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Last updated on Wednesday, September 14, 2011
(BEDFORD) - The old Stalker School may soon have children cross it’s doors again.
Hoosier Uplands, who is purchasing the building, plans to restore it and create an apartment complex that will provide affordable housing.
Bedford City Council members are supporting the Old Stalker School District Neighborhood Revitalization Plan.
"I am excited about the project," said Mayor Shawna Girgis "It will bring life back to a beautiful building that is pretty dilapidated and renovate the neighborhood."
Carla Naum, principal of Milestone Ventures Inc. who is helping Hoosier Upland with grant applications toured the old school in July.
"It is a viable building with some wonderful qualities," she said. "They will use everything that is salvageable and keep it as historical as possible."
Hoosier Uplands plans to create 21, 2-bedroom apartments. The apartments will be Energy-Star certified. Rent will range from $235 to $396 a month, based on income.
If approved for the funding, construction could begin in October 2012. Hoosier Uplands does plan to make some renovations now, to keep the building from further deterioration.
In other business the council:
*Passed a resolution to authorize the application for a federally funded Community Development Block Grant to assist in the purchase of the Indiana Limestone building at 405 I St., which is home to Oakland City University Bedford. Trena Carter of Administrative Resources association is assisting the city on the grant portion of the project. The city is purchasing the building because on Dec. 31, funding was eliminated for the facility. Gene McCracken, executive director of the Lawrence County Economic Growth Council, said the LCEGC paid for the architect and is willing to provide the local match if the state approves the grant.
* Passed an ordinance making south 12th Street, at Central Church of Christ, a no parking area.
* Approved a contract agreement between the City of Bedford and Indiana Department of transportation for $50,000 federal aid with 10 percent match ($5,000) for new retro reflectivity sign inventory and maintenance. Bedford Street Commissioner Dan Kirk said the money will be used to GIS plot, inspect and inventory every sign in the city. All the city signs have to be replaced with retro reflectivity signs by 2018.
"The city signs that are damaged or need replace now are being replaced with the reflective one," Kirk said. "But every sign needs replaced by 2018. You don't notice it too much in the daylight but at night they really stand out and I believe they will save lives."
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