CERRITOS : Neighbors Air Qualms Over Housing Project

A project for low- to moderate-income families in La Palma has raised concerns among some residents of an upscale area in neighboring Cerritos.

“We realize that (low-cost housing) has to be built, but we think this plan is bad,” said Jim McMahon, 39, a real estate developer who lives on Squaw Valley Way in a neighborhood of homes valued at up to $500,000.

La Palma City Manager Pamela Gibson said, however, that the proposal is “a quality project” that will provide adequate parking and open space.

At issue is a 6.7-acre site at the northeast corner of Denni Street and La Palma Avenue. La Palma purchased seven now-empty houses at the intersection, and the city plans to have a private developer build a 111-unit project on the properties. An additional 12 units may be built later.

The city’s current plan calls for the site to have 20 single-family houses, 35 apartments for senior citizens and 56 condominiums.

Cerritos has not taken a strong position on the matter, said Dennis T. Davis, assistant city manager. The La Palma City Council will vote on the plan in March.