THE FIX IS ON

The prospective tenants knew Haster Gardens had a reputation as one of the worst slums in Orange County. But they had also heard that a new manager vowed to turn the sprawling, 148-unit Garden Grove apartment complex into safe, affordable housing.

That’s what Jose Reyes and his sister were looking for when they arrived at the complex--since renamed the Arroyo Vista.

“We know this area and heard about the changes and thought it would be a nice place to live,” said Reyes recently. He hoped to be one of the first to rent a refurbished apartment.

Reyes and his sister didn’t end up getting an apartment--their timing was off--but the redevelopment specialist leading the effort to rehabilitate the complex said he is glad word is getting around that change is coming.

The complex had fallen into disrepair after years of neglect and a series of 26 owners. After two rent strikes and legal action by the city, an Orange County judge appointed a receiver to manage the seemingly unmanageable property.

Then redevelopment specialist Chuck Fry, with help from city officials and a $600,000 federal loan, bought the property. Fry plans to spend $2.5 million this year to repair the apartments and rehabilitate the landscaping and common grounds.

Despite his big investment, Fry said the complex will remain affordable. Some units will be designated as low-income housing, a stipulation of the federal loan. And although the rent for others probably will be raised, he expects to keep it lower than in surrounding complexes. Neighbors say two-bedroom apartments in the area range from $750 to $950.

Fry said all current residents will be encouraged to stay on.

“Generally, the reaction [to the changes has been] good,” said Fry. “Unfortunately, because of the history of the project, residents have heard a lot of promises of changes that haven’t been fulfilled.”

Even as work crews make their way through the complex, some residents don’t believe the changes will ever come.

Ramon Flores, his wife and four children have been residents for four years.

“They keep saying that they’re going to fix the interiors,” Flores said. “But they’ve been saying that since we started paying rent. When I see my new carpet . . . then I’ll believe it.”

Flores says many major problems--such as leaky roofs and a lack of hot water --have been fixed.

Some residents are optimistic.

“The apartments are getting better,” said Hovita Hernandez, who lives there with her husband and four children. “They’ve told us that they’re going to move us into [a better] apartment but they haven’t told us when.”

Hernandez said there are few complaints.

“Every time we ask for something, they fix it. We feel good.”