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 is now being planned as units meant 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.
Originally, plans called for 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.
Jean Thayer, Executive Director of the Lac Courte Oreilles Housing Authority, said they look forward to the challenge of managing the 1- and 2-bedroom, non-income-based units to support the housing needs of young working adults.
The new apartment building will be 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.
Pics below are screenshots of drone footage made by Paul Trepanier.
