Funds sought for seniors apartments

Lee Scrivner

Friday, June 2, 2000 | 9:06 a.m.

The Salvation Army plans to construct a low-cost senior citizen's housing project in North Las Vegas this fall, but first it must raise $1.5 million by Oct. 1.

The remaining obstacles to the proposed 60-unit Silvercrest Apartments project at 2922 E. Cheyenne Ave. are financial. The location was unanimously approved on May 10 by the North Las Vegas Development Services Department.

The $1.5 million will cover soil samples, legal fees, and engineering and architectural planning required for Silvercrest's building permit, which must be obtained before the project can receive a $3 million grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Total cost of the building is estimated at $5.2 million.

"We have been working diligently for the last five years to find the funding for this urgently needed project," said Lt. Col. Jim Sullivan, the local Salvation Army coordinator. "We are frustrated that we are still having problems."

The Salvation Army coffers have been depleted by other needs, he said.

"Just this March we completed a million-dollar Safe Haven at 31 W. Owens, which provides shelter for homeless with mental illnesses. The Salvation Army's limited funds must be divided between competing needs."

Realizing this, local proponents of the Silvercrest project want to make certain that their needs are voiced.

"Many of us are in danger of living our last years without dignity," said Shirley Falline, a local senior citizen who hopes to live in Silvercrest. "Some have no family and are not well enough to earn a living. The Silvercrest Apartments would be a godsend."

Though the deadline for the Silvercrest building permit is Oct. 1, Sullivan said bills are now amassing on his desk.

Donations for the project can be sent to the Salvation Army at 2900 Palomino Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89107.