The WSOS Board of Directors Tuesday approved proposals that would bring new, affordable housing for seniors in two communities and renovate current housing for others. In addition to affordable housing, if these proposals are funded, these projects would bring millions of dollars and jobs to the area.
Two proposals for tax credits are to be submitted to the Ohio Housing Finance Agency to build housing for seniors in Fremont and Perrysburg. Another request to OHFA would provide funds to renovate 48 units at the Sir Frederick Estates housing development in Bellevue, and make repairs to Eagle Manor in Fremont.
WSOS also is seeking funds from Rural Local Initiatives Support Corp. to assist with the repairs at Eagle Manor.
Another request would be used to construct 10 units of special needs housing in Defiance.
The board also approved proposals to be submitted to the IPM Institute of North America and the National Estuarine Research Reserve System Science for $83,676 to improve the quality of the Sandusky River.
A proposal for $9,446 from the IPM Institute would be used to inform landowners in the Sandusky County River watershed about water quality issues and solutions.
Fact Box
WSOS?OKs housing proposals
The WSOS Board of Directors Tuesday accepted the retirement request of President/CEO Neil McCabe effective last Saturday. McCabe had been on paid administrative leave since December when he was arrested by Fremont Police.
Vice President Ruthann House was appointed to be acting president/CEO of the agency that employs about 400.
McCabe joined WSOS in 2005 following the death of former president/CEO Don Stricker after serving on the WSOS board of directors prior. During his tenure, the agency grew from a $26 million operation to $31 million in 2011 and now $29 million. The agency broadened its services and added new partners. It earned eight best practice awards for programs the agency operates.
WSOS is one of 52 community action agencies in Ohio that serve income-eligible populations.
For information on WSOS services, call (419) 334-8911 or visit www.wsos.org.
The second request would be used to conduct focus groups aimed at helping farmers and residents in the watershed to understand what the barriers are to adopting soil quality-building conservation practices that would lead to reduced nutrient losses from farmland.
In other business, the board:
Approved the renewal of seven programs operated by WSOS.
Seated three new board members, Ottawa County Commissioner Jo Ellen Regal, Ottawa County Commissioner representative David Castillo and Seneca County Commissioner Holly Stacy.
Accepted the Planning and Evaluation Committee's report that updated the board on the agency's strategic plan's first quarter report and the progress of the Pathways to Excellence.
