Commission hears of proposed new senior living development

 

The Vernon City Commission heard a presentation on Tuesday regarding a proposed senior development project in the City of Vernon. Michael Beard, of Befco, discussed the development with the commissioners, and field any questions at that time.

Beard said Vernon Pioneer Crossing for Seniors is proposing “a high quality Senior Apartment Community in Vernon on the west of town along Wilbarger Street. Beard said that his company had 11 acres of land under contract.

He said that a market analysis showed a potential of 101 units, but his company was proposing building 80 units in a single story.

Beard told the commission they were not looking for tax abatements, that they would be taxpayers for the county entities.

The Development Site for the proposed Vernon Pioneer Crossing for Seniors to be located at approximately 1927 Melody Lane is currently zoned single family Rl, and will need to undergo a rezoning. Beard said they have submitted a rezoning request for designation as multi-family dwelling RG, to allow the proposed activity.

Commissioner Pam Gosline said the commission had received a similar request for support from another company and that fell through.

“We’ve been down this road before,” she said.

City Manager Marty Mangum said that previous project fell through because the company thought the market rental rate was to low.

“It’s going to be tight, but think the demand is there,” Beard answered.

Mayor Doug Jeffrey said the fine print showed only one project would be awarded per region. He asked what was Vernon’s region and how likely would this be the one. Beard answered that Vernon and Sweetwater were the only two viable candidates in the region but Vernon scored better.

Wilbarger County Commissioner John Wright joined the discussion. He asked how much the final value would be if built. Beard said eight to 10 million dollars.

The company is scheduled to be on the December commission agenda to make a formal request.

The board approved a request, on a motion from Britt Ferguson, from the Christmas Lighting Committee to close a parade route along Deaf Smith, Wilbarger, Fannin, Maiden and Pease Streets on Dec. 14, 2019.

Other approved action on the agenda includes approval of the sale of tax property at 1130 Houston to Skyline Reals Estate Services LLC for $76; and approval to purchase three used police cars for the Police Department at a cost of $64,484. The action was the same as last month, but had been rebid due to a legal requirement.