The Bourbon Town Council heard an update on the Marshall County Home Ownership Project during their June meeting. Presenting more details on the project that is being coordinated by the Marshall County Habitat for Humanity that encompasses properties in Bourbon, Plymouth and Argos was Brent Martin. Martin was requesting an option to buy on a lot that the town owns at 308 E. Center Street. The town acquired the property in 2016 and spent some $20,000 to demolish a home that was deemed unsafe along with preparing the lot for sale.
Martin indicated that the option was one of the last items needed to turn in the grant application.
Dean Byers, Habitat for Humanity, had appeared before the council in 2017 with the idea of combining projects in three towns and that there was an intention to apply for state grant monies. Martin explained that grant applications to secure funding continues. Plans are to split the lot in Bourbon into two parcels and construct two low income homes.
The council approved the request, but stipulated that the purchase must be made on or before December 31, 2019. The purchase price was set at $1.00. Although there had been interest expressed by potential buyers, the offers were not for housing. Council members had expressed their desire to have the lot used for housing to add to the town’s tax base.
Martin presented drawings of potential home designs that include three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The various designs are identical and/or similar the homes that have been built in Plymouth.
Families interested in applying for low income housing must be income qualified. More details can be obtained by contacting Byers at 574-935-4214.
Carol Anders Correspondent
