COSTA MESA : Rentals in 7 Areas Targeted for Cleanup

Seven city neighborhoods are targeted for a cleanup campaign presented this week to the City Council.

The Neighborhood Improvement Strategy is intended to give landlords incentive to spruce up deteriorating rentals through increased code enforcement and low-cost loans. Although the program was unveiled Monday during a study session, it will be formally considered next month by the council.

Increased code enforcement is one of the two main parts in the proposal. Instead of waiting for complaints, code-enforcement officers will “sweep” through the seven areas and cite property owners for housing violations.

“They will be looking for extreme substandard conditions, like foundation problems or health hazards” said Muriel Berman, redevelopment project manager.

Property owners who don’t comply could face criminal prosecution.

To help make improvements, landlords will be offered cut-rate loans up to $15,000. To be eligible, the majority of tenants must be low-income. The money also can be used for other improvements including paving parking lots, landscaping and adding security lighting.

In a recent survey of the targeted areas, 74 multifamily buildings showed signs of potential violations, while 49 could result in code enforcement action. The neighborhoods are not only decaying but also troubled by graffiti and gangs, officials said.

Because of the problems, several city and county departments--including the Fire Department, building safety officials and the county Health Care Agency--will help coordinate the effort.

Residents also will have a chance to get involved. Because of the turnout for the Neighbors for Neighbors cleanup day last month, when residents spent a Saturday picking up trash, cutting grass and cleaning out carports in the Shalimar area, more are expected to be scheduled.

The cost of the program is estimated at $264,000, which will come from federal grants and the Redevelopment Agency’s affordable housing fund.

The council is expected to consider the program at its Aug. 2 meeting. If approved, it would go into effect in the fall, Berman said.