Autumn Village residents enjoying life in new affordable housing units

Laughter and conversation could be heard in the lobby of Autumn Village on Monday afternoon from residents playing a domino game called "Mexican Train."

"No, you can't place that one there, there's no train," Wilma Dunn explained to Barbara Soloninka. "She's just learning the game," she said.

Dunn, Soloninka, Flo Hobdy, Jean Roskie and Rose Brown are residents of Autumn Village who became friends after moving in in September.

They were playing the game with Brown's grandson, Connor, 7, who is visiting during spring break.

Autumn Village is a 47-unit affordable senior housing project at 1101 Beverly Drive, just east of the Carson City Senior Citizens Center.

Phase I was completed in September; Phase II, which will have 42 units, is scheduled for completion near the end of July.

"This (Autumn Village) is the answer (to affordable housing)," Dunn said.

"They need more in this area," Soloninka added.

There is a list of more than 280 applicants seeking housing in Phase II. With more than 300 baby boomers turning 60 every hour in the United States, many will need affordable housing.

"It doesn't matter there are so many applicants, there are circumstances which may take some off that list," said Janice McIntosh, director of the senior center. "If someone is interested, I urge them to fill out an application."

Somerset Pacific is in charge of applications. The contact number is 1-866-925-7368.

McIntosh said a number of new residents at Phase I are using services available at the senior center.

"We do have a lot of new faces at the center and many of them are residents at Phase I," she said. "They are using our resources, and it's a plus to them they are so close to everything they could need."

Property Manager Trenna Hess said she has heard all good about the housing. Trenna and her husband, Bob, will also manage Phase II.

"I don't get complaints," Trenna Hess said. "They (residents) love it.

"They come into the lounge area and play games or just sit on the couch and read. We've tried to make it so they feel comfortable living here."

"We also have potlucks, play canasta - we've all made friendships since moving here. It's perfect for me," said Hobdy.

Each of the three levels has a common area and laundry room. Apartments for the disabled have wheelchair-accessible showers and metal grab bars for stability and lower countertops in the kitchen. Microwaves are on the counter rather than above the stove and controls for the stove are at the front.

Apartments include a refrigerator, self-cleaning oven, dishwasher, double sink and microwave.

There is a picnic area and one covered parking unit per apartment. Other amenities include air conditioning, a computer/study room with Internet in the community room, exterior lighting and elevators for easy access to all levels of the complex.

"This affordable housing complex has given seniors peace of mind and comfort because they are so close to the center," McIntosh said. "Many of them have never been happier.

"And just because it's affordable doesn't mean they're done cheaply. They are very nice apartments and they allow pets."

Co-operators of the complex are the Carson City Senior Citizens Center and Somerset Pacific, who joined as a limited liability corporation. Carson City will receive property taxes from the rentals.

The property is maintained by Somerset Pacific, in partnership with Community Development Inc. and the senior center.

• Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.