News briefs News briefs (January 30, 2004)

Efficiency studios get important funding

The 120-unit affordable housing project planned for San Antonio Circle received $4.9 million from the California Housing and Community Development Department on Jan. 9. Only one funding hurdle remains for the long-anticipated studio apartment complex.

Charities Housing, its San Jose-based nonprofit developer, must apply to the state for tax-exempt bonds to pay for the remainder of the construction costs. The application is due on Feb. 18, and the state will consider its application on Apr. 21.

"We pretty much expect to get funded," said Dan Wu, Charities Housing's director of housing development. Construction would likely start 90 days after the approval.

"We have heard from the city that there has been a lot of interest already. They have been getting a lot of phone calls," Wu said. Charities Housing does not plan to take names from prospective tenants until early next year.

Spring cleaning

The city of Mountain View's annual water main flushing program will begin Feb. 9 and continue through April. Water mains are flushed throughout the city each year to clear sand and sediment that may have built up in water lines during the past 12 months.

Residents may notice a reduction in water pressure or water discoloration when the mains are flushed, but according to the city's water department, the water will be safe to drink. The department is asking residents to keep water use to a minimum during their flushing days to help prevent sand and sentiment from entering individual water systems.

After the main flushing, residents can flush their own water line to clear the sediment. Signs will be posted in neighborhoods the day before the local flushing to remind residents about the program. For more information, contact the city's water department at 903-6208.

Water conversion

Most Mountain View residents will get a water upgrade come February when its water source, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, converts its drinking water disinfectant from chlorine to chloramine. Chloramine, a chemical compound of chlorine and ammonia, meets stricter state and federal drinking water regulations.

Although most water users won't notice a difference, some customers may need chloramine removed or neutralized if they use their water for kidney dialysis or as pond water for fish or amphibians. Certain businesses and industrial customers may also need the disinfectant removed.

For more information about the conversion, call the Mountain View conversion information line at 903-6543 or visit www.ci.mtnview.ca.us/citynews/chloramine.htm.

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