Local News - December 2003

Housing project OKed

Published December 5, 2003

28-unit complex planned for Wilma Sigmon Road

By ALICE SMITH,  Staff Writer

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Elderly Lincolnton residents with low to moderate incomes could soon have a new affordable living option.

Plans for a low-rent apartment complex for the elderly received approval from the Lincolnton City Council Thursday night.

The complex, which will be known as Bailey Springs Apartments, will be located on Wilma Sigmon Road about 500 feet from its intersection with John Howell Memorial Drive.

The apartment complex is the first of its kind in Lincoln County, said David Abernethy, a representative of a developer with Gateway Construction.

A federal tax credit granted by the state enables the developers to lower the cost of renting the apartments. They’ll target low- to moderate-income residents.

“They’re able to do cheaper rent because of the tax credit,” Abernethy said.

The development will offer 28 units — 18 one-bedroom apartments and 10 two-bedroom apartments.

The one-bedrooms will rent for $400 a month; two-bedrooms will go for $466, he said. That includes water, sewer and garbage fees.

It will also feature a winding walking trail, horseshoe pits and shuffleboard

Several companies have tried to start up such developments in Lincolnton, Abernethy said, but this is the first one to gain approval from the state.

City Council Thursday approved a conditional use permit that will allow the complex’s construction on 6.3 acres of land that are currently zoned Residential Multi-Family. The Planning Board and city staff recommended approval of the permit.

Developers still have to meet several requirements before construction can begin, including agreeing to install sidewalks on the property frontage on Wilma Sigmon Road, obtaining a driveway permit from the North Carolina Department of Transportation and meeting different city and county codes.

Company officials will have the choice of what electrical service to tap onto — city electric and Rutherford Electric Membership Corporation both serve the area.

Lincolnton Fire Chief Don Wise noted that the development would be using a master water meter, which makes it one of the only places in the city with metered fire water.

That means that if a hydrant is opened for any purpose, whether it is to put out a fire or to flush lines, the complex will be charged for the water.

“That’s going to be a nightmare to try to reconcile the use of that water,” Wise said.

Abernethy said company heads usually use master meters and are aware of the consequences.

In April, Council approved plans for Lincoln Meadows, a 301-lot subdivision which will be located adjacent to the apartments. City Council approved bids Thursday to run electrical service to the development.

In other business, Council:

·  Honored Hollis Henderson for his work on the Board of the Lincolnton Fire Department Relief and Pension Fund Board.

A longtime firefighter, Henderson retired from the board last month because of health reasons.

Council approved a resolution honoring Henderson’s dedication Thursday. He received two standing ovations and several rounds of applause.

·  Voted to enter into contract with Black & Veatch Corporation to perform a water/wastewater rate study. The study is a required because the city has not met its debt ratio coverage for the past two fiscal years. The study will cost the city about $35,000.

·  Approved an amendment to the city’s personnel policy that will allow employees who worked for other North Carolina governmental agencies to transfer their sick leave to the city. This is a common practice in cities and counties throughout the state, City Manager Jeff Emory said.

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