LINCOLN, NEB. (July 29, 2005)—The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) today awarded $429,000 HOME funds to Auburn Industrial Development Corporation to help construct Terrace Heights Village II, a housing project reserved for tenants, age 55 and older, who live in and around Auburn or Johnson.

Located adjacent to Terrace Heights Village I (constructed in 2003) on Terrace Heights Drive in Auburn, the second housing complex will consist of four four-plexes, for a total 16 units. Each two-bedroom unit will offer approximately 1,004 sq. ft. living space and include an attached single-stall garage. All units will be equipped with modern appliances, including washer/dryer, microwave, range/oven, refrigerator and garbage disposal. Trash and snow removal, and lawn and landscaping services will be provided. A new clubhouse building with community room also will be constructed as part of the second phase development, and will be available for residents of Terrace Heights Villages I and II to use.

All units will be wheelchair accessible and meet the Fair Housing Act and 2003 International Energy Conservation Code. One unit will be specifically designated as a handicap unit, fully meeting American with Disabilities Act requirements. To further address tenants’ potential health and safety needs, each unit will feature grab bars in bathrooms, lever-style doorknobs, single-lever faucets, and barrier-free outdoor routes leading up and into each unit.

Terrace Heights Village II is designed especially for people who are currently living in substandard housing, or who want to downsize existing homes and designate property upkeep to others. Individuals or couples ages 55 and older earning incomes of 35-60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) will be eligible to apply. Eight units will be restricted to annual incomes not exceeding 50 percent AMI; the remaining eight, to annual incomes not exceeding 60 percent AMI.

Construction of Terrace Heights Village II is in keeping with the community revitalization goals of the city of Auburn, Auburn Industrial Development Corporation and its sub-committees. To maintain current and attract new businesses, Auburn identified the need to upgrade its current affordable housing stock and is aggressively pursuing additional projects, including demolishing dilapidated houses and rehabilitating older homes.

For information, contact James W. Grant III, president, Auburn Industrial Development Corporation at 402-274-4342

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Paula Rhian at 800-426-6505, 402-471-3760, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it