In a recent Central City work session held on March 5, Mayor Jeremy Fey presided over discussions centered around the Senior Housing Project proposed by Senator Jeanne Nicholson, President of Gilpin County Senior Living (GCSL) Board of Directors.

The proposal addresses the need for affordable and senior-friendly residences in Gilpin County, with Nicholson emphasizing the challenges faced by seniors in finding suitable housing options. Nicholson recounted instances where seniors were displaced as a result of the legalization of gaming in Central City, leading to homelessness for some.

Highlighting the demographic makeup of Gilpin County, Nicholson referenced a Market Study conducted in 2020 which identified a significant need for Senior Housing. According to Nicholson, surveys conducted since 2010 consistently underscored the demand for such housing options, with projections indicating a growing need as the senior population continues to increase.

The Gilpin Commission for Senior Housing was officially formed in 2013 and re-formed into Gilpin County Senior Living, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Since that time, the group has raised money, toured other senior facilities, and received grants. They currently have $84,563 in their bank account.

Their vision is to build 10 duplexes on 5 acres to provide residences for 19 senior citizens and one on-site property manager.

Their request to the Central City Council: 5 acres of relatively flat property either donated or leased to GCSL with water provided to the 20 residences and hook ups to the Black Hawk Central City Sanitation District with their permission. GCSL would build and manage the 10 duplexes, pay water fees, sewage treatment fees, and property taxes.

Aiken asked what happened to the tract of land by the Justice Center that they had been eyeing. Nicholson responded that it had been determined that that location would require significant additional water rights and accommodations for sewer connection.

Williams asked what services would be available to seniors living within Central City. Nicholson responded that the resident seniors will have free transportation to the Gilpin County Community Center from anywhere within the county. She added that there are a number of services available to seniors, but what is missing is housing.

Williams asked about the numbers proposed and how they would raise the funds. Nicholson replied that they have been trying for years to secure the land and have yet to rework the numbers. She said they met with a loan officer who instructed them to come up with a down payment to secure a loan.

Fey asked what it would take to transform existing buildings instead of building new ones. He said the Council will help them find the land once they are funded, as long as there is a parallel track on keeping seniors in their homes.

Nicholson agreed that, of course, they plan to facilitate seniors staying in their homes. Of the 1200 seniors who currently live in the county, some may not have the option to stay in their present homes.

Nicholson mentioned the isolation in certain areas of the county, and Fey responded that he would be open to participating in home visits.

Fey thanked Nicholson for her ongoing service to the State and the county. “We will support this, but I don’t know that we have the bandwidth for the exploration or that we have the budget for the financing, at this point,” he continued.

Nicholson said they are asking for help in identifying a parcel of land and would like to continue discussing it.

Fey said that the Council is aware of the issue now, and that Central City wants to support them. Nicholson expressed gratitude for the conversation.

The work session concluded at 7:05 p.m.

The next regular meeting for the Central City Council will be held on March 19 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers located on the second floor of City Hall located at 141 Nevada Street.