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| Robert Sobeck, Executive Director, Alfred Housing |
Here is a recap of what the village wants to do:
1. Rebrand the Burrous Building to '23 North.' Sell it to Two Plus Four Construction (they'll pay property taxes).
2. Move into the first floor of '23 North' rent-free but pay utilities. Senior housing would be developed for the upper floors.
3. Sell the Municipal Building (property taxes will be paid by new owner).
Everyone admits, it's a bold plan.
Robert Sobeck is the Executive Director of Alfred Housing on Madison Street, an agency that has been key to the plan and many others in the community. During an exclusive interview Tuesday, Sobeck called the whole story a "win-win." Sobeck said after a partial wall collapse at Burrous, the village, he said "was in a dilemma." He said tough choices had to be made behind the scenes. It began with the decision by former mayor Judy Lynch to save the building. It's been an upward battle since that decision was made...one that may have cost Lynch her seat at the table. Sobeck says over the last few years its been a multi-agency effort to re-develop the building - a proposed $10 million effort. Sobeck said, "(I can't believe I'm saying this but) this never would have happened without the Governor's initiative to revitalize downtowns." In addition, Sobeck credited the work of former and the current village board, senator Cathy Young and Leonard Skrill, Assistant Commissioner at New York State Homes and Community Renewal.
When news first broke, many asked 'how much more money was the village going to spend now.' Sobeck says, that's the beauty of the plan. Two Plus Four will buy the building, obtain funding, and rehab the building. The village isn't footing the bill for anything, he noted. Sobeck said 23 North LP (Two Plus Four & Alfred Housing) must submit an $8 million grant proposal to the Housing Trust Fund by December 15th. Awards will be announced next May. When asked how likely it is the grant would be approved, Sobeck said "it's a done deal." Really, we asked? He replied, "I'm highly confident of success," based on feedback he has already received. The Housing Executive Director said also key to the plan is that two buildings would be returned to the tax rolls...that's real money into the village coffers.
Clearly, however, this isn't a done deal, yet. There's plenty of work to be done. At the November 13th meeting, the Village Board plans to sell the Burrous building. But first, the entire plan will be explained during a public meeting, November 8th at 5 p.m., at the David A. Howe Public Library.
Wellsville Regional News agrees that this is a bold plan, but a risky plan. If this works out, the village will benefit and hero's will be made. If it fails, there could be a lot more empty seats at the table. The bottom line...at least somebody, or in the case a lot of somebodies, are at least trying.
