CALIFORNIA
Sacramento Bee
By David Richie -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PDT Wednesday, 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." ...
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.