PALMDALE – Thanks to the efforts of City staff and Assemblyman Steve Fox, the City of Palmdale has recouped $2.7 million in housing funds that were originally identified by the State of California’s Department of Finance as unencumbered funds when the City’s Redevelopment Agency was dissolved last year and replaced by its Successor Agency (Agency).
The Department of Finance issued letters of determination in Nov. and Dec. 2012 which required the City to give up $2.7 million dollars that were dedicated to the continued construction of the Transportation Center townhome development project. Working diligently to build its case that it would not be able to pay future obligations, the City resubmitted documents and contacted Assemblyman Fox for assistance in reversing their decision.
In a letter sent to Palmdale Housing Manager Mike Miller, the California Department of Finance Local Government Consultant Steve Szalay wrote, “based on a review of clarifying information provided to Finance after the Meet and Confer process, Finance is reversing its previous adjustment made to the Due Diligence Review’s (DDR) stated balance of Low and Moderate Income Housing Fund (LMIHF) available for distribution to the taxing entities. Finance originally denied the Agency’s request to retain $2.7 million due to a lack of evidence there would be insufficient property taxes to pay future obligations.”
Szalay further wrote, “The Agency has since demonstrated a need to retain $2.7 million in LMIHF balances to pay housing obligations where Redevelopment Property Tax Trust Fun ((RPPTF) will be insufficient within the required timeframe.”
“We are thrilled with the Department of Finance’s decision to refund our housing money,” said Palmdale City Manager Dave Childs. “These funds are vital to what we are doing to create a sustainable community through our housing program here in Palmdale.”
“We are extremely thankful for the help provided to us on this matter by our Assemblyman Steve Fox,” said Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford. “Without Steve’s assistance and his relationships with California Senate Pro Tem Steinberg’s office and Assembly Speaker Perez, this would not have been possible. He has helped Palmdale tremendously and we are all deeply appreciative for his efforts.”
“These funds are invaluable to us as we pursue completing the Wright Brothers Court Apartment building and continue the owner occupied townhome development for Transit Village,” said Miller. “This determination by the Department of Finance will not require us to re-direct monies from other projects and allow for the City to fund existing housing programs which will improve the quality of our housing stock in Palmdale and help create better, more sustainable neighborhoods.”
For more information, call the City of Palmdale’s housing division at 661-267-5126.
(Information via press release from the City of Palmdale.)
Michael Rives says
The Democratic party is doing everything to keep Fox in the Assembly, so that they can have their super majority to raise taxes in the future. The decision to give Palmdale the 2.7 million is a bad precedent which will haunt them because they will have to deal with everyone wanting the same. As for the Drones, well, if you like to kill people, you support Fox’s bill. Wait, till Fox votes to give illegals drivers licenses. Then the fat is going to hit the frying pan. The Democratic party can only prop up Fox for so long and everyone will realize he doesn’t represent the votes of the citizens of the AV.
Mr. Mister says
So Smith was the better option, huh? Maybe we need the runners back…
Regardless of his political affiliation, he seems to be doing well in representing his district. A whole lot better than his predecessors.
david g says
Way to go steve.
Thank god ron smith didn’t win
youareright says
I think you nailed it. All the Runners had to offer was a bunch of propaganda designed to scare people into voting for the “R.” I think the votes, both R and D are getting a little more sophisticated. If Steve Fox has taught us anything, it’s that it is better to have a seat at the table than to be on the menu.
Wow! says
30 years of Republican rule in the Antelope Valley brought us a bunch of Wal-marts and 17% unemployment. Steve Fox has been in Sacramento less than a year and we’ve got $2.7 million for Palmdale, a potential Drone project that will bring in millions, if not billions, and possibly a four-year campus. Mark my words. Come November 2014, all the Republicans will offer is “don’t vote for the evil Democrat.” You just keep working for the District, Steve!
Letlow says
LIKE! LIKE! LIKE! LIKE!!!!
William says
Just saw Assemblyman Fox and Mayor Ledford on TW Channel 3 News working cooperatively despite their different political parties.
That isn’t going to sit well with Parris, is it? He can’t get along with the clothes on his back.
You can ask.... says
For the first time in 30 years, the 36th District has an Assemblyman who is actually working for his district. I think the voters of the Antelope Valley may just end up liking the taste of bacon. Yum!
Honest_citizen says
I don’t really see Mr. Fox as a “Democrat” even though he’s technically wearing that team’s uniform. Steve is a lot more pragmatic and logical than that and it comes from him having been a Republican and a small business owner for many years (something that most real Democrats have no clue about!). Yes, I’m a Republican. I like Steve because when it comes down to it, he has the people of the Antelope Valley as his Number 1 priority. Sharron Runner and George Runner always cared about moving to Sacramento and making their home there. Not Steve! He is supportive of our Valley though and through and a great person!
William says
Yes, the Runners, as you described them seem like ‘real’ republicans.
As for republicans always trashing California and its high taxes and regulations, riddle me this. Why did Mitt Romney decide to buy a house here when, supposedly, all the rich people in California are packing up their $$$$$s and moving to tax free states?
Honest_Citizen says
Why are you asking me questions about Mitt Romney and where he’s bought houses?
I could give two sh-ts less and it doesn’t change my views.
Also, what the hell does it have to do with my view of Steve Fox?