Plans are underway to convert an old dilapidated school building into a new home for the elderly in northern Chautauqua County.

Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency has initiated a process of financial assistance to Region 9 UAW Housing Corp. as she converts the old Silver Creek High School into senior housing.

At the county’s IDA board meeting last month, Mark Conroe, director of development for the Region UAW Housing Corporation, discussed the project. He noted that Region 9, a non-profit organization, was formed in 1970 initially to support the United Auto Workers Union. Today, it provides affordable housing for low- and middle-income seniors, people with disabilities and families. “Region 9 is committed to respecting the principle of aging in place, ensuring our residents opportunities to live independently, with dignity and self-determination, in a community with their peers”, he said.

According to Conroe, Region Nine owns and manages nearly 1,200 affordable housing units in 10 communities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. This is their first project in New York State.

In Silver Creek, Region 9 wants to convert the old high school, vacant since 1978, into a facility for low-income people aged 62 and over.

Conroe noted that the building is in very poor condition. Parts of the roof and the right side of the building deteriorated significantly and collapsed.

It has been a site of vandalism over the years. The renovation will solve a horror in the community and remove hazardous materials, including asbestos and lead paint.

The nearly 100-year-old building would be transformed into 47 apartments. The complex will have three floors with an elevator. Forty-six of the 47 apartments will be one-bedroom units. “The main goal is to provide seniors with the opportunity to live independently in Silver Creek and age in place, rather than having to relocate to other geographic areas or types of living facilities,” said Conroe.

He noted that the project will be designed with a number of features to meet the needs of older people as they age. Some of these things include a community kitchen, exercise room, computer room, as well as an outdoor patio, benches, and gardens.

People Inc. will provide installation support services.

According to Conroe, the overall cost of the project is $ 24 million. He noted that the US Department of Housing and Urban Development has given them a grant of $ 4.4 million and that they will apply for two more grants soon. They hope to be notified in the spring . “If the tax credits are granted, we can start construction on December 22 with an estimated completion date of June 2024.” he said.

The Chautauqua County Legislature sold the old school building to Region 9 last spring for $ 1. Conroe said he also met with the Silver Creek Planning Board, which approved the project. They plan to hold a community meeting on November 16.

County IDA officials say Region 9 is seeking a payment in lieu of taxes agreement. Council members unanimously approved a “Due diligence resolution” what is needed before a PILOT agreement can be approved.