New Housing Project Taking Shape in Bertrand

Five or more new rental living units could be coming to Bertrand in the next few years, and a PCDC forgivable loan has made it possible to get the project rolling.

LaDonna Bennett, Executive Director of the Bertrand Housing Authority, said the board has been discussing the need for more housing units for several years. The housing authority currently manages and rents eight one-bedroom apartments at the Courtyard Villa. The waiting list for those apartments has grown to five, and Bennett has received inquiries from at least five more potential renters since January.

The board saw an opportunity in a nearly abandoned trailer park. The property, on the corner of Marshall Avenue and Kossuth Street in Bertrand, is 21,000 square feet and has adequate infrastructure for multi-family housing. It sits near the housing authority’s existing rental units.

“At this time, there is only one home on the (trailer park) property,” Bennett said. “The landowner was willing to sell, so we worked out a price.”

Bennett had contacted Sharon Hueftle, Executive Director of the South Central Economic Development District, and she has helped guide the process. She connected the housing authority with PCDC to get the project rolling.

“Thanks to the Phelps County Development Corporation, we received a forgivable loan to purchase the property,” Bennett said.

PCDC will forgive $5,000 for each living unit that is created and occupied before December 31, 2026.

The first phase of the new housing project is projected to be a triplex with each unit having two bedrooms and attached garages. The second phase will be a duplex with two-bedroom units and attached garages.

The Bertrand Housing Authority plans to apply for a grant through the Nebraska Affordable Housing Fund in April 2022 to fund the construction costs of phase one. Bennett will apply for another grant in 2024 or 2025 to cover the phase two costs.

“I would like to thank the PCDC for the loan to help the Board realize the dream of more affordable housing in Bertrand,” Bennett said.

For more information about PCDC loans and grants, visit the website at www.PhelpsCountyNE.com.