BishopAccountability.org
 
  Citrus Heights Helps Residents in Bid for Land
City Oks Initial $100,000 Loan for Mobile Home Park Purchase

By David Richie drichie@sacbee.com
Sacramento Bee
September 7, 2005

Emphasizing the fragile population they are trying to protect, Citrus Heights officials approved a $100,000 loan Tuesday night to help residents of the Lakeview Village Mobile Home Park buy the property from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento.

The "earnest money" must accompany a bid for the park by noon Thursday. If that bid is accepted, city officials may provide additional loan funding of up to $900,000 as well as future low-cost loans and rent subsidies to individual homeowners that could reach $1.6 million.

The City Council also voted to send a letter to Bishop William Weigand urging him to approve a sale to the residents at a "reasonable price." That letter will further request that the diocese allow the residents to make an improved second offer if their first offer falls short.

"We have very little land available in our city for affordable housing," said Councilman James Shelby. "I'm hoping that a church that preaches compassion will show compassion."

Lakeview Village is home to about 1,000 senior residents, median age 81, living in 531 manufactured homes. A recent survey by city community development staff revealed that over 50 percent of the residents would be classified as low income, earning less than $35,900 per year.

On Aug. 3, the diocese announced that the park would be sold to pay a $35 million legal settlement involving numerous complaints of sexual abuse by priests. The reason for the sale and the tight time frame provided to residents to make an offer have created turmoil in what was once considered an ideal place to live.

Lakeview resident Ron Gallup told the council that without the city's participation, residents probably would not make the Thursday bid deadline. The result would be a sale of the park to a third-party buyer and eventual loss of residents' homes to skyrocketing space rental increases that many could not afford, Gallup said.

About the writer: The Bee's David Richie can be reached at (916) 608-7455