By Liz Beavers
lbeavers@newstribune.info
managing editor
KEYSER — In response to a plea last month for more housing options for retired persons wishing to continue to live independently in the area, Mineral County Development Authority President Rick Linthicum told the Mineral County Commissioners recently that he'd like to see the commission get behind the idea.
Mineral County resident Sandy Sanders had appeared before the Development Authority at their June 16 meeting to ask their help in developing some senior-friendly housing.
“There are many retired people in Mineral County that have large homes, and as we grow older, we don’t want the upkeep on the houses.” she said.
Pointing out the desire to live in a place with little maintenance and the same quality of life as before, while staying in the Keyser area, she noted that “there are no townhouses and no suitable homes available.”
Giving statistics showing that West Virginia is ranked second in the nation only to Florida with the number of residents over age 65, Sanders said downtown Keyser “would be a perfect place to begin the project for inviting small business to locate on ground floors and provide attractive residential housing on the upper levels.”
At the time, Mona Ridder, executive director of the development agency, suggested the group approach the City of Keyser with the housing needs, but Linthicum told the commissioners last week that he'd
see MCDA page 7
like to see them get involved, as well.
“There are very few town homes in Mineral County; there's a real need,” he said. “These people want an easier-to-take-care of situation.”
Noting that the development of retirement-friendly housing would be a perfect opportunity for smart growth, Commission President Wayne Spiggle said he liked the idea.
Saying that he would love to sit down with the commissioners to discuss this and other issues, Linthicum asked the county officials if a meeting could be set up in the future.
“I have a whole list of economic development issues I'd love to talk about in executive session,” he said.
A meeting will be set up at a later date.
