STAFF REPORT
Lancaster Housing Authority
HA CC 2
8/11/2026
TN
Date:August 11, 2026
To: Chair Parris and Housing Authority Members
From:Patti Garibay, Director - Community Development
Becky Bartlett, Manager – Housing
Subject:Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with Visionary Home Builders of California Recommendation:
1. Authorize the Executive Director or his designee to negotiate, finalize, and execute an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with Visionary Home Builders of California to enter into negotiations for a 180-day period for the potential disposition of property owned by the Lancaster Housing Authority. No deposit will be required.
2. Authorize the Executive Director or his designee to negotiate, finalize, and execute all related documents in a form approved by the City Attorney.
G.C. Section 84308: No
Fiscal Impact:
There is no impact on the General Fund.
Background:
The Lancaster Housing Authority ("Authority") owns several properties designated for the development of affordable housing. One such property, known as HNR-3, consists of an assemblage of four parcels totaling approximately 35 acres of real property, located on the former Antelope Valley Fairgrounds at the intersection of Avenue I and Division Street (Assessor’s Parcel Nos. 3176-005-915, -918, -919, -921, -930). On January 9, 2024, the Lancaster Housing Authority approved Resolution No. HA 01-24 for the approval of actions in connection with Assessor’s Parcel Nos. 3176-005-915, -918, -919, -921, -930 in accordance to the Surplus Land Act, Government Code section 54220.
The proposed agreement represents the Authority's first significant step toward realizing the development potential of this site. Visionary Home Builders of California (“Visionary”) has expressed interest in acquiring approximately 7.83 acres of the property (as depicted in Exhibit A) and pursuing the necessary entitlements to develop approximately 120 affordable housing units. 2 4
7 5
While the final Area Median Income (AMI) affordability levels have not yet been determined, the proposed development is expected to serve low- to moderate-income households. The project concept includes three-story apartment buildings offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, complemented by amenities designed to enhance residents' quality of life, including a community center, daycare facility, and recreational spaces.
The proposed ENA authorizes the Authority and Visionary to enter into formal negotiations with the objective of preparing a Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) governing the sale and development of the property. The initial ENA term is up to 180 days. If the parties agree upon a term sheet within that period, the ENA will remain in effect for up to 12 months from its Effective Date to negotiate and execute the DDA. Should the parties be unable to reach mutually acceptable terms during the negotiation period, the Authority may resume marketing the property to other qualified developers. Execution of the ENA does not obligate the Authority to sell the property, and any resulting DDA will remain subject to approval by the Authority.
The proposed development represents a meaningful opportunity to address Lancaster's continuing need for high-quality affordable housing. By providing thoughtfully designed homes for low-, moderate-, and workforce-income households, the project would expand housing opportunities for families, young professionals, and individuals seeking long-term housing stability. The inclusion of community-oriented amenities and walkable design features will help create a vibrant residential neighborhood that supports residents' well-being and strengthens the surrounding community. If successfully realized, the project will provide lasting benefits to Lancaster by increasing the supply of quality affordable housing and fostering a stable, inclusive community for generations to come.
Attachment:
Exhibit A – Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA) with Visionary