By Joe Morey
News Editor
The new Miskogiizhig Apartments being constructed on Round Lake School Road at the North End of the Reservation where the casino bike trail meets the road will be ready for occupancy in November, according to ARPA Coordinator Brian Bisonette.
The Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Governing Board is now in discussions on who will qualify for the new units and who or how they will be managed.
LCO Chairman Louis Taylor said he doesn’t think any management deal should be made with the LCO Housing Authority, and that the Tribe should manage the units.
“I don’t believe the TGB should be managing it either, but that we should hire a manager,” Taylor stated.
Booki Weilgot, ARPA Projects Manager, told members of the TGB that they will be getting calls all hours of the night if they don’t have separation between themselves and the tenants. She suggested the TGB set the policies for the apartments and they have a joint selection committee chooses the tenancy.
“You’ll have to deal with evictions and rent collections,” Booki noted. “People will have to pay rent to support the operations and the maintenance.”
Other suggestions Booki made were to hire the manager and have them live on site and pay them as well. She said there will be common areas for costs including trash, electrical, snow plowing, surveillance, maintenance, etc.
The previous TGB voted 4-0-0 to make the building for Tribal Members only who can pay the rent, whether they have jobs or qualify for Section 8, after a 4-0-0 vote of the LCO Tribal Governing Board (TGB).
The motion was made by Gary “Little Guy” Clause and seconded by Michelle Beaudin. Voting in favor were Don Carley and Vice Chairwoman Lorraine Gouge. Not present for the meeting were Tweed Shuman and Glenda Barber and Chairman Louis Taylor doesn’t vote unless there is a tie.
A poll on Facebook this week asked the Membership what they want to see the requirements for living in the apartments should be. The overwhelming majority of the 156 votes selected Tribal Members of any income at 59%. A distant second was for only workforce Tribal Members at 18% and 11% chose any workforce persons tribal or non-tribal.
The poll question and answers is ongoing as it is featured in this week’s newsletter.
Originally, plans called for a 40-unit building with one and two bedroom units mainly designed to attract and retain a professional workforce, which would include health center staff and other executives, but the new direction will focus on providing housing for Tribal Members because there is a shortage and the current housing wait list is extensive.
The new apartment building was constructed with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds with construction to be completed by September 30th of 2023. The Grants Department informed the community that because it’s being built with ARPA funding, it is required there be no income limit.
The TGB said Section 8 could possibly be used for residency in the building. Sawyer County Section 8 would pay 30% of the rent for those who qualify based on their income limits. A rental rate per unit would be established as well to make the apartment qualify.
The unveiling of new apartments ready for occupancy come November is exciting news for potential residents and the local community alike. Such developments not only offer fresh living spaces equipped with modern amenities but also rejuvenate the surrounding area, potentially attracting businesses and fostering community engagement. As housing demands continue to evolve, timely delivery of quality accommodations like these plays a crucial role in meeting people's expectations and aspirations. I anticipate a flurry of interest and activity in the coming months, as individuals and families seek to establish their new Zamna Capital homes in this promising setting.