Nonprofit sets sights on building nine houses

April 30--ANDERSON -- Through its not-for-profit arm, JobSource is planning to construct nine houses behind the Geater Center in Anderson.

JobSource recently obtained nine lots along Morton Street from Madison County that were to be included on the commissioner's certificate sale for non-payment of property taxes.

Vince Smith, assistant director of JobSource, said the nonprofit was formed in 2006. After remaining dormant for several years, it's being used as a vehicle for JobSource's housing and training projects, he said.

Smith said it is funded through fees for services and rental income on two houses JobSource owns.

There is more than $50,000 in the fund.

JobSource is considering several options for the site, including single-family homes and duplexes.

Smith said the cost for each house will be less than $100,000 and the total investment will be approximately $1 million. He said JobSource is in conversations with potential investors.

"The intention is to be done so that people want to live there," said JoAnna Collette, executive director of JobSource. "All the designs will be complementary to each other. The goal is to provide safe affordable housing for people. We want people to be able to purchase their own home."

Another goal of the project is to provide training in construction trades through the housing development by working with local contractors.

"Everything is being geared to training," Collette said.

Smith said work could start in the fall once the not-for-profit obtains the deeds, which is expected in the next 90 days.

He said JobSource is hoping the Indiana Community Housing Authority will provide a low-interest loan to pay for the project.

Collette said the location was intentionally chosen to be in close proximity to the Geater Center, downtown and the Wigwam complex.

JobSource also obtained a vacant lot on West 12th Street that will eventually be made into green space.

Smith said the eventual use will depend on the Wigwam project. He said there are currently plans to convert two green space areas, east of the Lincoln Street entrance to the Wigwam, as a parking lot.

He said the parking lot would be used by a proposed Performing Arts Center at the Wigwam.

"We're replacing the green space," Smith said. "The property complements the Wigwam development."

Meantime, two other potential projects didn't work out for JobSource. It hoped to revitalize the Delaware Court Apartments and the former Zahlo Car Wash at Nichol and Madison avenues, but the properties were purchased at the certificate sale.

Collette said JobSource hadwere working with a private investor to upscale the Delaware Court Apartments for people wanting to move into downtown Anderson.

She said the car wash was going to be reopened as a training site to teach young people how to operate a business.

"We looked at both as an opportunity to add to our portfolio," Collette said. "It didn't work."

JobSource has purchased property along the east bank of the White River behind Maplewood Cemetery.

"The purpose is to work through a youth program and the schools to do an archaeological dig of the former Indian settlements along the river," Collette said. "We can make it part of the summer youth camp. They will learn the history of the city and county. Have the kids take part in the archaeological dig."

Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 640-4863.

Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 640-4863.

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