HOUSING

Housing is a very broad topic and covers a wide range of challenges and opportunities. We often hear “You have to do something about housing”, but it’s quite difficult to define what that something needs to be.

Without a doubt, the Lovell area is experiencing a shortage of certain types of housing. Rentals and vacant building lots are in fairly short supply. New construction is in high demand and the costs of getting the necessary infrastructure to developable areas is increasing at a rapid rate. We also have a number of vacant homes that have fallen into disrepair and may be good candidates for rehabilitation.

What can be done? How are we going to fix the problem?

The first step is to determine exactly what we have as far as housing stock. In order to do this, we have applied for a planning grant to conduct a comprehensive housing assessment. The assessment will include an identification of current housing stock, a report on future needs and a suggested plan of action.

Since housing issues are directly connected to workforce development and job creation, the areas are often addressed together. Housing is an area that involves both economic development efforts and community development efforts. In order to produce long-term solutions for housing, Lovell Inc. will be working in close partnership with the Towns of Lovell and Cowley.

As we make progress and identify possible options, more will be posted on this site.

Watch for a public meeting and presentation of results early in 2010.