Public invited to housing survey listening sessions

The Thayer County Economic Development Alliance (TCEDA) and Thayer county Commissioners invite the residents of Thayer County to participate in a series of “Housing Listening Sessions” to discuss housing trends, projections and needs during the next five years. The sessions well be held Wednesday, Nov. 14, at the following locations: Davenport Senior Center in Davenport from 12:30-1:30 p.m.; Peace Lutheran Church meeting room in Deshler from 5:30-6:30 p.m.; Hebron Activity Center in Hebron from 7-8 p.m.

The listening lessons will provide important citizen input for the current Housing Study with Strategies for Affordable Housing. The purpose of the study is to analyze the current housing stock of the county and to provide guidance and direction for future housing development opportunities. Guidance and direction for these listening sessions and survey is provided through the planning consulting firm of Hanna:Keelan Associates, P.C. and Southeast Nebraska Development District, both based in Lincoln. Funding for this study was made possible by a community development block grant provided by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development through  Thayer County with matching funds from county and local donations.

Residents of the county are encouraged to complete and return the “Housing Needs and Wants Survey,” which will be delivered through the mail this week to residents of Chester, Hubbell, Byron, Belvidere, Alexandria, Gilead, and Carleton. The communities of Hebron, Deshler, Bruning and Davenport received the survey earlier this month. The survey return date has been extended to Friday, Nov. 9. Results, along with other pertinent community demographic information, will be presented at the listening session.

Surveys may be returned to:

Alexandria –  senior center; Davenport – Cornerstone Bank; Belvidere – Toad’s Bar and Grill; Deshler – city office; Bruning – Bruning State Bank; Gilead – Pioneers Inn; Byron – The Corner Market; Hubbell – The Acreage Steakhouse; Carleton – Citizen’s State Bank; Hebron – city office, Great Western Bank, Thayer County Bank, Bruning State Bank, Priefert’s Pharmacy, Smitty’s Bakery, Central Market ; Chester – State Bank of Chester. Or surveys may be mailed to TCEDA, 225 North 4th, Hebron.

Questions regarding the listening sessions or housing study can be directed to Deb Craig or Wayne Dake at TCEDA at 402–768-7407.