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Councilman Paul Koretz Joins Seniors In Fighting Eviction Notices At Westwood Retirement Home

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The senior citizens fighting to keep their homes in a Westwood retirement community after they received eviction notices have found an ally in LA City Councilman Paul Koretz.

More than 100 residents at the Vintage Westwood Horizons retirement home were told recently they will need to vacate the premises at the end of March so the building's new owner can transform the building into a luxury high-rise. The renovations are expected to take two years.

The news sent residents into a panic. To make matters worse, many nearby senior facilities have said they're at capacity.

Now, the retirees are exploring their options. They attended a meeting Thursday evening with Koretz to discuss what, if anything, can be done.

"We're trying to look at every legal angle to see what we can do to stop it," Koretz said. "There's no good excuse for this."

Still, the senior citizens may not have much legal recourse.

Koretz says senior citizens are eligible for a year extension, but beyond that, the seniors will likely have to find a new home.

Many said they are deeply dismayed.

"I'm a wreck," said Jane Mombach, who lives in the building. "This is very difficult."

Isaac Benjamin, a World War II veteran who has lived in the building for four years, said the owners appear more concerned with making money than taking care of residents.

"You get people who are interested in money .... chasing out widows and the brothers and sisters of veterans," he said. "It's morally wrong."

The owner of the property, Watermark Retirement Communities, issued a statement Wednesday:

"The vast majority of residents will be eligible for extensions, allowing up to 1 year before relocating. We recognize the fact that this news has a great impact on residents, families and associates and pledge to support them throughout the process," the statement said.

 

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