Tuesday, April 17, 2001
The church wants to build affordable senior housing in the community.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
CORTLAND -- City council will soon vote on whether to help a local church secure federal funding to build a low-to-moderate-income senior housing complex.
Paul Makosky, city service director, said this morning that he hopes to have the ordinance ready for council to vote on at its May 7 meeting. The ordinance would enable the city to enter into a consortium with Warren and Trumbull County. The consortium would then work to get money from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for low-to-moderate-income housing.
Favorable votes: Mayor Melissa Long said this morning that, during Monday's regular council meeting, most council members agreed they would vote to enter the consortium.
"This would help The Prince of Peace Lutheran Church get some money from HUD to help build a senior citizens housing project," Long said.
The church wants to build a 24-unit apartment complex on 10 acres on High Street.
Councilman Gerald Bayus, however, said he thinks the church could get the federal money even if the city did not join the consortium.
"That is Mr. Bayus' opinion," said the Rev. Duane Jesse, of the church. "I think we have a better chance if the city is part of the consortium."
"Whether we vote to join the consortium does not interfere with the church's plans," Bayus said.
Wants to help: The Rev. Mr. Jesse said his church wants to build the senior housing complex so that senior citizens who do not have a lot money can have a safe place to live.
"The fact is, according to Joyce Willis, director of Cortview Village [senior citizens complex], there is a two-year waiting period for adequate and affordable senior housing in Cortland today," Mr. Jesse said. Cortview is a housing complex for low-to-moderate-income senior citizens.
"The church wants to build affordable senior housing as a way to reach out to those who have run out of options," he said.
Mr. Jesse said he was also upset with Bayus' comments during the April 2 council meeting that the city's part in a consortium might open the doors for a housing project.
Welcomes them: "I am concerned that people may perceive the attitude that people in Cortland do not welcome people who are of low-to-moderate income, and that is not true," Mr. Jesse said. "There are good people, long-time Cortland citizens, who, through no fault of their own, may find themselves among those listed as low-to-moderate income. I welcome all people."