U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen had a busy schedule during her visit to Fallon last week. She fit in a series of tours and meetings in those two days, demonstrating her commitment to Nevada’s rural communities. Rosen began by visiting NAS Fallon and WNC, engaging with important organizations in the area. She also met with the Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribe leadership and City of Fallon Mayor Ken Tedford.
The Senator and her team, along with NAS Fallon Captain Shane Tanner, and a host of Churchill County officials went boonie-hoppin’ to get a good look at the V-Line weir. According to Churchill County Manager Jim Barbee, he tried to warn everyone about the perils of pasture driving through mammoth weeds and dry grass while ducking rogue branches and tree limbs. Fortunately, there were no fires started or damage to any of the passengers.
Rosen got a first-hand look at the 31-plus acres of land off Coleman Road slated for development as a large-scale apartment complex. The expansive development addresses Fallon’s pressing need for affordable housing. Rosen toured the property and discussed the project along with the $4 million in Congressionally Directed Spending that Churchill County will receive from her office.
“We need affordable housing in Fallon, we need it in the city, we need it for growth on the base, and for our young folks here in town,” emphasized Rosen. Access to the land is crucial, and the funds will be used to build the necessary road and kick-start the development process.
The project has undergone some revisions, resulting in an increased unit count of 440, exceeding the original plan by 20 units. Barbee mentioned the collaboration with Virtex Corporation, which has acquired the property at market value. “We are currently in an agreement with them, and we have come to an agreement of what it is we envision.” Barbee expressed his gratitude for the federal funding and the senator’s efforts, as the allocated funds will enable the construction of the road and bridge, expanding the development area across the Carson River to accommodate approximately 700 additional units.
Captain Tanner echoed the urgent need for affordable housing, citing a projected 30% growth of personnel at NAS Fallon between 2020 and 2025. The demand for an extra 400 single-family homes, combined with the housing needs created by the development of USA Parkway and the base, has generated a significant deficit. Many NASF personnel commute long distances to secure affordable housing, further straining their demanding schedules and impacting their overall well-being.
As the base expands, the need for services and housing increases, forming a mutually dependent relationship, observed Rosen. The Coleman Road development project aims to alleviate some of these challenges. With over 400 well-planned apartments and desirable amenities, the hope is that the availability of such housing will free up other homes in the area and make rental housing more affordable. Barbee expressed optimism, stating that the supply will eventually balance the demand.
It’s important to note that the planned units in the Coleman Road development are classified as “affordable” rather than low-income, explained Churchill County Social Services Director Shannon Ernst. This means that housing costs, including utilities, cannot exceed 30% of the occupant’s gross income, according to HUD standards. Given the ever-changing economy, the exact price per unit is yet to be determined.
Senator Rosen emphasized that housing is more than just a roof overhead; it is essential for overall health and well-being. She once heard, “Housing is health care,” and firmly believes it is true. Stable housing enables individuals and families to thrive and enjoy better physical and mental health. Citing a recent study by the Urban Institute, Rosen highlighted the negative impact of long-term housing affordability stress on mental health and functioning.
Rosen ended her visit in discussion with Churchill County Commissioner Myles Getto. Getto commented on some of the resistance to the development, “A lot of people don’t want to see so much growth so fast, and I understand that.” But, at 23, he also understands the need to keep Fallon’s own in the community. Only a few of his classmates stayed in the area, largely due to unaffordable housing. “But you’re staying and doing the hard work,” Rosen told Getto, “and that’s the kind of thing that often gets lost in the bureaucracy and the news. There are real people that all this matters to, real people, real business, and they care. It’s not just a sound bite.”
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