Land sale approved for senior housing

Kris Hill

Thursday, March 22, 2001 | 10:59 a.m.

The North Las Vegas City Council Wednesday night approved the sale of land that ultimately will provide low-income seniors with another housing option.

Community Development Programs Center of Nevada, in partnership with the North Las Vegas Housing Authority, will purchase a 6.69-acre parcel from the city for $320,000.

The organization plans to build 70 apartments for low-income seniors on 4 acres, according to city documents. The group needed the approval of the council to apply for state tax credits, which can be used to pay for the project.

Site plans for the proposed project must be approved before construction can begin near Tonopah Avenue and Yale Street.

The parcel was originally purchased by the city from the federal government in 1973 as part of the 1949 Urban Renewal Act.

The North Las Vegas Housing Authority offers low-income seniors housing at its Rose Garden Apartments senior complex.

However, the waiting list for one of the 120 apartments at the Rose Garden complex includes more than 100 people.

More than 12 percent of the city's 115,488 residents are older than 65, according to 2000 census figures.

"There are more seniors that fall into (the low income) category and not enough places to live," Kenny Young, the city's redevelopment manager, said.

In May and June, the number of apartments available to seniors will increase with the opening of two projects in the city that will add a combined 280 units, Young said.

In addition, an existing apartment complex, Buena Vista Springs, which provides affordable housing for families, is currently constructing 58 apartments for seniors on its property near Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Carey Avenue.

Councilwoman Stephanie Smith said the council has spent the past four years pushing to get this type of housing built in the city.

"It's nice to see the things we've voted on over the past few years become reality," Smith said.

Community Development Programs Center of Nevada is a non-profit organization that helps build affordable housing for families and seniors throughout the Las Vegas Valley.

It also provides counseling for small business owners and helps families who otherwise may not be able to purchase a house become homeowners, Frank Hawkins, the center's executive director said.