The project manager for Benton Manor, 2nd and Colley Sts, Benton, is now taking applications for one bedroom apartments. Utilities are included in rent and rents range from $320-$405 per month. There will be a community room, and a laundry on premises. One of the units is handicapped accessible. Residents must be 62 or older and income eligible.

For more information, contact Carol Wagner, Project Manager, at 784-9373.

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) provided $454,047 of funds and $93,531 of housing tax credits to finance the development of 11 one-bedroom units for persons 62 and older now under construction on a 1.1 acre site located at Two and One Half Street in Benton Borough.

PHFA committed the funding to the Columbia County Housing Corporation of Bloomsburg, the sponsor. Larson Design Group of Williamsport is the architect, Grimm Construction, Inc., of Waymart is the general contractor for building the complex, with management services being provided by the Columbia County Housing Authority and supportive services being made available through the Columbia Montour Home Health Services/Visiting Nurses Association.

Three one-story buildings estimated to total 9,630 square feet, including 1,182 square feet of community space, will house the apartments. One unit will be equipped for persons with mobility impairments and one unit will be designed for persons with hearing or vision impairments.

Benton Elderly will be the only affordable housing option in the local area available to low and moderate income persons over the age of 62.

In addition to the financing being provided by PHFA, $60,000 will be made available from a Columbia County Act 137 Housing Trust Fund loan. Also, First National Bank of Berwick and First Columbia Bank and Trust are helping the sponsor with an equity contribution of $533,887 from the proceeds of a tax credit syndication.

Overall, the Benton Elderly complex will cost about $1,048,00.