Progress for Residents of Tahitian Terrace Mobile Home Park
Tahiti Terrace mobile home park in Pacific Palisades is one step closer to recovery after being significantly affected by the January 7 Palisades fire, according to Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath. This announcement provides much-needed clarity for residents grappling with uncertainty about the future of their community.
Debris Removal Initiative
Following their initial exclusion, Tahitian Terrace has now been incorporated into a federally funded debris removal program, as confirmed by Supervisor Horvath. Residents are now assured that their properties will be cleared by government efforts.
This development concludes several weeks of uncertainty for the park’s 158 homes, nearly all of which were lost in the fire. The community includes a diverse mix of individuals, from affluent residents like “Shark Tank” investor Barbara Corcoran to seniors living on fixed incomes, and young families.
Details of the Mobile Home Park
Located across from Will Rogers State Beach, residents of Tahitian Terrace own their homes but rent their plots on a rent-controlled basis. The park, owned by a small family-run company since 1960, has faced financial challenges which complicate their ability to manage cleanup processes independently.
Eligibility for Federal Assistance
The decision regarding who would finance debris removal has been pivotal in determining whether the community can be rebuilt. Under the program, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will manage the second phase of cleanup, which is available at no cost to eligible homeowners who choose to participate.
In contrast to private entities, certain multifamily housing types qualify for this federal assistance only under specific conditions. Generally, complex properties owned for profit, such as apartments and mobile home parks, do not qualify unless special circumstances are deemed applicable.
Unique Conditions for Tahitian Terrace
Robert Fenton, Region 9 administrator for FEMA, commented that the situation at Tahitian Terrace is exceptional, acknowledging the unique challenges posed by the site, including hazardous debris that poses potential health risks. An estimated 50% of the properties at the site contain friable asbestos, thus reinforcing the need for thorough cleanup efforts.
Fenton also emphasized that the park’s owners, Azul Pacifico Inc., could encounter significant hurdles in executing cleanup independently, given their limited financial resources and insurance coverage for debris removal.
Community Response and Next Steps
Local officials, including Supervisor Horvath, have advocated for including not only mobile home parks but also other underserved communities in the federal debris clearance program. The county has also requested federal assistance for the adjacent Palisades Bowl mobile home park, which houses around 170 homes.
As residents hear this encouraging news, many express cautious optimism. Chris Russo, a resident who recently purchased a home in the park before the fire, described the situation as dire, noting how dependent the community is on decisions regarding government assistance. “The fate of our ability to return home hinges on the underinsured landowners,” she stated.
With these developments, residents are hopeful about the future. “It feels hopeful because we have been in limbo, not knowing what the future is,” Russo added.
Conclusion
The inclusion of Tahitian Terrace in the federal debris removal initiative marks a significant step toward recovery for this affected community, emphasizing the importance of support for residents facing challenges in rebuilding after devastating events.