LA PALMA : Housing Project Gets Council’s Approval

After three hours of debate and testimony before an overflow audience, the City Council unanimously approved a 97-unit affordable-housing project on land at La Palma Avenue and Denni Street.

Opponents at Tuesday night’s meeting contended that the housing would be too dense and would lower nearby property values.

“I come here with vehement opposition to this project,” said resident Leo Lopez. “There will be a significant drop in property values.”

But supporters, including former Mayor Keith Nelson and all of the current council, said the new housing would be an attractive development and enhance property throughout the city.

Glenn Reeves, who was among residents speaking for the project, noted that the new housing will replace deteriorated old homes and unkempt land. “For all these years, it’s been an eyesore,” he said. “I can see nothing but improvement in this project.”

The project, to be built by the Olson Co. of Seal Beach, will have 35 apartments for seniors, 46 townhomes and 16 single-family houses on about six acres of land. City officials said the term “affordable” does not mean low-cost. They said people who qualify to buy the houses and condos will be working professionals purchasing their first homes. The maximum income for those purchasing single-family housing in the project is $82,250. Maximums are $63,850 for those buying townhomes and $23,650 for seniors seeking to rent apartments.

“The average price of town homes is $171,000,” said Mark Buckland, president of the Olson Company. “It’s not what you’d call low-income.” Buckland said prices of the single-family homes would range up to $290,000.