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Marquette seeks input on senior housing feasibility study

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The city of Marquette is accepting public comments on a recently-completed senior housing feasibility study. Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission helped develop the study, which weighs the need for senior housing in the area and examines two potential sites in the community. One site is located on Pleasant Drive, between Gencor and the Mar-Mac Police Department/Marquette City Shop.

The second proposed site is in downtown Marquette, between North and Edgar streets, near the Depot Museum and Information Center.

By Audrey Posten, Times-Register

The city of Marquette is accepting public comments on a recently-completed senior housing feasibility study. Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission helped develop the study, which weighs the need for senior housing in the area and examines two potential sites in the community.

Marquette has considered developing senior housing for quite some time, said city clerk Bonnie Basemann.

“We think it would be a good addition to the city, and it’s the next step in our comprehensive plan,” she stated.

Some of the city’s tax increment financing (TIF) revenue has been allocated to low- to moderate-income housing, a category senior housing would fall into. Upper Explorerland also provided several additional funding options.

“Based on the report,” said Basemann, “a lot of [developments] around us are full with waiting lists.”

The study found senior population trends will only exacerbate that problem. Baby boomers began turning 65 in 2011, and by 2030, the remainder will reach 65 and account for approximately 21 percent of the U.S. population. At the local and county levels, the 20 to 44 age group decreased 10 percent over the past 10 years, while the 65-plus group increased 10 percent.

“Average life expectancy is increasing,” the study noted, “meaning housing will need to consider independence and mobility.”

 For seniors, that often means moving out of larger, less accessible family homes and renting smaller, one- or two-bedroom apartments or condos. 

In considering common senior income groups in the market area, the study found that about 38 percent of senior householders make less than $25,000 per year, while about 31 percent make $25,000 to $50,000 each year. Twenty-one percent of seniors in the area, which are primarily single females, fall below the poverty level. As a result, costs for senior housing should be targeted toward these primary groups.

According to the study, the majority of senior living options in the area are currently nursing or assisted living facilities. Independent living communities and senior condos or apartments are also available, but they are less common.

Marquette is considering two different sites for senior housing: a city-owned property on Pleasant Drive, between Gencor and the Mar-Mac Police Station/Marquette City Shop, and an area on North Street, in the city’s downtown.

In addition to being city-controlled, the Pleasant Drive location has water and sewer utilities nearby and current zoning is flexible. The site, which is just over two acres, provides plenty of space for units, amenities and on-site parking. The proximity to natural areas and a nearby park and trail is also a benefit.

Drawbacks include the slope of the site and need for improved road access and maintenance. The land use west of the site is industrial and noisy, and would require significant buffering. Walkability near the site is currently limited, and access to downtown businesses and services would require a car drive or extended walk. The potential for sidewalk and trail extensions exists, though.

The proposed downtown site is located between North and Edgar streets, near the Depot Museum and Information Center. It’s smaller, at only one-third of an acre, and is not yet owned by the city. Current zoning of the site is less flexible, and the spot’s close proximity to U.S. Highway 18 may make it noisy. 

However, utility and transportation systems surround the site, and on-street parking is nearby. There’s also great walkability and accessibility to downtown businesses and services. Views and access to the nearby bridge and natural areas are also attractive.

Now, the city of Marquette would like to hear the public’s thoughts on the proposed options. People are invited to submit comments to city hall or share their thoughts at the Tuesday, July 14 city council meeting, which starts at 6 p.m. A copy of the study is available for viewing at city hall or can be found on the city Facebook page and website at www.marquetteiowa.city/minutes--agenda.html.

“Now that we have the report,” said Basemann, “we can decide on the best location and move forward with planning and looking for developers.”

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