Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
For many years the Sidney Housing Authority has owned the row houses of Sioux Villa, used by Sioux Army Depot workers during the war years. This week, the Authority celebrates its 65th anniversary and will have celebrations in July.
With unanimous approval of the Sidney City Council, the Sidney Housing Authority was formed 65 years ago, the last formality on the way to the city taking over the Sioux Villa Housing Project from the Federal Public Housing Authority.
That began a long-time move by the city to provide affordable housing for Sidney residents. The property, including title to all the land, buildings, equipment and supplies, was transferred to the city for just less than $5,000. The first residents under the newly formed Sidney Housing Authority were then-current residents of Sioux Villa.
Making the move possible were councilmen Walter Cork, H.E. Pierson, J. Fred Thompson, Doyle Foland and Jack Lowe.
A lot has happened since then. In 1977, the Housing Authority constructed Western Heritage Apartments on south 11th Ave. to serve income-qualified elderly and persons with disabilities in 30 subsidized apartments. The complex has been under management of the Scotts Bluff County Housing Authority since 2011.
According to a press release on the anniversary, Sioux Villa has always been a Market Rate community resource. Sioux Villa accepts Housing Choice Voucher which is a tenant-based resource. Today, Sioux Villa has 73 apartments ranging from one to four bedroom units with many of them merged to have 2 bathrooms and extra laundry space.
The release says Sioux Villa is attractive for young couples starting out in the workforce as well as elderly persons seeking affordable rents with no maintenance requirements. Residents organize potluck dinners, bingo, hand-and-foot card games and enjoy a wide variety of sharing opportunities which include Food Bank, Holiday food baskets and other activities.
In addition to Sioux Villa and Western Heritage, the Housing Authority has over the years explored additional housing options within the community, including proposed additions of apartments similar to Western Heritage.
Today, the Housing Authority operates under the leadership of five including, Tamara Nelsen, Scott McDaniel, Roger Gallaway, Delores Virgil and Van Kitt.
To celebrate its landmark anniversary, the Housing Authority cake and drink will be shared with residents and community at Western Heritage on July 20th from 10-11 a.m., and that day at Sioux Villa with residents and community at 3 p.m. at 1702 Cedar Street.
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