carolita is a new 69-unit, $21 million affordable housing project in Porterville. Photo contributed

The City of Porterville announced Wednesday the grand opening of Carolita — a $21 million affordable housing project for low-income families and families who have members with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD).

Developed by Carlsbad-based Chelsea Development Corp., the project was made possible through Community Resource Development Plan funds as well as federal tax credits designated for disaster areas by the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee.

“The Carolita housing community is exactly the type of development that California needs in order to build bridges to provide more people better access to affordable housing,” said California State Treasurer Fiona Ma. “I congratulate all the partners involved, including the members and staff at CTCAC and CDLAC for their collaboration on this project to create permanent homes for low-income families in the Porterville area.”

The project consists of 68-units spread throughout five two-story, garden-style buildings, including one 2,000 square-foot community building, as well as 113 parking spaces. It will also feature solar energy to offset electricity usage.

“The heart and soul of our company is not just building affordable housing, but changing lives,” said Charles Schmid, CEO of Chelsea Investment Corp. “We are creating opportunities for families to improve their lives and we are here today because of the leadership of Mayor Flores and the Porterville City Council.”

Of the 68 units, eight are set aside for households with a family member with an IDD. The Chelsea Investment Corp. has partnered with the Central Valley Regional Center (CRVC) to empower persons with disabilities.

“People with intellectual disabilities deserve to live productive and satisfying lives as valued members of their communities,” said CVRC Director of Community Services Aaron Olson.

RPM Architecture and Emerson Construction, Inc., both long-time affiliates of Chelsea Investment, partnered on the project.

Carolita is located at 1055 W. Pioneer Ave.