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The project, just now coming to fruition, began when Councilman Sandy Roth was given approval to form a committee in 2003 dedicated to senior housing.
"It hasn't been easy," he said. Roth offered his thanks to the town board as well as the planning board noting he'd like to see a groundbreaking at the site before the end of the year. The apartments are designed to provide affordable housing
for seniors who earn less than 30-50 percent of the area median income and will offer 70 apartment units. The units will be designed with senior living in mind including handicap adaptable units and energy efficiency.
The PILOT includes a 15-year-term for payment of town, county and school taxes at $350 a unit with an increase of three percent annually after the fourth year of operation. State records show this to be a savings of $182,850 over the 15 year timeframe making the project feasible for the developers.
Change orders were approved for the town hall handrail and sidewalk replacement as well as for work related to the Crown Point sanitary trunk sewer replacement - both a decrease of cost to the town. The board also agreed to proclaim Nov. 27 as "Be a Santa to a Senior Day." Last year more than 200 seniors received approximately 1,000 gifts said Supervisor Phil Barrett.
After agenda business was completed public comment was dedicated to the topic of the playgrounds at Clifton Commons. The board acknowledged five out of the six companies have submitted documents although the submissions vary in detail and content. Residents asked the board to have an open mind when considering the proposal.
Resident Jim Baisley encouraged the board to look at the products and the proposed contractors to determine if any of the project could be done in a more cost effective manner by using those under state contract.
"It is preferable to use state contractors and possibly cheaper," Barrett said. Councilwoman Linda Walowit said three of the five companies who have submitted proposals are on the state contract.
Each of the speakers encouraged the board members to offer a public forum on the subject once all proposals had been received.
"That's the only way you can get the opinion of the people," said one woman.
