NEWS:  Court Approves Settlement for Construction of 400Affordable Homes in Lada Estates; Governor, Guam Housing Take Steps to Rebuild Dededo Neighborhood

Governor fights poverty, makes progress on affordable housing initiative

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 6, 2012
 
The Superior Court of Guam today approved a settlement agreement between the Guam Housing Corporation and Maeda Pacific Corp. to proceed on the construction of 400 affordable homes in Lada Estates in Dededo.
 
“Helping Guamanians own their own homes is one of the administration’s biggest initiatives because we believe every family should have the opportunity to achieve this dream,” Governor Eddie Baza Calvo said.  “My goal is to begin building at least 600 affordable homes each year and this is a really great way to start 2012.”
 
The settlement agreement requires Maeda Pacific Corp. to complete the construction of the homes within six years.  If not, a reversal clause within the contract returns the property to Guam Housing.
 
Another 10 Homes at Sagan Linahyan
 
In addition, the Governor last year started an initiative to rebuild the Sagan Linahyan Subdivision in Dededo.  After meeting with residents and touring the neighborhood last year, the Governor directed the Guam Housing Corporation to immediately begin work in the area to establish a presence and help restore a sense of pride for residents living there.
 
“My staff and I have been going out into the community to meet with the people.  When we walked through Sagan Linahyan, I knew that we had to do something — we needed to help rebuild a neighborhood,” Governor Calvo said.
 
GHC and Senator Barnes are drafting legislation to authorize the Department of Land Management to transfer the ten abandoned houses at Sagan Linahyan to GHC. The homes identified for transfer are three, two and one bedroom houses with access to water, electricity and sewer services and will be refurbished by GHC.  Plans also are in the works for the development of 60 additional properties in the Sagan Linahyan Subdivision.
 
The Sagan Linahyan project incorporates affordable rental properties to provide families with adequate housing before they’re able to purchase a home through first-time home ownership programs.
 
“So many people in our community are struggling these days.  It’s been our mission to provide affordable housing opportunities for Guam’s families who dream of owning their own home,” Governor Eddie Baza Calvo said.  “I’d like to thank Senator Muña Barnes for working with my administration to make sure we help all families achieve the Guamanian dream of home ownership.  This kind of collaboration shows that working together is the best way to serve this community.”
The Guam Housing Corporation, Department of Land Management, Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority and Department of Corrections are partnering with the Dededo Mayor to develop a long-term plan for Sagan Linahyan. Once these rehabilitative projects are complete, qualified residents will be able to apply for these properties under the Land for the Landless Program.
 
Contact Natalie J. Quinata at 475-9213 or 488-6013 for more information.
 
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