LV takes steps toward affordable assisted living

Judy Odierna

Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2003 | 9:23 a.m.

Las Vegas' plan to build an affordable assisted living facility is taking another step forward.

On Wednesday the City Council is expected to approve the selection of developers Affirmative Investments and the Affordable Housing Resource Council to build a 90-unit complex. The item is on the Neighborhood Services consent agenda, which includes routine items that are usually approved without discussion.

If it is approved, Las Vegas would be the first municipality to use Bureau of Land Management land for affordable assisted living for senior citizens. Within the next couple of months the city will select which parcel to use for the project. One option would be at Decatur Boulevard and Deer Springs Way; an alternative would be at Roland Wiley Road and Silver Sky Drive.

"There are (assisted living) facilities here but it is incredibly expensive for regular people," said Sharon Segerblom, director of the Neighborhood Services Department for the city. "(Assemblywoman Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas) found that this was desperately needed for people of low of moderate income, which is the vast majority of seniors.

"This will allow people who need a little help, maybe with their medication or with washing their hair, to avoid the expense of a nursing home and live in a welcoming atmosphere."

Buckley obtained the initial $600,000 in state money for the project.

In May, the city approved allocating $1 million in federal funds for the project.