HUNTINGTON BEACH : City OKs Funds for Shelter Roadway

The City Council this week agreed to spend $60,000 for an access road leading to a youth shelter under construction in Huntington Central Park.

The two-lane road will lead from the Huntington Central Library parking lot up a hill to the historic Brooks House, which is being refurbished and expanded to house the Huntington Youth Shelter.

The money for the road was originally earmarked in a 1989-90 federal block grant. However, the project did not get under way until this year, so the $60,000 had remained unspent.

Council members unanimously approved using the money to build the road after a hearing Monday.

Brooks House was built atop the hill during the 1930s, serving as a residence for the foreman in charge of an adjacent oil field facility. The home is now accessible only by foot.

Under the rehabilitation plans, the house will retain its original look but will be expanded to include nine bedrooms.

The 18-bed shelter, due to open early next year, will provide housing, meals, counseling and rehabilitation services for youths ages 11 to 17.

Residents will stay for about two weeks and receive services including substance-abuse counseling, health education and career guidance.

The facility is being operated by a nonprofit organization, supported by public grants and private donations.