Two affordable senior housing options discussed

Photo by Tom Hintgen
Dalton, a community in southwestern Otter Tail County, is the location for a pilot program for constructing affordable senior housing in communities across Otter Tail County.

By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

Speaking to county commissioners on March 26 about financing for the construction of two affordable senior housing tri-plexes in the city of Dalton was Otter Tail County’s Community Development Director Amy Baldwin.

This project, known as North Fields of Dalton, is moving forward with use of Otter Tail County’s 2023 State Affordable Housing Aid allocation. The Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) will own and operate the housing tri-plexes.

“The city of Dalton and HRA, for several years, have coordinated efforts on the redevelopment of a former manufactured home park for the advancement of new residential development opportunities on the site,” said Baldwin to the five members of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners.

In 2021 the HRA board authorized exploration of an affordable senior housing component. Since that time, the city has finalized the plat and the HRA has conducted due diligence and community engagement regarding the affordability, housing design and development finance options.

“Our goal is to have construction begin in 2024 and have occupancy of the senior housing tri-plexes in 2025,” Baldwin said.

Two patio home style tri-plexes are planned. Each triplex will contain two 2-bedroom units and one 1-bedroom unit. Garages and storage areas also are planned. 

“In January, bids were solicited for modular construction as well as for the on-site work associated with the proposal,” Baldwin added. “At the March 19, 2024, HRA board meeting, there was authorization of construction contracts.”

  The project is contingent on the approval of a purchase and development agreement by the City of Dalton and the city proceeding with necessary infrastructure items.

County commissioners approved support of an estimated $820,000 from Otter Tail County to fund the Dalton housing project. The funding will be repaid to the county through a pledge agreement that is secured by the HRA levy, in annual installments.