By Cristin Ross
cross@jacksonvilleprogress.com
The city of Rusk wants its citizens’ input on the proposed apartments planned for Cherokee Street.
Rusk City Council has called a public hearing for 5 p.m. Thursday, July 16, to hear the opinions of any residents who’d like to share.
“We want everyone to have the opportunity to put forth their ideas and opinions,” City Manager Mike Murray said.
The Council approved a resolution supporting the construction of Cherokee Hills Apartments in April after a presentation and question-and-answer session with project head Rick Brown of Hunsicker Appraisal Company Inc. in Dallas. The project is replacing prior plans to build income-restricted apartments on 13 acres near Cherokee and Jarrod streets in Rusk.
“Zimmerman, the company interested in building the other apartments, was unable to sell the tax credits needed to finance that project, and had to pull out,” Mayor Angela Raiborn said in April. “Just when things were looking bleak, Mr. Brown called us and we were able to get the ball rolling.”
Plans to build a 60-unit, two-story, multi-building complex are already in the works, and the complex would boast a mix of income-restricted and market-value rent apartments. Rents of only 20 of the 60 units will be income-restricted.
“This will be the first mixed complex we’ll have done,” Brown said. “It’s been done to some success by others, we’ve just never tried it before.”
The public hearing will be held in the city council chambers at Rusk City Hall, 219 South Main St., Rusk. The public is urged to attend.
