Senior-housing plan delayed; land to stay available to group

By Cassie Tomlin

Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008 | midnight

Volunteers of America National Services postponed for another year plans to build a senior housing development at Adams Boulevard and Veterans Memorial Drive.

The group was scheduled to make its first rent payment on the 30 acres next month, but the City Council on Oct. 28 granted an extension until December 2009, the second yearlong pass awarded.

VOANS will pay $50,000 to keep the land available without building on it.

A pet project of the city for nearly 10 years in the making, the first phase of the VOANS complex is planned to include about 40 homes, 34 apartments and 24 extended-care units. Transportation and health care would also be available for residents and the public.

Wayne Olson, vice president of operations, told the council the financial climate had hit the group harder than anticipated, and securing loans has been difficult.

He asked the board for patience.

"We believe in the project, and we believe in the project for Boulder City," he said. "We unfortunately find ourselves having the right project in the right place at the wrong time."

The council will negotiate with VOANS on whether the $50,000 will be applied to the first month's rent. Its last option was $55,000 and will apply to the rent.

Councilman Travis Chandler and Councilwoman Linda Strickland said the extension is unfairly priced and essentially ties up the land at no benefit to the city.

Mayor Roger Tobler argued the plan, which he called unique, would ultimately benefit the city in ways greater than financial.

"Senior housing is worth it," he said. "It does require a commitment and willingness of the council to look at this project differently. We are hoping it will bring more to the community than some other business venture or residential housing project."

Councilwoman Andrea Anderson said the city has enough land to not fret over $50,000.

"I'm satisfied," she told the VOANS representatives. "I just want to see you move forward and come to fruition."

Cassie Tomlin can be reached at 948-2073 or [email protected].