Logan County Board hears plans for affordable housing project in New Holland

 

[May 29, 2024] 

The Logan County board met for its monthly voting session meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. Eleven of the 12 board members were present. Those present were Julie Bobell, Michael DeRoss, Hannah Fitzpatrick, Keenan Leesman, Joseph Kuhlman, Dale Nelson, Bob Sanders, Jim Wessbecher, Kathy Schmidt, Gil Turner, and Emily Davenport. James Glenn was absent for the evening.

During the meeting, board members heard from New Holland Village President Annie Coers regarding a proposed affordable housing project in the village.

Coers was present to request that the county consider contributing $100,000 from its community fund to help get the project started.

Coers said multiple people have been asking about what the rental/housing situation is like in the town, and many people definitely think there’s room for improvement.

The New Holland High School, and an adjoining lot would provide approximately 3.1 acres that could be used for housing if the school is torn down. The New Holland Development Foundation would purchase the building from the current owners, the Merriman family. Lincoln Land Excavation & Demolition would demolish and gather all the debris and painted bricks from the building and send them directly to a landfill. The basement floor will be completely busted up and the materials from that will be broken down even further and put back into the basement.

The demolition plan would include an estimated cost of $93,870 with one-third due early in the project and the balance due upon completion.

The village foundation would work with Chase Huston who resides in the state of Washington, but owns more than 100 properties in Logan County, primarily in the Lincoln area. He said he chose to do business in Logan County to make a passive income and create a lasting impact on the community.

The goal is to build 24-30 three-bedroom apartments with one bathroom, a one car garage, enough parking for two vehicles, and solar decorations. The dimensions of these apartments will include ~ 1,450 ft squared and 52’ by 28’. The approximate rent would be $1000/month/unit. The estimated cost to build would come out to be $75,000/unit to equal $2.25 million for 30 units (this doesn’t include taxes and permitting costs). The project will employ local contractors to complete the jobs of the foundations, framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, painting, drywall, etc.

The plan for 2024 includes:
 

• Working with New Holland to understand the requirements and wants of the community

• Make the proposal more solid

• Get the ROM (estimate) calculated

• Work with New Holland to understand the opportunities in both the community and on the financial side

• Look into grants from the state of Illinois

The plan for 2025 includes:

• Finalize all the details of the design and finances

• Gain acceptance from the government to proceed

• Break ground

The plan for 2026 includes:

• Complete build by Q3

At the county board meeting, Coers introduced the topic and explained the goal with Huston joining via telephone.

Coers was asked by board members about the current condition of the old high school building. She explained that the Merriman’s had purchased it several years ago and had used it as a warehouse for their carnival business. The senior members of the family have backed out of the carnival business and a son is taking it on. He has not used the building because he is operating on a smaller scale. She said the building has become dilapidated and cannot be salvaged.

Board member Michael DeRoss asked for details about the New Holland Foundation. Coers said the foundation was formed a few years back. Among the founding board members was June (Harnacke) Kidd who is a Logan County native with roots in New Holland. The foundation is a 501c3 not for profit organization. DeRoss then asked if that would make the school a government owned property when the foundation buys it. Coers said it would not. The foundation is not a government entity. DeRoss asked how long the Merriman’s had owned the building. Coers said she couldn’t give the exact amount of time, but she was sure that it was prior to 2003.

Board member Keenana Leesman asked for confirmation that the money that the foundation was going to be seeking was $100,000 for the demolition of the school building. Coers confirmed that was correct.

The foundation will purchase the land and building, demolish the building and clear the land, then sell the full three acres to Huston who will then build and own the rental properties.

Board chair Emily Davenport asked what the foundation would do with the money it made from the sale of the property. Coers said that was yet to be determined, but it could be invested into the next project the foundation undertakes.

On Tuesday evening, there was no motion on the agenda regarding the request. The board will be asked to consider putting a motion on a future agenda.

[Shelbi Fisher/Nila Smith]