Riverside will return to a debate started in May to transform a motel on University Avenue into affordable housing and support for homeless and nearly homeless residents. The Riverside City Council will consider on Tuesday, Jan. 13, whether to accept $20.1 million in state funds and approve spending another $9.5 million to close the gap in funding to convert the Quality Inn Motel, 1590 University Ave., into apartments. “I’m having a really hard time understanding how any of my colleagues could vote no on a project like this when we’re not in a position to say no to free state grant funding,” Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes said in a phone interview ahead of the meeting. “And we need projects like this to come online as soon as possible.” The project would include 114 studio apartments — 94 of those would be permanent supportive housing for households earning at or below 30% of the median income for the area, and 20 units for those earning at or below 50%. Rents would range from about $2,990 a month to about $1,795 a month, according to a city report prepared for the Tuesday meeting. “Everyone deserves a roof over their head,” Cervantes said. There would also be 18 units set aside for people with mobility disabilities, and 12 for those with hearing or vision disabilities, according to the report. In May 2025, the council was split on whether to proceed with the grant application. Councilmembers Cervantes, Jim Perry and Steve Hemenway voted in favor, and Councilmembers Philip Falcone, Steven Robillard and Sean Mill against. Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson cast the tie-breaking vote, moving the application forward. In November, the state notified the city it has been awarded the grant. Related Articles Here’s when valet parking debuts in downtown Riverside Riverside to rename a portion of Lime Street after late fire Capt. Tim Strack Transgender nonprofit group accuses Riverside County of discrimination New lawsuits blame suicide, terminal illness deaths on Palisades fire San Bernardino County to offer free pet adoptions through June 2027 ...read more read less