Saratoga News Photograph by George Sakkestad Carpenters work on the caretaker's house in Hakone Gardens. Hakone caretaker's home undergoes work Project qualifies for CDBG low-cost housing funds By Sarah Lombardo Construction at the caretaker's home at Hakone Gardens could be completed as soon as late November, according to city officials. The home has been undergoing extensive remodeling for about a month, paid for by federal Community Development Block Grant funding passed down by the Saratoga City Council. According to Paula Reeve, administrative analyst in the city manager's office, renovation costs have already reached some $105,000, including change orders. Reeve said she expects the final cost of the project will reach about $115,000--all of it CDBG funds. The project qualifies for CDBG funding because once completed, the home will be set aside for low- to middle-income renters. Hakone Foundation board president Daryl Becker said the foundation could begin seeking a tenant for the home as early as mid- to late December. When completed, the caretaker's facility will be a two-bedroom home with a living room, study, kitchen and bath--all completely remodeled. "It's just incredible," Reeve said. "Once it's finished, it's going to be a great little place for a family or a couple. It's a really neat way of providing more low-income housing in Saratoga." But in addition to providing low-income renters with a place to call home, Becker said the project helps out the gardens, as well, by simply having someone there at all times. "[Renters] will help with the security of the gardens," he said. The caretaker's facility isn't the only CDBG-funded construction planned, however. Ground-breaking for a new patio and the installation of a sliding glass door at the Adult Care Center at the city's community center is scheduled for Nov. 1. The city allocated $100,000 to the Saratoga Area Senior Coordinating Council for the project. Reeve said it should be completed within weeks. [ Back to Contents Page | Saratoga News Home Page | Archives ] This article appeared in the Saratoga News, October 21, 1998. ©1998 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.