Two New Housing Developments Address Housing Needs in Richland County

There are two housing developments that began building in 2015, Sunset Village and Sage Court. The plans for Sunset Village began about seven years ago as the housing board recognized the need to renovate or replace the existing Sunset apartments. HUD required a plan for replacement housing before they would approve the demolition of the Sunset apartments. Mountain Plains Equity Group of Billings worked with the local housing board to complete the tax credit application and home grant that is funding the project. The demolition of the apartments took place in 2014 after tenants relocated. Building of the 36 units began in the spring of 2015, which includes eight more apartments than there were previously. There are also more one bedroom, four bedroom, and handicapped accessible units.

"As of right now we couldn't house a family that had a member with mobility issues. Building the new units corrects that problem," said Executive Director of the Housing Authority, Stacey Netz.

The Sunset Village apartments will be ready in the spring of 2016; applicants must be income eligible and anyone interested can contact the Housing Authority and have their name added to a list to be notified when applications become available.

The plans for Sage Court began in 2014, as Chief of Police Frank DiFonzo and former Executive Director of the Housing Authority Paul Groshart worked closely with County Commissioners and City Council to make the much needed law enforcement housing a reality. The land was donated by the City of Sidney as well as some funds from impact fees and Richland County is funding the construction cost.

There are 10 two and three bedroom townhomes that will be available to police officers and sheriff's deputies, addressing the consistent turnover of officers in the area due to the high cost of living. Sage Court will make it feasible for law enforcement to stay in the area after their training is complete, saving both the city and the county a considerable amount of money.

The Housing Authority is working with the city and county and will handle the application process and admission and occupancy policies. If the number of law enforcement officers in need of housing drops, housing could then potentially be offered to staff or the townhomes could be sold individually. Housing at Sage Court will be available in the spring of 2016.

For more information, please contact the Housing Authority at 406-433-1978 or stop by their office at 1032 6th SW in Sidney.