SANDPOINT - One of the city's long-term goals, the availability of affordable housing, is set to receive a big boost this spring.

According to City Planner Jeremy Grimm, Whitewater Creek Inc., a Hayden-based developer, is planning to break ground on a complex of 50 affordable housing units. The construction will occur on lots about 500 feet northeast of Super 1.

"I think that this is going to end up being a great stimulus for the community," Grimm said.

The housing units will primarily be designed as town homes and will be built to LEED certification - the highest standard for energy efficiency currently in place. In total, the development will include eight one-bedroom units, 31 two-bedroom units and 12 three-bedroom units.

Builders say the complex will allow its residents easy connectivity to the rest of Sandpoint.

Rent costs for the new units will start at $325. However, for qualifying low-income renters, a sliding scale will be implemented to ensure that rent does not exceed 30 percent of their monthly income.

"There are a tremendous amount of people that have lost their homes and had their credit impacted, and they won't be able to buy homes for many years," Grimm said. "These new units should increase the number of options available to them."

While Whitewater Creek officials will be funding the development primarily through credit financing, the plans for high efficiency standards and affordable rent have won them a little help from Uncle Sam.

A $1 million federal grant will help ease the financial blow of construction costs. In fact, the Sandpoint development scored the second highest pay-out out of all the grant's beneficiaries.

An official presentation of the new development will take place on Dec. 13 from 12-4 p.m. at Sandpoint Community Hall. Residents will be able to examine plans and designs in more detail at that time.