Some Sikeston City Council members question need for senior housing

SIKESTON, Mo. -- The Sikeston City Council will review market study data before giving its support for a senior housing project.

During the regular council meeting Monday, Jason Maddox, executive vice president of MACO Development Company of Clarkton, Mo., presented the council with a market study which he said shows the need for low- to moderate-income senior housing units in Sikeston.

During the Oct. 24 City Council meeting, Maddox made a presentation on a project in which MACO would apply with the Business Research Institute (BRI) of Sikeston to the Missouri Housing Development Commission for an allocation of tax credits for the construction of a two-story apartment complex with 31 one- and two-bedroom units at 601 W. 3rd St. for seniors ages 55 and older.

Council members said during the Oct. 24 meeting that they wanted to see data showing the need for low- to moderate-income housing for seniors before approving the application.

"At that time, the market study wasn't finished," Maddox said. "It indicates there is a need for residents 55 and older within this community."

Councilman Mike Bohannon asked if a presentation had been made to the Sikeston Housing Authority.

Maddox said no presentation was made to the housing authority, though a letter was sent to the authority's executive director.

He said the project and the housing authority are targeting different groups, however.

Maddox said seniors who are not able to pay $415 for a one-bedroom unit or $465 for a two-bedroom apartment could go to the housing authority.

"We're looking for residents and applicants that have $22,000 to $24,000 in annual income," he said.

Maddox acknowledged that while the facility would not offer subsidized rent, Section 8 vouchers belong to the residents and they "can rent from any landlord who accepts that."

The apartment would accept vouchers, he said, as long as applicants meet the other criteria.

The housing authority has the resources available to build a senior housing project just like the one proposed "if we recognize the need," said Michael Jensen, chairman of the Sikeston Housing Authority board. "We don't recognize the need."

Jensen noted that Section 8 vouchers can be used in communities other that the one that issues it.

"Not everybody wants to live in public housing," said Lisa Lane, executive director of BRI.

While there are vacancies for those age 62 and over in senior housing facilities within Sikeston, for MACO's proposed project "the window is a little wider," Maddox said, as it accepts residents ages 55 and above.

Larry Tetley, a landlord and housing authority board member, said he has vacant units for rent.

"We need jobs, we don't need housing," Tetley said. "I don't believe there's as large of a need as he's saying."

Jessie Redd, a landlord and president of BRI, said there are seniors who don't want three-bedroom units.

Councilman Mike Conway said he needs more time to look at the market study.

"I said I'd support it if the numbers substantiated a need," Conway said. While supporters said there is a need, "that's not what I'm hearing from the city of Sikeston Housing Authority," he said.

Councilman Bob Depro said he has "absolute confidence" in the housing authority.

"I feel in my heart there is a need," Depro said -- but he added that he also wants time to look over the figures in the market study.

Maddox said the market study is 166 pages, which is why he also presented a summary.

"It clearly shows a need in that summary," he said.

The deadline to apply for the tax credits is Nov. 14.

The council took no action but later in the meeting agreed to meet again at noon Thursday.

Pertinent address:

601 W. 3rd St., Sikeston, MO