43
A facility for the elderly coming to Liberty over the summer is expected to create about 250 jobs
LIBERTY
The Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Retirement Services facility that is coming to Tibbetts Wick Road is expected to create about 250 jobs.
The company plans to break ground in mid- to late summer, said Rich Limongi, CEO of Shepherd of the Valley. The facility is estimated to cost about $31 million.
The complex will include 30 apartments and 60 assisted-living units – 30 of those units having memory care – and a 79-bed skilled-nursing unit, a rehabilitation facility and a wellness facility.
The 55-acre complex includes close to 44 acres of green space.
“It will be a park-like setting; it will be laid out where aesthetically it’s really nice,” said Pat Ungaro, township administrator.
Limongi said the new campus will be Shepherd of the Valley’s first facility to have memory care units.
“I’m really excited about Shepherd of the Valley. We have been waiting a couple of years now for them to break ground. It’s a wonderful project,” said Jodi Stoyak, trustee.
The company took advantage of the township’s 49 percent tax abatement incentive, which Ungaro said will mean growth for the township, particularly because it’s near state Route 11. Having more workers coming to the area could promote businesses on Belmont Avenue, he added.
“There will be a lot of activity to help out businesses and restaurants,” Ungaro said.
Shepherd of the Valley representatives are having an open house Thursday at the Dunkin Donuts in Niles from 4 to 6 p.m. to answer any questions about the new facility.
The new facility can build on other new developments, including a restaurant franchise that may be coming near the intersection of Goldie Road and Belmont Avenue, said Ungaro. He credits the new developments partially to the Belmont Avenue restoration project in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Transportation, and the additional $1.2 million grant received from ODOT for curbs and other upgrades.