After describing his vision for a potential student housing development to be built on the former site of the child development center at San Diego City College, President Ricky Shabazz announced the completion of a crucial step for securing funds for the project.

The grant request for Senate Bill 169 funding, the Higher Education Student Housing Grant Program, has been submitted.

Shabazz’s tweet confirming the grant was published in the early morning of Oct. 31, the deadline for submission to the Department of Finance. The plan alots $250 million to community colleges for building out student housing.

I am so proud of our team lead by Dr. John Parker. We submitted a grant request for SB169 funds to build 600 beds for student housing. Everyone keep your fingers crossed. Our @sdcitycollege students really need this. Thanks to everyone involved. pic.twitter.com/lWrWmwMm0I

— Ricky Shabazz (@DrRickyShabazz) October 31, 2021

With a total of 209 units, the proposed plan would see six types of habitations, ranging from single resident occupancies to 10-bed suites. The building would be able to house a total of 613 students.

In addition to capacity details, the announcement also released construction costs as well as other related fees, which amounted to $118,918,900.

According to the California Department of Housing and Community Development, costs of rent for designated affordable housing programs, including SB-169, are calculated by a formula that takes into consideration the local median income for a single individual.

Although this rate varies/increases annually, if built today, rent for one person in the housing complex could cost roughly $831 a month, without taking into consideration any potential aid.

The DOF will forward projects that meet necessary criteria to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee by March 1, 2022.

Criteria include the construction of a new building (as opposed to the purchase of an already standing structure) and plans to meet costs of any ancillary services to be located within the new construction.

They will also submit a list of projects proposed to be included in the annual Budget Act.

“Everyone keep your fingers crossed. Our @sdcitycollege students really need this,” Shabazz tweeted.

Shabazz expressed admiration for the team responsible for the application, led by Vice President of Administrative Services John Parker.

The announcement came coupled with a digital mockup of the building to be located on B and 16th streets.