Interim City Manager Cliff Finley told the Council the state funded city RDA has about $1 million and, coupled with an earlier Council decision to grant $420,000 to the Santa Paula Housing Authority, the Habitat grant would bring the fund balance down by about half.“I have a concern” Mayor Ralph Fernandez said centered on the costs of the units, “very high here,” that should prompt setting a future standard for giving. Although not questioning the quality of the projects, “We’re winging it from the hip there” and, Fernandez noted, “I am very concerned.”Councilman Bob Gonzales said he in general shared Fernandez’s concern, but Habitat’s model includes the stipulation that “potential owners and residents invest time and money” in the project. “It says a lot about the individual and their performance,” and Habitat, he added, is “not just a Santa Paula company,” but an international nonprofit that “really sends a message to people that sweat and work” represent an investment in their own futures.“What I like about these projects,” said Councilman Fred Robinson, is they not only provide homeownership opportunities, but also transform blighted areas, “infusing new life into them.”Councilman Dr. Gabino Aguirre said dollars are an issue, but when compared to the benefits of such housing, “Speaking as a person who lived in a self-help project that helped my family immensely, Habitat should be supported in every shape and form.”
Council approves $95,000 RDA grant for Habitat for Humanity
September 30, 2009
Santa Paula City Council
Habitat for Humanity will receive a $95,000 RDA grant to purchase a lot adjacent to one of their projects, after the City Council unanimously approved the move at the September 21 meeting.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesHabitat for Humanity will receive a $95,000 RDA grant to purchase a lot adjacent to one of their projects, after the City Council unanimously approved the move at the September 21 meeting. When constructed the project will be the third in the city by the affordable builder, which utilizes volunteers for construction as well as sweat equity from the families that purchase the units.Assistant to the City Manager Elisabeth Amador said the vacant lot, located at 430 14th St., coupled with two vacant lots already owned by Habitat could hold up to six very-low-income affordable owner occupied units. The lots are located behind Las Piedras Park.Habitat has another project, a two-unit duplex, currently under construction at 145 S. Ojai St. that Amador said involves the families who are purchasing the units.Habitat had attempted to purchase the third lot on 14th Street in the past but Amador said the owner - who had sold the organization the other two lots - had been waiting to see if the market value would improve. The purchase price for the third lot is the same.