Carroll city officials are optimistic they will see action from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) with increased oversight of government-subsidized housing in the community. According to City Manager Aaron Kooiker, this was a top priority for the council when he and Councilman LaVern Dirkx traveled to D.C. last week on the Carroll County Growth Partnership (CCGP) Access Washington trip. Kooiker says they met with USDA housing staff in regard to local concerns about the Fairview Village Apartments.
The 70+ unit complex has fewer than 30 apartments in livable condition, and Kooiker says it was refreshing to hear the USDA acknowledge its role in the facility’s decline. Kooiker credits Mayor Mark Beardmore with getting the USDA involved.
While increased oversight of Fairview was already on USDA’s radar, Kooiker says they garnered support from Rep. Randy Feenstra and Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst to keep the pressure on USDA.
There are several outcomes that are possible, but none of them would happen quickly. The owners, Carlson Property Holdings, could comply with all of USDA’s requirements, and the situation could resolve itself. It is also possible USDA could pursue foreclosure and try to seek a new owner to rehabilitate the apartments. Regardless of how things proceed, Kooiker says the city will be watching the situation closely.
