VAN NUYS : HUD to Loan Church $3.5 Million in Aid
A church-owned apartment complex for senior citizens has been approved for a $3.5-million, low-interest loan from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development to pay for earthquake repairs.
Thomas C. Baker, administrator of Fickett Towers, 14801 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, said that he had worried about getting the help “night and day since January the 17th.”
Word that the loan had been approved was announced by the office of Rep. Anthony C. Beilenson (D-Woodland Hills.)
The Northridge earthquake did not leave the 198-unit apartment building uninhabitable. The building was green-tagged, meaning it was safe to occupy, despite about $3.5 million in damage, Baker said.
One wall was weakened structurally, Baker said, and part of the loan money will be used to reinforce it. Other damage at the building included water damage and cosmetic damage to walls.
The apartment building is owned by Shepherd of the Hills Baptist Church in Porter Ranch.
The aid from the HUD Earthquake Loan Program can be used to make mortgage payments delayed by the earthquake and for bringing the building up to current city building codes, as well as for earthquake repairs.
The church has been unable to complete repairs on the building without the federal assistance, Baker said.
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