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San Diego residents celebrate improved digs LINCOLN PARK - Residents of an affordable housing complex in Lincoln Park celebrated the completion of a $5.5 million renovation project Wednesday afternoon. The Arbor Village Apartments, a 112-unit complex in the 4900 block of Logan Avenue, has been re-landscaped and 41 of its units were expanded. The rehabilitation projected started in 2010 after the LINC Housing Corporation purchased the property for $24 million two years earlier. “When we got here, the landscaping was in a shambles,” said William Ellison, 28, who moved into a one-bedroom apartment with his girlfriend and her son in September. “Now, everything looks nice. It feels really comfortable. Everybody I tell where I live, they say it’s a dangerous, unsafe and ugly area. But it’s not that way at all.” The renovation, which was partially funded with stimulus money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, included environmentally sensitive features such as low-flow faucets and toilets, dual-pane windows and energy star appliances. Forty-one two-bedroom apartments were expanded to three bedrooms. “I grew up right up the street, so I know this community very well,” City Council President Tony Young said. “This is a very important piece of redevelopment.” There is also a brand-new community center, and that will help get a new after-school program off the ground. The Verizon Foundation gave a $24,900 grant that should fund the program for one year. “It’s mindful of the story of the ugly duckling turning into a beautiful swan,” said Gary Gramling, chairman of the San Diego Housing Commission Board of Commissioners. “This community, which looked so different a year ago, has been reborn.” On Wednesday, residents appeared to appreciate the changes as they ate free food, played and mingled with city officials. “It feels safe now,” said 15-year-old Adrian Dennis. “It’s a better place.”
Copyright © 2011 Nathan Max and San Diego Union Tribune |
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