CORTLAND Church gets grant for housing

Church officials hope to break ground on the senior facility in about 10 months.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
CORTLAND -- Some area senior citizens will soon have a new place to call home.
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church has landed a $1.7 million federal grant to help with construction of a senior housing development.
The grant is provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The Rev. Duane Jesse, pastor of the church at 490 N. High Street, said Monday the money will help a dream come true.
"We want to use the 6 acres behind our church for the community," the Rev. Mr. Jesse said. "We believe an affordable senior housing development is needed."
Church officials say they hope to break ground in about 10 months and have the development completed by 2003.
Foundation: Mr. Jesse said his church has been working with Lynn Dalton, president of the Franklin Foundation. Founded in 1986, the nonprofit foundation works to help bring additional affordable senior housing to Ohio.
Dalton said many senior citizens in the area need a place to stay.
"There are many senior citizens that are living on Social Security and can't afford a safe place to live," Mayor Melissa Long said. "This project is really needed, and I am so glad it's coming to Cortland."
Details: Plans call for 23 one-bedroom apartments with a community room and two laundry facilities.
The development will be designed by local architect Ed Jakubick and Douglas E. Weatherby and Associates Inc., an architectural firm that works with the Franklin Foundation.
The housing will be open to those 62 years old and older, Jesse said.