Groundbreaking for Seniors Building

As officials gathered Thursday for a groundbreaking ceremony for the 75-unit Las Flores senior housing project, the years-long controversy that has followed the project also appears resolved.

Representatives from the East Los Angeles Community Union (also called TELACU) and a special community advisory board are, for the moment, on the same page after disagreeing since 1996 on issues ranging from the building’s location, to the workers hired to construct the facility, to how much say community members should have on the project.

“I feel comfortable saying that, whatever initial reservations people had, are pretty much gone now,” said Barbara Perkins, a community activist. “I feel the opposition has reduced.”

Ever since TELACU, an economic development firm in East Los Angeles, first proposed the project at 12793 Mercer St., Perkins and others have been wary.

While many agreed there was a need for a senior housing facility and were eager to contribute ideas, Perkins said TELACU often ignored the community members.

However, community members, who had assembled an advisory board, feel they resolved their differences at a last-minute meeting Wednesday with TELACU.

“We feel OK with the project as it is right now,” said Ethel May, a board member and director of the Pacoima Senior Citizens for United Concern, which is located adjacent to the future structure.

The project of 75 one-bedroom units, which is already halfway completed, is funded primarily by a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development with additional assistance from the city’s Housing Department.

TELACU officials expected the project to be completed at the end of the year, according to a spokeswoman.