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AFTON - New housing in Afton will help accommodate those who wish to work within the city instead of a lengthy commute into town.
Mobile homes will be constructed in a plot west of Grace Street and south of Filmore Street. These mobile homes are meant to be affordable, either for purchase or for rent.
The plot for these mobile homes are across the street from the Union County Fairgrounds, providing a location in the east side of town that’s both close to East Union Schools and close to the town square. The plot has previously been used for as a mobile home court, with homes coming and going over the years. One mobile home from previous projects remains on the plot.
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The construction of the mobile homes is being overseen by Steve Gilbert of Leon. Each mobile home is planned to have three bedrooms and two baths. Homes will be placed on a concrete slab. Each home was estimated to cost about $89,000 for purchase, with rent pricing still being decided.
The first mobile home will be constructed by September, which will serve as a way to test the waters of local demand in Afton. Following success, more homes will be built.
K’Lea Johnson of the Afton Development Corporation said working to invite more housing options into Afton will help encourage more participation and interest in Afton events and businesses.
The handling of the realty will be done by local agent Retta Ripperger for R Realty. She said the introduction of new homes in Afton, which has struggled to accommodate those who work in the city, is going to be a good thing for the community.
“It’s going to help a lot of people,” said Ripperger.
Ripperger gave examples of people who work in Afton she would want to help work with, including those who work with East Union, in local factories and co-ops and the nearby nursing home.
The mobile home project has been officially discussed since April’s city council meeting, where the board discussed their own potential changes to ordinances. Gilbert and his company were well received by the board and the Afton Development Corporation, who described the communication with him positively.
“He really wants to help the community,” said Johnson.
Questions about the upcoming mobile homes can be asked to Retta Ripperger at R Realty, who can be contacted by calling (641) 782-0918.