The developers of a 46-unit senior living center are moving forward with plans now that a state commission has approved the need for the housing.
The MHDC approved the request by Steve and Milton Goldenberg, with Golden Management, in January after determining a need for this senior housing in Franklin County.
The development, called Oak View Village, will be eligible for state and federal tax credits.
The property is located on Progress Parkway south of the Tractor Supply Co., and the Union Fire Protection District House No. 3.
Community Development Director Joseph Graves noted that the development is not subsidized, nor assisted living.
He explained that those who rent the residences will spend money in Union.
“These people are still active. They will be shopping in Wal-Mart and participating in senior activities,” he said. “They will be a part of the town. It’s a win for everybody.”
Plans call for a village for people 55 years and older and their spouses. Children could not live in the development. The Oak West Village would be maintenance free for residents and would include a clubhouse.
Last year, Steven Goldenberg told aldermen that he met with County Seat Senior Center representatives who support the plans and agree that there is a need for additional senior housing in the area.
The property is now owned by the Union R-XI School District.
There are 44 acres of city-owned property located across the street from where the proposed senior living community would be built.
Goldenberg also told city officials that there was a market study conducted that indicated the need for more housing in Union geared toward senior citizens.
The developers had a similar request more than three years ago, but that development was not approved by MHDC.
Graves said this is the first phase of the development and a second phase may begin once the 46 units are occupied.
“They anticipate them filling up and then they (Goldenbergs) are going to submit plans for a phase 2 of the project,” he said.
The total number of units would be about 90, Graves said.
Golden Management operates several developments, including one built 40 years ago, and the owners have said they have no plans to build and then sell the senior living community.
Graves said that he has visited two similar properties and they are well maintained.
“I have visited some of Goldenberg property in St. Peters and O’Fallon,” Graves said. “They are very clean and well kept — I think it will be a nice addition to the community.
“The Goldenbergs have a very good reputation with MHDC and I’m confident they will build a first-class community,” he added.
Last year, the developers told aldermen that they would be willing to install a walking trail to the future city park.
Golden Management was the developer of the Jack in the Box and QuikTrip.
