West Hollywood : Low-Income Housing Appeal

A housing official this week appealed to the City Council to more than double the $415,000 earmarked for low-income housing in West Hollywood’s proposed budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

“There’s a tremendous difference in what’s being proposed and the reality of the situation. . . . Unless (the city) is willing to spend to the tune of $850,000, we will not even be able to match what was accomplished last year,” said Paul Zimmerman, executive director of the nonprofit West Hollywood Community Housing Corp.

The corporation was established in 1986 to increase low-income housing in the city. Ground breaking occurred in March on the city’s first low-income housing development, a 28-unit complex being rehabilitated at 7292 Fountain Ave.

Zimmerman told the council that the amount currently proposed in the budget “would enable us to do no more than 8, 10, or maybe 12 units (during the next year).”

Of the 28 units, 23 are already occupied, with tenants to fill the remaining five units to be selected from a waiting list of more than 125 applicants, he said.

His remarks came as the council began deliberations Monday on a proposed $32-million city budget for the next fiscal year. Final approval of the budget is expected in about three weeks.