Vice Mayor Jim Tovias said his concerns centered on whether or not the state RDA funding might be withheld, and the if the city would be getting the money back if the project did not materialize.Jay said the housing authority always considers area residents first when providing housing.Councilman Fred Robinson asked if the facility would be confined to seniors only, and Jay said those individuals 55 and older or a couple would be able to rent the one-bedroom apartments that include private baths and kitchens. “We’re talking about full-fledged 680-square-foot units,” and, he added, developmentally disabled persons that meet occupancy guidelines could also become residents.“I want to thank Ramsey and his agency for really strengthening the variety of housing we need in Santa Paula,” said Councilman Dr. Gabino Aguirre, especially since the agency “always has run a tight ship.”The former Santa Paula Healthcare sits on 1.27 acres and has three buildings: the main of 10,848 square feet, a modular office building and a storage building. If the deal were successful, the Housing Authority would rehabilitate existing rooms to create 14 apartments and build an additional six apartments.
Former SP Healthcare might become low-income senior housing complex
September 30, 2009
Santa Paula City Council
The former Santa Paula Healthcare might become housing for 20 low- to very-low-income seniors, after the City Council approved a $420,000 grant supporting the Santa Paula Housing Authority (SPHA) project.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThe former Santa Paula Healthcare might become housing for 20 low- to very-low-income seniors, after the City Council approved a $420,000 grant supporting the Santa Paula Housing Authority (SPHA) project.The 49-bed nursing home - located at 220 W. Main St. just east of Grace Thille Elementary School - closed earlier this year. Several months ago the facility was the focus of a failed attempt by Ventura County for use as a rehabilitation center for people with mental illness.Elisabeth Amador, assistant to the city manager, told the Council at the September 21 meeting that the Housing Authority would use the RDA grant to leverage other funding for future projects. The purchase price of the property is $2.25 million.Councilman Bob Gonzales said he had been critical of the past Council for a low-income housing grant and wanted assurances that the RDA funds, culled from state grants, would be specified for purchase only.Ramsey Jay, executive director of the Housing Authority, said it is “very important that we can show local jurisdiction” support of the project to obtain additional funding.
