CORTLAND Church aims to build senior housing

The housing complex will have a library and a community room with a fireplace.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
CORTLAND -- A local church is hoping to have a housing complex for senior citizens built by the end of 2002.
The Rev. Duane Jesse of The Prince of Peace Lutheran Church said plans are to build the 24-unit complex behind the church on High Street.
"We are in the process now of securing funds" through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, he explained. "As long as that goes through, we hope to have the groundbreaking by early next year and the facility up by the end of 2002."
He said the 24-unit complex will also feature a community room with a fireplace and a library.
Looking at cost: The housing complex and community room will cost about $1.5 million, the Rev. Mr. Jesse said. He noted that most of the funding will come from HUD grants.
"Also, we consider the 24-unit complex and the community room to be the first phase of the project," Mr. Jesse said. "Once we get that completed we want to add an additional 24 units."
Mayor Melissa Long said the project is something that is needed in the city.
"We really need additional safe and affordable housing for senior citizens in the city," Long said. "This would be a welcome asset to our community."
Mr. Jesse said his church decided that it could best help the community by using the land to build the facility.
"There just aren't enough affordable places for senior citizens in the county," he said. "Most of the places I talked to told me they had a waiting list and one place in Cortland said they have a two-year waiting list."
Receiving calls: Mr. Jesse added that he has received calls already from people who want to live in the facility.
"The sooner we can get the facility up, the better," he said.
He noted that the facility will be open to all senior citizens, regardless of their race, age, religion or where they live now.
"This is not just for people who live in Cortland," he said.