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Left to right cutting the official ribbon are Ramon Castillo (Chair, Santa Paula Housing Authority); Bob Russell (Commissioner, Santa Paula Housing Authority); Ralph DeLeon (SCVBank Director); Supervisor Kathy Long; Marjorie Fernandez (Commissioner, Santa Paula Housing Authority); Santa Paula City Councilman Jim Tovias; Rick Arazia (Commissioner, Santa Paula Housing Authority); Ramsey Jay (Executive Director, Santa Paula Housing Authority); Santa Paula City Councilman Fred Robinson; Ed Moses ( Regional Director Region 9 &10 HUD) Phil Caruso (Commissioner, Santa Paula Housing Authority) and Cheryl L. Knight, (CEO SCVBank). |
The Orchards: From convalescent home to affordable senior housing
March 07, 2012
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
The Orchards - formerly the site of a convalescent home and remade into a 20-unit affordable-housing complex for senior citizens - was dedicated Thursday, drawing elected and appointed officials as well as supporters and residents.
The Santa Paula Housing Authority (SPHA) project almost did not come to pass: midway through construction the primary lender pulled out, but Santa Clara Valley Bank stepped up to provide the funding that allowed completion. The project was also the recipient of federal stimulus money and a $458,000 Redevelopment Grant from the city, among other funding sources.
Formerly a 45-bed convalescent home, the West Main Street building was renovated into apartments, including several for seniors with special needs. Now there are paths, a library, and social room with oversized TV, benches, a BBQ area, and gardens for residents. The total cost of the project was about $5.6 million, with about $1.7 million in federal stimulus funding.
The project, said Ventura County Supervisor Kathy Long, shows society’s care for seniors and, “will give generations of support to our wonderful citizens who have lived in this community for years” with a “respectful, beautiful, and gracious place to live... they took a vision for seniors and turned it into homes. And when they stroll outside and sit on the benches, they have a great view of South Mountain!”
Santa Paula Housing Authority Executive Director Ramsey Jay said Mayor Bob Gonzales and Councilman Jim Tovias approached him separately about the potential of the then-vacant property becoming senior housing.
The latter said a chance remark called out to him during a Labor Day Parade - “We need something for seniors!” - prompted him to think about the former convalescent home just east of Dean Drive.
Santa Paula Housing Authority Board Chairman Ramon Castillo said The Orchards represents a “milestone in the city,” and noted it took much cooperation between various agencies and individuals to create the complex.
Jay noted the groundbreaking for the project took place July 2011, and now even the architecture of the complex adds to the “overall enrichment of the community.”
Tovias said he was particularly pleased at the project, the same location where he would visit a relative undergoing convalescent care. Now “It looks like home and feels like home,” offering various amenities and, Tovias said, “As we move forward we have to make sure we have affordable housing for all our citizens.”
Jay noted that when a twist in the financing that hampered the already in progress project emerged, “Santa Clara Valley Bank showed what community spirit is all about and kept us on the path.”
Santa Clara Valley Bank President Cheryl Knight said when the board learned of the need “they made it a top priority,” and the project overall is an example of the accomplishment of teamwork.
Ed Moses, a regional director with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, agreed, noting, “I remember when this was kernel of a thought” in the minds of the SPHA Board of Directors. Those involved in the project countywide showed much enthusiasm and support for the project; not always the case in other areas such as the Central Coast, where “It’s a struggle to create affordable housing.” Those involved in The Orchards project did so “with a smile on their face to allow folks to live with dignity, respect and very, very well.”
Jay noted FDR’s famous quote, “’The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much it is whether we provide enough for those who have little.’ Together, we have passed the test of progress.”
Louise Fadler was waiting for a friend who lives at the complex to come home: “I love this place... it’s so compact, but has everything you need,” including a space saving washer/dryer combination unit. And while waiting, said Fadler, “I’ve already made more friends here!”
