In 2002, LINC purchased a 100-apartment community in Lancaster, California, formerly called Beechwood Manor, but known by the neighborhood as “crack alley” because of drug and crime problems. Expiring HUD 236 restrictions had put the property in danger of being sold to for-profit developers who could have converted the complex to market-rate which might have doubled the rents paid by these 100 limited-income families, or perhaps, bulldozed the structures altogether in favor of building a few more lucrative single-family homes. The terms of LINC’s purchase have preserved the affordability of these 100 rentals for limited-income families the next 55 years. We changed the name to The VILLAGE at Beechwood to reflect the physical and emotional transformation that has since taken place and the positive new image in which our residents take pride.

LINC brought in new management and tougher resident screening which eradicated the crime problem. Careful financial planning coupled with new tax-exempt bonds allowed us to renovate each of the neglected apartments with new paint, cabinets, carpet, flooring, energy efficient appliances, HVAC, double-paned windows, and other modern utilities and safety features. Our carefully staggered plan of construction enabled families to stay on the property while their home was under rehabilitation — keeping schooling and other neighborhood support systems intact. The addition of a new community building with computers, kitchen, and activity rooms has given a new heart to this transformed neighborhood as have the colorful new play equipment, new landscaping, and privacy gates.

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