NEW COMMUNITY HOUSING STUDY BEING PREPARED FOR THE CITY OF HASTINGS.

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Work has started on a new Community Housing Study for the City of Hastings. A previous Housing Study was completed in 2006. The new Study is being conducted by the Hastings Community Redevelopment (HCRA). The HCRA is being assisted by Hanna:Keelan Associates, P.C., a Nebraska based community planning and research consulting firm. Hanna:Keelan has completed 400+ housing studies, including several for central Nebraska Communities and Counties.

The Hastings Housing Study, scheduled for completion by February, 2016, is being funded by a Housing Study Program Grant provided by the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, with matching funds from the HCRA, the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce and Hastings Economic Development Corporation (HEDC).

"The City of Hastings is ready for a new Housing Study to attract additional, modern housing stock to the Community. The previous Study was extremely helpful in securing an abundance of new housing types during the last nine years," states HCRA Director Randy Chick. "A professionally prepared Housing Study is needed to match the current and future community and economic development goals and objectives of the City and the HCRA. The new Study will attract a host of both public and private entities to facilitate and implement new housing and improve and preserve the existing housing stock in Hastings. The Housing Study will address the housing needs and wants of the entire citizenry of the City of Hastings, including all age and income household sectors."

According to Becky Hanna, Community Planner for Hanna:Keelan, "The Hastings Housing Study will give special attention to determining the need for varied housing types for the Community's workforce, elderly households, families and the potential for additional housing for Downtown Hastings.

The Hastings Community Housing Study will include important population, income and economic data, a housing stock analysis, strategies for affordable housing development, a Five-Year "Housing Action Plan" and funding options for future owner and rental housing development and housing rehabilitation projects. Hastings residents will have the opportunity to participate directly in the preparation of the new Housing Study, by completing opinion surveys and attending housing informational meetings.

"Housing is economic development and the Hastings Economic Development Corporation has a vested interest in ensuring that our community's housing inventory matches the needs of new and expanding businesses" stated Dave Rippe, Executive Director of HEDC.

Questions and/or comments regarding the Hastings Community Housing Study can be directed to Randy Chick, Director, Hastings Community Redevelopment Authority, 402.461.8415, bidcra@gmail.com.