Deal made for sale of buildings to NALA

The Las Vegas Housing Authority decided that $400,000 now is worth more than $750,000 paid out over 20 years.

The authority's board of commissioners voted unanimously on Monday to approve the sale of two buildings occupied by the Nevada Association for Latin Americans to the group for a cash payment of $400,000.

The deal for the Erma O'Neal Day Care Center, 323 N. Maryland Parkway, and the Arturo Cambeiro Senior Center, 330 N. 13th St., will now move to the city, county and federal Housing and Urban Development for approval.

The authority had originally proposed that NALA pay $762,181 over 20 years for the buildings, but the nonprofit organization countered with the cash offer.

"It is better for us to have the money in hand so that it can fund projects now," authority Executive Director Frederick Brown said.

"The money can be funneled directly into our projects and activities, while at the same time we won't have any liability in those buildings if they need major renovations."

NALA under the present arrangement runs both the senior and the day-care centers, but the housing authority is responsible for any major renovations such as new air-conditioning units or roof repairs, Brown said.

Brown estimated that the housing authority would have to pay $41,000 annually if it continued to assume the liability associated with the buildings.

Commissioner Dewain Steadman had voiced reservations about NALA buying the property and then selling it for more money after a housing authority staff appraisal showed the buildings and land to be worth about $1.8 million.

But on Monday night Steadman said that he had been convinced by NALA of its intentions to keep the buildings and to continue providing the services he says are vital to the community.

"NALA is feeding seniors good food for prices they can afford. They take care of children with AIDS and are providing services that are needed for low-income people in this neighborhood," Steadman said.

"It's a win-win situation with the authority getting $400,000, and NALA getting the buildings and continuing to serve the community."

There is support for the sale from the city of Las Vegas, spokesman Martin Toledo said.

"I've talked to Councilman Gary Reese (whose ward the buildings are in), and he hopes that the sale goes forward and that NALA will continue to provide the vital services that the area needs," Toledo said.

"It's critical that the poor have the services that the senior center and the child care provide them."

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