Townhome Project Will Help Revitalize Area

In a step to revitalize an older area of the city, officials signaled the start of construction of 48 townhomes for low- to moderate-income families, to be built on the former site of an abandoned carpenters union hall.

The city’s redevelopment agency, the Olson Co., a Seal Beach-based developer, and Jamboree Housing Corp. of Irvine, a nonprofit housing corporation, have joined together to build the affordable-housing project.

Officials kicked off the renewal project with a ceremony this week at the site, 550 W. Vermont Ave., off Harbor Boulevard.

“We’re very excited about it because we’re building home ownership in an area that was a real eyesore,” said Bertha Chavoya, city housing manager.

Chavoya said the three-acre site, located in an area dominated by apartments, had been abandoned and attracted vandalism, graffiti and debris.

The housing project, called Manzanita Walk, is “going to make a big difference in that area,” Chavoya said.

Lila Lieberthal, Jamboree Housing executive director, said the project was designed to provide home ownership opportunities to low-income households that are now priced out of the marketplace.

The city redevelopment agency will provide up to $3,000 in closing cost assistance and up to $25,000 in down-payment assistance.

Mark Buckland, Olson Co. president, said that, for instance, a family of four with an annual income of $31,900 could qualify to buy a home. Homes will be priced from $99,000 to $130,000.

The gated project will offer Mediterranean-style homes with two to four bedrooms.

Models will be built by late June with the first new homeowners moving in by August, Buckland said.

Those wanting to place their names on the list of potential buyers may call (310) 596-4770, Ext. 215.