Carol Buzzetta couldn’t be more pleased with the Fairgrounds Villa Senior Apartments on the north side of Warrenton.

Buzzetta joined the not-for-profit North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC), construction partners, governmental leaders and business representatives to cut the ribbon Oct. 12 on the $7.5 million, 40-unit complex.

“They’re roomy, they’re well thought out, they’re very, very nice,” said Buzzetta, 75, a retired shipping coordinator. “I love it.”

NECAC President and Chief Executive Officer Don Patrick said the agency was “very excited about providing these additional quality apartments in a growing and progressive city such as Warrenton.

“At a time when the need for quality housing for older residents is growing, this project has unquestionably proved its worth,” Patrick said. “Long before construction was completed, NECAC had already acquired a waiting list of senior citizens who could not wait to move into these fine affordable apartments.”

All of the units have been filled, but prospective residents may put their names on a waiting list by calling NECAC at 636-456-8191 or 573-324-6622.

NECAC was awarded Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) tax credit financing to build Fairgrounds Villa.

Tax credits are used to buy, build or renovate affordable housing. Developers sell the credits to investors to raise money for their projects, which reduces developers’ debts. Investors get a dollar-for-dollar credit against their federal tax liability for a specified number of years. The amount of the credit is based upon the amount invested in affordable housing.

Patrick praised NECAC’s partners, including the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) and NeighborWorks America, a congressionally chartered organization that assists communities with development efforts.

NeighborWorks Senior Relationship Manager Melford Ferguson said NECAC is “highly regarded” for its regional housing efforts.

“When we’re looking for examples of outstanding work being done to address rural housing needs, we often turn to NECAC,” Ferguson said.

“Congratulations on another successful project,” said Rita Heard Days, MHDC community affairs liaison. “This is indeed a wonderful, wonderful edifice, and I know that the residents here will be very pleased and very happy.”

“First off, I just want to congratulate the Warrenton community on this senior housing development,” said Brendon Fahey of U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill’s office. “It’s very vital to the community. It’s an important resource.”

“It’s essential for the region and we could use more of it,” said Christa Montgomery of U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer’s staff. “We welcome and congratulate you and look forward to filling it up.”

State Rep. Bart Korman said many of those at the complex were already Warren County residents who would not have to change churches, clubs and other organizations to which they belonged.

“I think that’s really important and something this community’s been needing, and now we have it,” Korman said. “I’m glad to see it.”

“Elderly housing is obviously an issue, not only in this community, but in the entire country,” said Warren County Presiding Commissioner Roger Mauzy. “Affordable housing is hard to come by, especially for the elderly. We do congratulate everybody who was involved in this project.”

“This is a tremendous addition to the city of Warrenton,” said  Warrenton Alderman Gary Miller. “Warrenton is moving forward. We’ve got a lot of things going on. This is a very, very good example of what we want in our city.”

“We really appreciate that you have decided to invest in our community in such a way,” said Jan Olearnick of the Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce.

“Our senior residents absolutely deserve the best. Thank you very much for everything you’ve done for us.”

John Fischer of Missouri Inclusive Housing said his group’s relationship with NECAC has proven productive.

“It’s great to work with partners who really understand the need for quality, affordable housing,” Fischer said.

The new development is at 608 Fairgrounds Road. The apartments are for income-qualifying people ages 55 and older.

The complex has a community room and the units feature all major appliances. Rent is approximately $450 a month, which may vary due to income.

D & H Hutson Contracting LLC of Cuba, was the general contractor, with additional area subcontractors. Construction began in December 2016 and was completed recently.

NECAC is no stranger to housing developments in Warrenton. The agency was a partner in 2004 in the first phase, 48-unit construction at the Hawthorne Village Apartments and currently owns and manages the 24-unit Donna Marie Apartments.

Since 1997, NECAC has been a partner in the construction, renovation, management or planned development of more than 1,300 apartments and homes for the elderly, families and the disabled in 27 Missouri communities. The developments represent an investment of more than $77 million in the development of quality, affordable housing.

The not-for-profit NECAC and its construction partners cut the ribbon Oct. 12 on the $7.5 million, 40-unit Fairgrounds Villa Senior Apartments in Warrenton. Submitted photo.