Manteca’s first neighborhood with one-way streets — and Raymus Homes’ latest attempt to build affordable homes — is closer to breaking ground along North Austin Road on the eastern city limits.

The Dolcinea neighborhood development agreement consisting of 41 lots is before the Manteca City Council on Tuesday at 7 p.m. when they meet at 7 p.m. at the Civic Center council chambers, 1001 W. Center St.

It is located immediately north of Camellia Gardens — Manteca’s first gated age-restricted community — and part of the Cedar Glenn neighborhood as well as the Heritage Ranch neighborhood to the west.

The entrance to the new neighborhood is about 1,500 feet north of Austin Road’s intersection with East Yosemite Avenue.

And while at-market building in Manteca is pushing new homes past the 3,000-square-fooot mark, Raymus is going somewhat smaller than the typical footprint. And unlike homes built in early 2008 in Manteca when square footage for an average new home plunged below 1,700 square feet, the Raymus Homes for Dolcinea aren’t being designed as barebones. Instead they are aimed at buyers that want amenities but are looking for smaller footprints and relatively lower purchases costs.

Toni Raymus hired a Florida architect who specializes in designing smaller, free-standing houses in such a manner that they seem bigger and have more effective use of space. Dolcinea will offer one- and two-story homes ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 square feet with lots ranging from 5,042 square feet to 10,820 square feet. That means the yards and homes can be designed and situated to shave maximum privacy.

Typically in the run-up to the housing meltdown affordable homes by at-market builders consisted of putting large 3,000 to 4,000 square foot homes on lots of 5,000 square feet or less as was done in parts of Mossdale Landing in Lathrop.

Of the 8.62 acres, 1.3 acres will be set aside for landscaping and parks. That includes two park/basin lots that will be in the middle of two one-way streets that will essentially act as a loop street. In the middle of the two park/basin lots will be a short two-way connector for cars. There will also be a small 0.17-acre public utility lot.

It is also the first city housing project ever along Austin Road.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dewyatt@mantecabulletin.com