A 52-unit affordable housing project is headed to the lower Westside, but the design of the four-story buildings should be “less generic,” the Santa Barbara Architectural Board of Review said.

The Santa Barbara Housing Authority proposed the project, which consists of one-, two- and three-bedroom units and a community center for residents located on the ground level. At the site currently are 28 units, made up of three-, four- and five-bedroom units. The project is at 305 Rancheria St.

“I feel like the architectural style does not really improve the neighborhood and I don’t think you have to steer away from anything you have proposed, but I think it needs to be re-evaluated to tie into the Santa Barbara culture, and a step-up for the neighbors,” said board member Lauren Anderson.

Other board members said the project should feature “less repetitiveness,” and lighter colors of the buildings.

Sarah Shelton, architect with RRM Design Group, explained the project and said the current apartments have poor traffic circulation, that back units are difficult to access, driveways are narrow, and that overall the site is underutilized.

The new design places all the parking — about 76 parking stalls — in one area, rather than spread out around the development.

Board member Dennis Whelan said, “I think it is unfortunate that the parking has been removed to the interior,” and that he would re-examine the traffic circulation.

“Moving it into the interior seems to be an error in urban design,” Whelan said.

Board members suggested that the buildings should resemble the architecture of the neighborhood.

“It could make a stronger statement about where we are, who we are, and we take such love and pride being in Santa Barbara, you’d have a hard time convincing me that this building says anything about Santa Barbara,” Whelan said.

The project will add to Santa Barbara housing stock, affordable units in particular. It went before the ABR for a concept review. The developers will take the comments they heard from the board and change the project and return for another hearing before formally submitting an application.

“We cannot wait to redevelop this property. It is one of our more aged and 70s construction and really needs the help,” said Dale Fathe-Aazam, deputy executive director of the Housing Authority.

Some board members like the proposal.

“It is a nicely development project,” Richard Six said. “This is the kind of density we need to expect, given the climate.”

One neighborhood resident spoke at the meeting and expressed some concerns about the increase in the number of units.

“My concern is the impact on the neighborhood,” said Kate Newell, a homeowner for 30 years. “While I understand there is a need for housing, there is so much going on at Glen Annie and San Marcos Growers — I just don’t think an already impacted neighborhood needs to have additional units.”

She said the area is also impacted by traffic congestion and cars.

“The impact to the neighborhood is going to be absolutely detrimental,” Newell said. “52 units does not mean 52 people.”