Laura Sturza
BURBANK -- On Christmas Eve, 79-year-old Miriam Odell and her houseful
of guests were met with a bathroom flood from almost every fixture.
"My sewer backed up in the bathroom and it was a floating mess," the
42-year Burbank resident said. "My daughter called somebody out. They
used a telescope and said they wondered how water got through -- it was
so thick with [tree] roots and all."
The happy ending to this homeowners' nightmare came in the form of a
grant from the city of Burbank's residential and rehabilitation program,
which covered $5,000 of the $6,950 cost for repairs.
"I think it's great," Odell said. "I couldn't afford to have done it
myself, but with the grant I could."
Further investigation showed that the tree was owned by the city.
Burbank's policy for damage caused by city trees is to reimburse the
homeowner, Public Works Director Bruce Feng said. Odell will likely be
refunded the almost $2,000 she spent, after the city processes her claim.
Homeowners and property owners who meet eligibility requirements can
receive grants or deferred low-interest loans for improvements such as
roofing, heating, painting, rewiring and plumbing.
"We were the last house on the street that hadn't had any remodeling
done since Mom and Dad moved in here in 1956," said David Taylor, 45. "We
had them put in new windows, new heating and air and a new roof."
Taylor moved in with his 84-year-old mother, Grace, a year ago. Their
repairs were financed by the city at a 6% fixed rate for moderate income
recipients. Most loans, however, are at a 3% rate, geared to people who
fall in the low- to very low- income category. No repayment is required
until the property is sold or the title is transferred.
The city's program aims to keep Burbank homes safe and livable.
"The program is intended to provide homeowners with low- market
interest rate loans or grants to bring their property up to code as well
as to make general property improvements," Housing Development Manager
Duane Solomon said.
EXAMPLES OF ANNUAL GROSS INCOME TO QUALIFY:
DEFERRED LOAN
*1 person household: $30,500
*2 person household: $34,900
*3 person household: $39,250
GRANT PROGRAM
*1 person household: $19,100
*2 person household: $21,800
*3 person household: $24,550
For information, call 238-5190.
