Hacienda Heights : Slide Area Tax Break Sought

The Board of Supervisors has ordered the county Assessor’s Office to examine housing values along Montellano Avenue to determine whether homeowners in the slide-damaged area should be given a tax break.

Supervisor Pete Schabarum told the board Tuesday that a number of landowners complained at a recent community meeting that slide conditions in recent years have reduced their property values. He said slides have destroyed and damaged homes along the street.

Schabarum said the county, which is being sued by some of the landowners, is not liable for the destruction and damage to homes. Nevertheless, he said, “I believe the county still must continue to perform its proper role and do so in a manner which is fair and equitable to all residents of the county.”

The board asked the assessor to report in 30 days on ways to alter the assessed values of the homes.