Rock Spring planning for senior apartments

ROCK SPRING, Ga. - Planning for Walker County's first proposed residential development since 2006 is in the preliminary stages.

The developer hopes to build housing for seniors on a 16.5-acre tract on Kay Conley Road, which intersects with U.S. Highway 27. The apartments would be several hundred feet east of that intersection.

The property has been rezoned for the housing, but the bulk of the project - primarily the financing - has yet to be approved.

"We are hopeful that our application for financing will be successful," said Nick Sherman, managing member of Endeavor Pointe Development of Cartersville, Ga.

Although he said most of the funding will be private, his company is trying to get a small amount from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The application is going through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, he said.

Walker County officials say the infusion of HUD money would mean the rent residents pay would be based on income.

The county has two similar facilities: Lucky Pointe Apartments in LaFayette and The Village of Chickamauga.

Walker County Commissioner Bebe Heiskell wrote a letter of support for the proposed construction project.

"It was just to show the Georgia Department of Community Affairs that the county supports that type of project," she said. "Everything that's been built relative to senior housing has been filled right up. There is a need for it in Walker County."

Kelia Kimbell, director at the county's planning and development office, said she's "excited" about the project.

"It gives you hope that the economy is getting better," she said.

Kimbell said questions of traffic and stormwater management also must be handled before the senior housing can be built. But she's optimistic.

"We can find a way that will be safe and suitable for everybody," Kimbell said.

Timothy Bradfield covers Walker County. Contact him at timothyb2010@gmail.com.

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