Local News in Brief : Garden Grove : Housing Revitalization Manager Hired by City

The city has hired a new housing revitalization manager to stimulate private investment in depressed neighborhoods, especially Buena Clinton, the city’s worst slum.

Robert Schmieler, 35, who formerly worked for the City of Long Beach, has already assumed his new duties, said Greg Devereaux, director of Housing and Neighborhood Development.

A graduate of UC Irvine, Schmieler has 10 years’ experience in housing improvement and neighborhood revitalization. He is credited with revitalizing the Atlantic corridor, a densely populated area of Long Beach.

Devereaux said Schmieler will be the project manager for Buena Clinton, one of the poorest areas in the county, and other areas of the city.

“Bob’s depth of knowledge of neighborhoods, and specifically of rehabilitation, will have a positive impact on the city,” Devereaux said.