FOUNTAIN VALLEY : Affordable Housing Project Approved

Jennifer Thorson says she now has the chance to buy a house.

“My dream for my children and myself is to have a house I can be proud of,” said Thorson, a Fountain Valley resident and mother of two. “There are a lot of people who can’t afford that American dream.”

Her dream may come true because the City Council on Tuesday approved an affordable housing project that will make 24 townhomes available to people such as Thorson.

The council voted 4 to 1 for the townhome project on Heil Avenue near Harbor Boulevard despite opposition from area residents.

About 100 residents--the majority opposed to the project--attended the meeting. Of the 11 residents who spoke during the public hearing, two supported the plan.

The city received 224 letters from residents against the project. Letters of support came from the Huntington Beach/Fountain Valley Assn. of Realtors, Orange County Homeless Issues Task Force and Habitat for Humanity of Orange County.

Opponents said the new homes would significantly increase traffic and pose a danger of accidents on Heil Avenue. The homeowners also said the project would increase crime and lower their property values.

Resident Richard Andino said he is against the project because of its density.

“I think you’re shoving too many people in less than an acre of land,” Andino said.

After the vote, Andino expressed disappointment: “It’s just too many people; they’re just creating problems.”

Mayor Laurann Cook said she voted for the project because of the city’s need to provide a balance of housing for its citizens, including families.

“These are working people moving into your area,” Cook told the crowd. “The project will not produce criminals.”

Cook also emphasized the fact that the city is mandated by the state and federal governments to provide low- and moderate-income housing.

Council member Guy Carrozzo, who cast the lone vote against the project, said he favors building housing for the elderly on the site.

The city bought the property in July, 1990, for $650,000 with federal Community Development Block Grant money.

The Seal Beach developer, Olson Co., will buy the property for $225,000. The difference is to help the developer make the homes affordable. Money from the sale of the property to the developer will be returned to the city’s Community Development Block Grant program and used for other housing needs.

The Heil Park project, at 11911 Heil Ave., will include 20 two-bedroom homes and four three-bedroom homes, priced from $99,900 to $127,900.

For a family of four, annual income must be less than $38,600.

“We’re happy with the decision,” said Mark Buckland, president of the Olson Co. “It’s going to be a good project and benefit the city.”

Buckland said 25 people are already on the waiting list. “We expect to be sold out” by the time the project is completed in August, he said.

Monthly mortgages will range from $700 to $950, Buckland said. First-time buyers may qualify with as little as $4,000 down, he said.