West Hollywood : Service to Receive $39,000

The City Council has agreed to give about $39,000 to Alternative Living for the Aging so the senior citizen housing service can refurbish its West Hollywood office. The city previously gave the service $200,000 to help purchase and renovate the building, at 937 N. Fairfax Ave.

Janet Witkin, director of the service, said the renovation was more expensive than expected. City officials said they hoped their latest contribution can be reduced somewhat by finding less expensive ways to complete the work. In exchange for the money, Alternative Living for the Aging will provide four years of roommate-matching service for West Hollywood senior citizens.

Critics said the city is not getting the most for its money. One man at last week’s City Council meeting told council members that they have been too willing to fund social service agencies, without searching for cheaper ways to provide services.