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HRA Moves Closer To Senior Housing
Pope County Tribune - Starbuck Times
Written by Zach Anderson - Starbuck Times New Editor   
Wednesday, 13 January 2010 10:49

HRA one step closer to senior housing project, development in Starbuck


The Pope County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) has reached an agreement for the eventual purchase of property in Starbuck that will likely be used for senior housing.

No investment of public funds has been made so far - that won't happen until the following conditions are met:

• Project investors are secured and money is put up to secure a residence in the development

• Funds are secured for construction through the USDA-HUD program

• Support from the property's neighboring housing co-op - Bay Meadows Townhomes

• Property is separated from the Bay Meadows Townhomes development and becomes stand alone project/development.

The HRA will serve as a facilitator in the housing project; all investment made by the HRA will be refunded through people coming in and buying the housing units.

HRA Director Robert McCrory said, "I hope we get investors quickly and we can move ahead."

HRA Chairman Dean Paulson said, "We're trying to take all precautions on this one. I think it will be good for the community, good for the investors and the rest of the area."

If a private buyer comes in and expresses interest in the property, the HRA board will have 72 hours to determine whether or not it will cease interest in the property.

Background


In June, the HRA explored the feasibility of building a senior cooperative housing complex on seven lots just east of the Starbuck Airport. The properties have reportedly been for sale for several years. The HRA will reportedly spend $85,000 for the land.

Since the June meeting, preliminary concept design and floor plan drawings have been developed for the eight units which will include a one-level, five-unit building to be built on the west side of the property and a one-level, three-unit building on the east side.

According to HRA board member Larry Kittelson, several local people have expressed interest to him about investing in the new housing.

The property is adjacent to the Bay Meadows Townhomes located along Highway 29 South and Lake Minnewaska.