|
For Immediate Release |
Contact: William Marshall, Jr. |
Congresswoman Richardson Requests and Receives 30-day Extension from HUD for UJIMA Village Residents. |
|
WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Laura Richardson requested and received notification that an extension on the deadline for HUD’s relocation assistance program for residents of UJIMA Village Public Housing Community has been granted. Residents of UJIMA will now have until January 23, 2009 to apply for and receive HUD relocation financial assistance. “I am grateful to HUD for honoring my request and granting this needed extension to UJIMA Village residents,” Congresswoman Richardson stated. “Although there were prior deadlines for residents of UJIMA Village, many residents continue to have difficulty locating affordable housing in these difficult times in high rent areas.” Of the 159 residents who initially were in need of relocation assistance, only 34 residents remain who may need relocation assistance at this time. “I have personally attended most of the community meetings with residents of UJIMA Village and staff to understand the concerns and assist in resolving issues,” Congresswoman Richardson pointed out. “With a little more time and effort by both residents and UJIMA staff, I am confident and committed to working with all the stakeholders so that the remaining residents of UJIMA Village will be able to find adequate housing.” When HUD sold the land that UJIMA Village is located on to the LA County for the purpose of developing the land, the contract contained an indemnification clause that held HUD accountable for any costs associated with soil or groundwater contamination, including the relocation of the residents if a regulatory agency took action regarding cleanup. The California Regional Water Quality Control Board directed the Housing Authority and Exxon Mobile to complete an environmental investigation, assessment, monitoring and cleanup of UJIMA. That action triggered HUD's willingness and contractual obligations to assist in the relocation of the residents, while future utilization of the property is determined. ### |
