Funds from the CDBG Housing Program partially funded the Mechanic Street School rehab.

George Helwig, former Director of Housing Development of the LACLT, recently talked with CDFA.

George - We just got approvals from the City and it will be about one year before the Mechanic Street School project is completed.

We had to get a special exception to do a low to moderate income housing project in the neighborhood. The neighbors were concerned. I can’t blame them because their home is their largest asset. We met with the families/neighbors at their request and explained what we were going to do. A study by Russ Thibeault, president of Applied Economic Research, showed that property values will not go down as a result of affordable housing projects. Not in a situation like this, i.e. an existing building that is vacant. The building, as it currently sits, is more of a detriment. Only six units will be done, so it won’t have a big burden in the neighborhood. We make the aesthetics of the building fit into the neighborhood.

In fact, at a the similar project completed a couple of years ago, the Batchelder Street School, we don’t have any children. All of the tenants are adults.

People who need affordable housing are also seniors, single parents, singles, and those with disabilities. There is a reason to have a diverse type of affordable housing so we can try and meet everyone’s needs.

We have better “buy in” because we have a relationship with our tenants through the supportive services that we offer.

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