City Council sets public hearing date

The City Council set an April 7 public hearing date Monday on the Heritage Centre’s request for MIDA bonds to build a 17-unit assisted-living facility.

The tax-free Municipal Industrial Development bonds will finance the $3.5 million construction project, which developers plan to complete sometime in October. Although there’s no liability on the part of the city, it must authorize the issuance of the bonds.

Codeveloper Alan Lindberg said this is phase three of the assisted living complex at the Heritage Centre. Phase one is a 29-unit apartment building and phase two has 12 units. The new facility will be built to the north and connected to them. Connected on the east side is the nursing home.

“They (Heritage Centre) are the only licensed assisted living facility in the city,” said City Administrator Jeff Fuchs.

Originally, phase one and two were built as congregate housing. These were apartments for independent seniors, said Lindberg, who is also a member of the non profit Heritage Centre’s board.

“Basically, congregate housing is for seniors who can live on their own,” he said. “Other services are available, but they’re optional.”

Then about three years ago, the Heritage Centre Board began seriously considering an assisted living pro-gram. Assisted living facilities provide a higher level of care and services to seniors who need help to live on their own.

“The need for assisted living is really there,” Lindberg said. “And the congregate housing has evolved into assisted living.”

Now, Lindberg said, about half of those living in the apartments in phase one and two are in the assisted living program.

Financing for this third phase is through Wells Fargo Bank, Lindberg said. It approved the loan and will buy the MIDA bonds. He said the Heritage Centre also wants a five-year tax exemption and a payment in lieu of taxes.

“We’re tickled we can do this project,” Lindberg said.

Sun reporter Toni Pirkl can be reached at (701) 952-8453 or by e-mail at tonip@jamestownsun.com

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