Laura Sturza
New building facades, open space, an activity center and
landscaping will replace dilapidated apartments by 2004 in an area of
Burbank targeted for redevelopment.
The purchase and renovation of apartments at the 1800 block of
Grismer Avenue and the 1700 block of Elliott Drive received City
Council approval July 16.
While 29 apartments will be available for low- and very low-income
residents at reduced fees, another 31 will be for moderate-income
households at market rates.
"There had to be a percentage of them that would be market rate in
order to carry a loan," said Duane Solomon, housing development
manager for the city. "It allows people of different income groups to
associate."
Current tenants will probably be relocated during renovation,
Solomon said. In order to conform with the city's codes, lead paint
will be removed and apartments will be reconfigured to allow safer
access for emergency vehicles.
The projects are the latest of the Burbank Housing Corporation, a
nonprofit group that provides affordable housing by working with the
Burbank Redevelopment Agency. It is funded through property taxes in
redevelopment areas.
A 2001 study prepared for the city showed a shortage of 4,500 very
low- income apartments and a lack of two- and three-bedroom units for
low-income renters. Rental fees for very low-income units in 2002
range from $480 for a studio to $690 for a three bedroom. Low-income
rentals run $580 to $830.
The council's approval also authorizes the groups to begin
preparing paperwork for the city to exercise eminent domain over
other apartments in the 1800 block of Grismer Avenue. The process
allows the city to purchase property for fair market value when the
owner doesn't want to sell.
Though Judith Arandes of the Burbank Housing Corporation said that
"most of those properties will probably be occupied by the current
residents," a final assessment of availability has not been
determined. The nonprofit group is accepting applications to be put
on a waiting list for these and other Burbank Housing
Corporation-owned properties. For more information, contact Jenkins
Properties at 957-1156.
