Housing Authority to Demolish Old Public-Housing Buildings at Pico-Aliso Gardens in Phase II.

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 7, 1999--

Bulldozers and other demolition equipment will pave the way for a new beginning for Pico- Aliso residents.

The old public-housing developments will be demolished Tuesday at 8 a.m.

"We are now completing the second phase of construction," said L.A. Housing Authority Executive Director Don Smith. "Several buildings are already completed, and the two-story complex is in plain view. I am very enthusiastic about our progress on this crucial rehabilitation process."

The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles' (HACLA) developments demolition will be replaced with new townhouses to be constructed at the largest private-Pico-Aliso housing community in Boyle Heights.

The $50 million build-back project is funded by a HOPE VI grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), $500,000 of which is awarded by the city of Los Angeles in matching funds.

The revitalization plan rolls into its second of three phases of construction. There will be 132 new units at the end of Phase II. The entire project for the new Pico-Aliso community will consist of 280 new public townhouse rentals, 81 townhouses with seven in option for sale to residents, and 60 senior-citizen apartments. New administrative offices and community spaces will also be replaced.

The Housing Authority's goal is to revitalize the surrounding Pico-Aliso community. "Building a better community is an important element that we're now also focusing on," said HACLA Revitalization Director Xavier Mendoza. "The entire community will change for the better with initiatives that will assist residents, such as job training, youth apprenticeship and gang-prevention programs."

The Los Angeles Conservation Corps has trained 10 youths in the construction trades, who are now working in the Pico-Aliso construction. The youths involved are increasing their educational capacity, and several are earning their high school diplomas or GED certificates.

"We are providing funds to help residents with educational training, job opportunities and social programs to help them become more involved in the security and management of their newly revitalized neighborhood," said Chairperson Ozie B. Gonzaque, HACLA Board of Commissioners. "That allows residents the opportunity to become more self-sufficient."

HACLA officials, resident leaders and residents are working together on construction of Pico-Aliso and its impact on the community. "Residents have had input through our planning workshops on the aspects of the revitalization," said Mendoza. "That gives us a clear idea of our residents' needs."

The Pico-Aliso public-housing community was built in the 1940s and '50s on 23.2 acres in Boyle Heights. More than 95 percent of resident families are classified as "very low-income." The new public-housing complex is expected to attract mixed-income families and new businesses in Boyle Heights.