Council approves $1.5M housing‑authority amendment to rehab 24‑unit apartment

The Loma Linda Housing Authority, acting through the City Council, approved a first amendment to an affordable housing agreement with Mary Erickson Community Housing to provide up to $1.5 million for rehabilitation of a 24‑unit apartment at 25421 Cole Street.

City manager (speaker 8) summarized the history: the city’s former redevelopment agency assisted Mary Erickson Community Housing in purchasing the property in 2008 to meet low‑income housing obligations. The housing authority currently holds roughly $1.9 million in balance for affordable‑housing uses; policy requires maintaining a reserve of $1 million and distributing amounts in excess of that within a specified timeframe if not committed. The proposed amendment would provide a $1.5 million loan to help repair the property and extend the loan repayment terms by seven years in order to help the owner meet the agreed‑upon low‑income housing covenant.

Councilmember Daly moved the item and the resolution was adopted by the council. During discussion councilmembers clarified the $1.5 million covers only part of the overall rehab cost and that the city would not itself pay for the rehabilitation — the conservancy or owner is responsible for the work and financing structure. City staff said the loan is intended to preserve existing affordable units and therefore help the city meet its RHNA obligations.

The council’s action was recorded as a Housing Authority resolution approving the first amendment to the affordable housing agreement with Mary Erickson Community Housing; the motion carried on the council floor.