BELL GARDENS : Redevelopment Plan Wins City Approval

The city has approved a five-year plan to build at least 219 units of low- and moderate-income housing.

The state-mandated plan also provides for park improvements, a retail/office area and a theater. It does not specify how the commercial development would be financed.

But the housing would be financed by directing a portion of residential and commercial property taxes into a downtown redevelopment area in an effort to eliminate blight and encourage other development.

The Redevelopment Agency, which approved the plan Dec. 19, had until Dec. 31 to adopt the plan. Otherwise, the city would have been blocked by the state from engaging in any other redevelopment activities.

“I think this plan will get more affordable housing out there for the people that need it,” said Councilman Rudy Garcia.

According to the plan, however, they city will still fall short of meeting the 277 low- and moderate-income housing units required by state law.

But city development analyst Gilbert Livas said the city is complying with the law. “The purpose of the bill is to make more affordable housing stock available. I think we’ve found a way to do this,” he said.