HUMBOLDT — A housing project for senior citizens is one step closer to reality.
Humboldt City Council members approved a subdivision agreement with Excel Development, Lincoln, Neb., which would allow the developer to begin construction soon on six duplex apartments — 12 units in all — on land west of Arrowood Lane.
As part of the agreement, the city will:
— Accept land donated from Excel west of the proposed construction site, as long as the city restricts the use of the land for other senior housing for the next two years.
— Purchase another parcel of land south of the site, with the understanding the land would be deeded back to Excel if the developer decides to build more senior housing in the next three to five years.
— Pay Excel $14,000 to extend sewer lines 300 feet to the Excel property.
— Pay the monthly electric charges — about $475 annually — to provide electricity to the housing site.
Council members approved the agreement with a 7-1 vote, Wayne Carson opposed.
Excel is receiving state tax credits to build the duplexes, geared for income-qualified residents who are 55 or older or disabled.
The housing project has been a goal of the Humboldt Housing Action Team as part of the Rebuilding The Public Square effort since 2009.
The Humboldt Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing March 30 because the land must be rezoned from single-family residential use to multi-family residential use before construction can begin.
The council tentatively is scheduled to take up the rezoning matter at its April 11 meeting. Council members also must approve a final plat for the land.
Bill Caton of Excel said the developer plans to begin construction on the complex — which will be known as Sterling Ridge Senior Homes — by May 15.
The duplexes should be complete by the end of the year, Caton said, although the developer has a timeline of up to 11 months if necessary. He hopes to have the units ready for occupancy by next spring.
City OKs land pact
