Housing Authority completes improvements, looks to expand

Sidney housing authority hopes to help alleviate Sidney's distinct housing shortage.

The housing authority oversees the administration of two complexes in Sidney. Western Heritage, located on the south side of town was built in 1977 to accommodate the elderly and disabled, said executive director, Nancy Bentley. Of the 40 units at the complex, 30 of the units receive rental assistance.

The 10 units that are not part of the direct rental assistance program can receive vouchers from the Scotts Bluff County housing authority, if they qualify. All utilities except Internet, cable and phone service are included with the rent at Western Heritage.

Sidney's stagecoach bus line makes regular stops at the complex.

"Residents enjoy birthday celebrations, cards, bingo, TV and potlucks at Western Heritage," Bentley said.

Ten of the apartments at Western heritage have been fully remodeled and some additional apartments have received new kitchens and updated bathrooms to fit their residents' disability needs.

At housing authority's other complex, Sioux Villa on the north side of town, rent is not based on income. Residents can apply for rental assistance, if they qualify.

"This property was built in the 1940s as temporary workforce housing during the war," Bentley said.

Residents at Sioux Villa pay their own utilities. Those living at this 73 unit complex have access to a big community park, a Head Start program on site and Evangelical Free Church services.

Sioux Villa has recently gotten a new roof, new windows and new exterior paint.

The combined yearly budget for these two complexes is $565,000.

The Sidney housing authority is planning to build a new complex called Canterbury Estates on the empty lots near Western Heritage. They also hope to build a new 10 unit complex at Sioux Villa but haven't been able to find funding for it. The board is considering trying to rehabilitate some of the units at Sioux Villa in the meantime, until they can find funding for a more extensive project.

"With the shortage of housing in the Sidney area, either step is a step in

the right direction," Bentley said.

Scotts Bluff County's housing authority has been managing these two complexes since August 2011.