LOS ANGELES, Nov. 12, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- An ambitious program to relocate vacant homes and apartment buildings from the Manchester Square and Airport/Belford areas near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is well on its way through Los Angeles World Airports' (LAWA's) Move-On Housing Program.
"The demand for housing in Los Angeles continues to be greater than the available housing stock. We believe it is very important to preserve housing in Los Angeles," says Lourdes Romero, director of the LAWA Voluntary Residential Acquisition and Relocation Program. "It is our goal to move as many buildings as possible to new locations, although a few may not be suitable for relocation and will need to be torn down."
Recently, LAWA's Move-On Housing team sponsored a tour of houses and apartment buildings approved for sale to qualified non-profit organizations. Dozens of non-profit groups are participating in order to enhance the services they provide to local communities throughout Los Angeles.
Access Community Housing was one of the first non-profits to move a house from the program area. Access, which develops workforce housing for police, teachers and nurses, has moved seven homes so far.
"We are very positive about the program and delighted to be involved and working with Los Angeles World Airports," said Herb Child, executive director of Access Community Housing.
Each house or apartment building is extensively remodeled after it is relocated. A new foundation is poured and the building is re-attached. A new two-car garage is added to the single-family residences. Each home is renovated with new plumbing and electrical lines, a totally new kitchen, and often all new windows.
Manchester Square and Airport/Belford area tenants are given first priority in buying the homes before they are sold on the open market by the non-profit organizations.
Since its inception in 2002, the Move-On Housing Program has relocated 32 properties comprised of 25 single-family houses, six duplexes, and one six-unit apartment building.
The Move-On Housing Program is a branch of LAWA's Voluntary Residential Acquisition and Relocation Program. The acquisition and relocation program began in 1998 after property owners in the Manchester Square and Airport/Belford areas east of LAX approached LAWA in 1997 to purchase their homes.
To date, 247 single-family homes and 133 multi-family properties have been acquired by the airport authority. Of the 380 total properties, 85 properties have been demolished and 32 have been relocated. Until the remaining vacant residences are relocated, they are maintained inside and out. Reports of damaged property are addressed as soon as they are reported, and the lawns are mowed and shrubbery trimmed.
Once a building is moved, the foundation is demolished and the lot cleared of debris. The vacant property is then seeded and fenced to keep out trespassers, and the lots are continually watered to keep them green.
Further information on the Move-On Housing Program is available by calling (310) 417-6100.