Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH WEBSTER - An update on the planned senior housing project was presented Wednesday to the North Webster Town Council.
Drawings showed 11 duplexes on the terraced development would be rotated more toward the northwest to, according to architect W. James McCleary, "flow with the natural contour of the land."
Another change made to the original plan is using cul de sac roads between the rows of structures rather than a loop around them.
Depending on costs and whether union wages will apply for contractors building the homes, the town will look at both stick-built and modular housing.
Ten of the units are planned to be built initially, with additional duplexes to be added as money becomes available through rents collected from the tenants. Twenty-six people have already signed up for the low-income units and income verification - an eligibility requirment - is under way.
Town officials hoped to sign paperwork last night to put the infrasturcture work up for bid. However, not all of the necessary permits have been obtained.
Grant administrator, Bob Murphy, told the council that he expects everything should be in order and ready for bid in less than 30 days. The delay in bidding the work does not affect the projected occupation date of September, officials said.
In other business, the council:
• Approved the use of Kosciusko County Jail inmates for street cleaning, depending on whether the county maintains liability on the workers in the event of an injury.
• Gave the go-ahead for Harrison Street to be repaired. Council members consider the roadway to be "the worst street in town." This will be the only major road project this year, with others receiving patching or chip and seal repair.
• Heard from park board president Terry Pawlosky regarding the Music in the Park program. Fourteen shows are lined up from May 23 through Aug. 22, including a fireworks display following the July 4 concert. The programs all take place beginning at 7 p.m. on Fridays at North Webster Park.
• Offered support for a variance for Gary Bowers' plans to erect storage buildings on Dixie Drive. One facility already exists and an adjacent lot is being purchased for the new structures. The matter next goes before the plan commission. The property is already properly zoned.
The next meeting is at 7 p.m. April 16 in the town hall.
