Thornapple Manor will build a new 50 bed Assisted Living complex after the Barry County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the project Tuesday.
Don Haney, Administrator of Thornapple Manor, presented the proposal that indicates housing in Barry County is a need across all income and age levels. The need was clearly identified at an early 2018 housing summit, which led to an initial market study to determine the demand for senior housing. That market study indicates 60 assisted living units and 30 dementia care units are needed in the county.
The 50 bed Assisted Living complex will be constructed on a 40-acre site south of the current Thornapple Manor campus on county-owned property at the corner of M-79 and McKeown Road. A long range plan to add 100 independent living units could also be accommodated on the site, if determined feasible in the future. Construction of the Assisted Living complex requires the County Board of Commissioners to pledge the full faith and credit of the County to secure the necessary funding.
A financial feasibility study was conducted to ensure that the complex will be financially self-sustaining without the need for taxpayer support. The financial statement pro-forma assumes a 30-year bond at 4% average bond yield with a total project cost of $10.5 million.
Other items at the Board of Commissioners meeting:
-The Board re-appointed Robert Vanderboegh and Clyde Morgan to serve on the Barry County Planning Comission for three (3) year terms that began on 5/1/20
-A Resolution in Support of 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act was adopted.
-Jennifer Heinzman, Director of the Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance updated commissioners on the Strategic Restructuring proposal for the Chamber and EDA. Heinzman said there are several areas where efforts are currently being duplicated by the Chamber and EDA. The Resturing Plan will streamline administrative efforts, create more targeted workgroups, and increase efficiency.
