San Fernando : New Complex Offers Affordable Housing

Finishing touches are being made on an affordable seniors-housing complex in San Fernando that is part of a private-public partnership between the developer and the city.

Under the terms of the partnership, the city’s redevelopment agency provided one of the lots and paid $172,000 toward construction, said Mary Strenn, San Fernando’s city administrator. The developer, Severyn Aszkenazy, provided the other lot and the remainder of the construction money, she said.

The resulting 16-unit Park Vista, at 202 and 222 Jessie St., marks the first time, Strenn said, the city has spent money on construction of affordable senior citizen housing.

The units must remain affordable for at least 30 years, under the terms, officials said. The units rent for $439 per month.

Residents will begin moving into the complex March 1, and a dedication will be held March 22, the developer said.

There are 19 people on the waiting list for the units, Aszkenazy said, and San Fernando residents will be given preference.

The Mediterranean-style complex, located near a park and senior citizens center, contains some unusual amenities, including carports wired for charging electric vehicles. Aszkenazy said that was done to prepare for a time when more electric vehicles will be on the road.

City Councilman Raul Godinez hailed the project as a major step in combating blight in the city.

“This is one of the most run-down streets in our city,” he said. “This is going to bring property values up, and hopefully give an incentive to other property owners to fix up their property.”

Aszkenazy was previously involved in another private-public partnership with the city, a four-unit, low-income, first-time-buyer townhome project.

He said he has acquired more property near the Park Vista complex to construct 75 more affordable housing units for senior citizens.