October 13, 2016 

By Elizabeth Hsing-Huei Chou 

City News Service 

Half a dozen affordable and homeless housing projects in Los Angeles were awarded a total of $64.6 million in zero-and low- interest loans from the state’s cap-and-trade fund, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced this week.

 

The projects include four homeless housing developments totaling 348 units, and two developments with a combined 205 units to be valued at affordable or below-market rates.

 

The city’s Housing Authority was awarded $12 million for a 135-unit apartment development at the Jordan Downs housing project in Watts. The other projects, which were initiated by private developers, are sprinkled throughout the city, including the San Fernando Valley, downtown Los Angeles and the Westlake neighborhood.

 

The state’s Strategic Growth Panel on Tuesday approved a total of $289.4 million in funds for 25 projects around the state, including the six Garcetti announced for Los Angeles.

 

The mayor thanked the state panel for the loans, which he said will support projects meant to fulfill several purposes.

 

“Affordable housing development can be about more than building four walls and a roof for people who need them. It can also give everyone — regardless of income — a chance to be part of L.A.’s green, connected future,” he said. “Smart design helps us to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions by linking communities to more transportation options.”

 

Housing Authority President Doug Guthrie said the $12 million loan for the Jordan Downs development was awarded “during a critical time” for the project and will pay for the construction of some of the residential units.

 

“The site is being prepared for development, Century Boulevard extension is on schedule and the residents have a renewed sense of hope,” Guthrie said.

 

The Strategic Growth Panel awards the loans and grants as part of the state’s Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program, which provides funds for affordable housing projects that reduce pollution by making it easier for residents to walk or bike, instead of using their cars.

 

The funds come from the auction of cap-and-trade credits, which polluting companies and agencies must purchase in order to continue operating. The credits are meant to become more expensive, and encourage the companies to adopt more environmentally friendly practices.

 

The Los Angeles area funding amounts approved this week:

 

— $16.8 million for the 76-unit 7th & Witmer project in the Westlake neighborhood that is being developed by Deep Green Housing & Community Development;

 

— $13.8 million for the second phase of the 122-unit PATH Metro Villas in the East Hollywood area that is being developed by PATH Ventures;

 

— $12 million for a 135-unit apartment project in Jordan Downs, which is being developed by the Michaels Development Co.;

 

— $11.1 million for the 96-unit Sun Valley Senior Veterans apartments and Sheldon Street pedestrian improvement project being developed by the East L.A. Community Corporation;

 

— $5.7 million for the 70-unit Rolland Curtis West affordable housing project near the University of Southern California campus that is being developed by Abode Communities; and

 

— $5.3 million for the 55-unit Six Four Nine Lofts in downtown Los Angeles that is being developed by the Skid Row Housing Trust.

Category: Business