Anaheim : Liens Put Obstacle in Way of Shelter Project

Plans for a shelter for the homeless hit a snag this week when the businessman spearheading the project discovered about $5 million in liens against the property being bought for the shelter.

William Taormina, whose purchase of the old Elks Lodge in Anaheim is in escrow, said this week that he had discovered that “there is more money owed against the property than the sale price.”

Taormina had planned to spend $1 million to buy the property in the 400 block of North Anaheim Boulevard and another $700,000 to renovate it.

The community activist and co-owner of the Anaheim Disposal Co. said he remains hopeful that this “little bump in the road” can be resolved among the attorneys representing those involved. And if not, Taormina pledged, he will find another site for a shelter.

During a controversial meeting last month, the Anaheim Housing Authority--whose members are the same as the City Council--approved a plan under which the authority will act as a liaison in applying for a state grant for the shelter.

Taormina acknowledged that this latest obstacle will “slow things down.” He said he plans to meet with the property’s owners and attorneys this week and hopes that the delay will not exceed 120 days.

“When you go into a deal, you jump into it with two feet. All of a sudden, you find out there are complications. A lot of people run away, but I’m not running away,” Taormina said. “I’m saying: ‘Let’s fix it.’ ”