Rotarian Fisher Gives Update on Life Lease Project
Posted by John Borst
Mel Fisher provided the club with updates on 'life lease' concept Pine Ridge Terrace. Fisher gave a history on the "Life lease" concept/plan for Dryden. In essence, the proposed building consists of apartments that aren't true 'condos' but that are leased and are geared toward seniors/retirees. After some five years, Mel said the project isn't likely going anywhere for a variety of reasons (Rotary Club of Dryden, Ontario, Canada)
Perhaps the concept was too much ahead of its time. That being said, he feels there is both a need and a demand for some form of supportive housing, although the Pine Ridge project may be too 'high end.'
At this time, Mel feels a new Committee should be struck that would work with the local Credit Union and the Dryden Development project to create a scaled-down project, perhaps a wooden structure & smaller apartments. This would mean dissolving the current group, refunding deposits, and possibly a different location.
He is asking that our Rotary Club be a part of this new committee.
Questions followed – among them:
Q - What would Rotary's role be?
A - Not financial, more a matter of providing expertise in marketing and reaching out to the community.
Q - How many deposits were accepted by the Pine Ridge Group?
A - About 20 expressed interest at the outset, a dozen or more actually followed through with checks, some have since withdrawn. About 10 are still on file, which would need to be returned. Interest remains strong from Dryden as well as surrounding communities.
Q - Is the City behind the project
A - Mel gave the history on this, noting that the initial scepticism seems to be gone now. Still some question about whether this 'co-op' concept will fly in Dryden.
At this time, Mel feels a new Committee should be struck that would work with the local Credit Union and the Dryden Development project to create a scaled-down project, perhaps a wooden structure & smaller apartments. This would mean dissolving the current group, refunding deposits, and possibly a different location.
He is asking that our Rotary Club be a part of this new committee.
Questions followed – among them:
Q - What would Rotary's role be?
A - Not financial, more a matter of providing expertise in marketing and reaching out to the community.
Q - How many deposits were accepted by the Pine Ridge Group?
A - About 20 expressed interest at the outset, a dozen or more actually followed through with checks, some have since withdrawn. About 10 are still on file, which would need to be returned. Interest remains strong from Dryden as well as surrounding communities.
Q - Is the City behind the project
A - Mel gave the history on this, noting that the initial scepticism seems to be gone now. Still some question about whether this 'co-op' concept will fly in Dryden.