More senior housing for Palmer

March 4, 2007

By SHARON G. McBRIDE

Frontiersman

PALMER - The Palmer City Council received good news Tuesday night from a representative of the Palmer Senior Center, who announced the center likely will receive approximately $6.3 million earmarked for senior housing construction.

&#8220We are very excited about this and expect to break ground on construction in June,” said Gabriel Layman, general counsel for the Palmer Senior Center.

The housing will constructed on 11.3 acres next to the senior center facility. The complex will contain 31 &#8220below market” units, or lower-income senior apartments. Approximately 8 acres will be left over for future development.

&#8220We want to meet all the needs of our senior population,” Layman said.

Future plans in the works include a new senior center, additional housing, an assisted living complex and integrated commercial businesses.

For example, he said, &#8220We would really like to get a ‘mom and pop' grocery store and a pharmacy in there, so seniors won't have to go so far to get those services.

&#8220We want to create an holistic environment that serves all the needs of our seniors.”

As the ground breaking for the new senior housing gets closer, Layman said his peer, Jafra White, senior service advocate counsel, will keep the council informed on progress of the development.

&#8220I look forward to working with you,” White said.

Contact Sharon G. McBride at

352-2250 or sharon.mcbride@

frontiersman.com.