Molina Blasts CRA on Lax Condo Rules Enforcement

Community Redevelopment Agency officials received a tongue-lashing from City Councilwoman Gloria Molina on Monday over their “laxity” in enforcement of owner-residency requirements at the Vista Montoya condominium project south of the Los Angeles Convention Center.

“This is my last meeting and you have provided no remedy in the last year and a half,” Molina said to CRA housing officials John Maguire and John McCoy. Molina will soon begin her new duties as a county supervisor.

Responding to allegations that absentee landlords control up to 30 units intended for low-or moderate-income owners, Maguire said the CRA had sent default letters to 19 owners, was preparing legal action against two, and planning to further investigate nine more suspected of supplying phony proof of residency. Owners who qualify for a Vista Montoya condo must live there.