The city of Enumclaw is weighing teaming up with a private enterprise to create an affordable senior housing complex near downtown, complete with a community center, in the two acres or so of city property behind the Enumclaw library.
City Administrator Mike Thomas told the City Council at its meeting Tuesday that initial conversations with Village Concepts, which also operates High Point Village in Enumclaw, are indicating this could be "a great opportunity" given the aging population in Enumclaw and the demand for senior housing. It would also fulfill an ongoing community conversation about the need for a community center, he said.
Given that the slow economy has not given the private sector enough incentive to meet the city's demand for senior accommodations, "we'd have the opportunity to get something we couldn't otherwise afford," he said.
There is much detail to be ironed out, said City Attorney Mike Reynolds, and because it is public land, the city would have to solicit bids for the project should it decide to undertake it. "We're not married to these people [Village Concepts]," he said. "We want to get the best thing for taxpayers."
The announcement was purely informational on Tuesday and Council had no action. "We're excited about it and wanted to keep Council informed," Thomas said.
The concept includes about 90 units of affordable senior housing along with a separate 9,000 square-foot community center that also had some additional apartment units attached.
Tell Us: If a new community center were to be built in Enumclaw, what amenities/features would you want it to have or provide?
