Housing Repair Work Criticized

I am an attorney representing approximately 15 homeowners who participated in federally funded housing rehabilitation assistance through the County of Orange’s Housing and Community Development Department.

Despite the bright exterior of your Feb. 1 editorial, this situation is far from resolved. Shoddy work for which much taxpayer money has been spent has still not been remedied or even addressed, despite repeated requests from the homeowners.

We disagree with the county’s Department of Internal Audits’ [finding] that the Housing and Community Development Department is “doing a good job of administering low-income housing.”

The initial call for investigations came when several homeowners complained of shoddy repair and “strong-arm tactics” being used by contractors and county officials.

It cannot and should not be denied that work was shoddy, not to code and overpriced. While it is comforting to believe that steps are being taken to tighten up procedure and improve protocols at HCD, many homeowners remain in limbo with homes that have inadequate living conditions from repairs not performed to any acceptable industry standard.

The county’s attempts at “damage control” of HCD’s image will ring hollow until steps are taken to meet these grievances.

These are not extravagant repairs requested by the homeowners. Handicap grab bars already paid for, shower doors that close, and a stove vent that can be shut are just a few of the repairs that need to be made.

Many of Orange County’s most vulnerable citizens have had to compromise one of the few things that they should be able to count on: safety.

Many homeowners are now left with homes that are unsalable. This is not only because shoddy repairs were done but also because permits required by law were not obtained.

THEODOR C. ALBERT

Costa Mesa