Alfred Housing: Sobeck retires, but won't fade away

WELLSVILLE - For the past 18 years, Bob Sobeck has been affiliated with the Alfred Housing Committee (located on Madison Street in Wellsville), more recently as its Executive Director. Sobeck announced recently that he is retiring. At Monday night's Wellsville Village Board meeting, Sobeck told trustee's that "this is my last meeting." Before leaving the meeting however, he announced that a funding announcement was expected May 4th for the 23 North (Burrous Building) project. Not too long ago, Alfred Housing partnered with Two Plus Four Construction to take over the 23 North property. The plan was to move the village offices to the first floor with apartments and more on the upper levels. Next months funding announcement could potentially give the project the boost to move forward. "I have enjoyed working with you for the past 18 years," Sobeck told the village government. But Sobeck isn't about to disappear. Incoming Alfred Housing Executive Director Allison Green told the village board that Sobeck has been retained "as a consultant" on the 23 North project. So he may be leaving the day to day routine, but he won't stray far.
The former Burrous building has been controversial, especially after a wall collapsed causing a local emergency. The collapse prompted a huge community cry to demolish the structure. Since then, the village utilized grant funding to shore up the building. The 23 North endeavor could be huge for Alfred Housing and the village. Only time will tell what the ultimate legacy will be for the property.