Dear editor,
Even those opposed to rezoning the old Arkhaven Nursing Home agree there is a need for more housing in Iola.
Presently, the Arkhaven site is zoned for single-family use or for a nursing home facility. However, it was sold with a clause that prevented the property from operating as a nursing home. So, single-family it is unless it could be rezoned!
If single-family homes were to be built on the 3-acre site, it could accommodate maybe five homes.
But in the last six years, only four homes have been constructed in Iola, so the likelihood of more being built anytime soon is slim. Even then, that would do little to solve the housing concern.
And to do nothing only leaves the present eyesore with potential vagrants and rodents.
The building’s current valuation is around $16,000. But in 2017 — two years after its closing — it was appraised at around $617,000. It was recently reappraised because it had been abandoned and now local taxpayers are sharing the cost to make up that lost valuation. Improving the facility will increase the building’s valuation and in turn ease the tax burden on others.
The proposed rezone is to allow for multi-family housing for 50-plus units. These will be rented based on market rate, expected to be about $450 for single bedrooms and $650 for double-bedroom units.
These will not be federally subsidized for low-income tenants.
The developer said he is committed to following city codes. Though the developer provided concept plans at the Iola Planning Commission meeting little discussion ensued. The complex would have new electric, plumbing, HVAC and would include a community room, laundry facility, and more parking. What more could be wanted?
These prospective renters become residents, many with future desires to own housing. Demand for family housing would increase and the value of homes in the area would likely increase in value. That could mean more money-in-pocket to afford building a new home, moving either up to a larger home, or to retirement with more services provided.
Iola has invested in new schools. Elementary schools will have all students in one place! The children will know the children. So, we can go to school together but not live in the same neighborhood? We are one neighborhood. We are Iola, Allen County, Kansas.
Providing more affordable housing helps keep our local industries here. They want to expand, but increasingly face resistance because there’s no place for their employees to live. Without more housing we are risking their ability to stay and grow in Iola.
The profit to be made is for the many Iola residents today and tomorrow.
We need to increase housing to keep our neighborhood strong and growing.
