While multifamily housing transactions have declined recently, the Riverside-San Bernardino county region has seen several affordable multifamily housing projects come online in the second quarter.

In Indio, Urban Housing Communities and its non-profit partner, Heritage Community Housing Inc., opened an $18.7 million, 80-unit, senior housing development. Mark Irving, UHC director of land planning and entitlement, said all apartments are reserved for seniors earning 40 to 60 percent of the area median income for Riverside County, while half the units have been set aside for retirees of the agricultural industry.

Rents range from $463 to $852, he said. The complex also features green technology including solar panels and radiant barrier on the community room roof, hydronic heating, low-E glass windows, no-VOC paint and low-VOC carpeting and adhesives.

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Horizons at Indio, an 80-unit affordable senior housing development, opened in September. Heritage Community Housing, Inc. developed the property.

"Current rebates and tax credits provided for the utilization of green technology," Irving said. "The costs were minimal, and ongoing and future operating expenses should be reduced."

Another new multifamily project is Meadow Square, located within the Preserve at Chino a 1,000-acre master-planning community. Of the 250 units at Meadow Square, 106 are affordable housing with rents ranging from $563 to $1,998.

"Our goal was to deliver an affordable project to the city of Chino located in an upscale neighborhood that will keep the family traditin alive within this community," said Kevin Hampton, vice president of development for Western National Realty Advisors, a division of Irvine-based Western National Properties. "In the past, affordable housing was found in low-end neighborhoods."