The St Mark’s Villa Board is reporting to the community on the current state of the Villa’s progress.
St Mark’s Villa, a combination of patio homes and apartments for independent seniors over 55, is proposed for a 31-acre site on Pre-Emption Road, just north of State Route 54, two miles from downtown Penn Yan.
There are no income restrictions; however a security deposit is anticipated. Although affiliated with St. Mark’s Church, St. Mark’s Villa is incorporated as a not-for-profit organization and will admit applicants without regard to religion, race, color, sex, marital status, sexual orientation or national origin.
More than 80 couples and individuals have indicated serious interest in the project by becoming Priority Reservations Holders, requiring a refundable deposit of $1,000.
According to a Shepstone Management Company report in 2008, the need will only grow as the median age in Yates County continues to increase.
A 2007 Cornell University study showed that Yates is the only county in Western New York with a significant growth in the senior population.
Several individuals have indicated an interest in investing personally in the project. Financing continues to be a challenge for St. Mark’s Villa, as for many others during this very difficult time.
Obviously, the board has had to revise the original timeline but much has been accomplished.
“But as we strive toward the realization of our goal, we continue to hear encouraging words from various sources,” says Pat Selwood, one of the committee members.
The Committee for Socially Responsible Investing of the Trustees of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester recently wrote, “We remain supportive.”
Linda Jackson, a Priority Reservation Holder, said, “I could continue to be active in the church, and other organizations that I have belonged to all my life. In addition, as a resident I would make new friends, find people with similar interests, and keep active and healthy without leaving Penn Yan, or Yates County.”
The Rev. David G. Smith, president, recently said the board is “making progress toward establishing St. Mark’s Villa as a viable address on Pre Emption Road.”
And in December 2009, the board received a letter of endorsement from Eric Massa who wrote, “I endorse and support this much needed, important, and innovative housing project proposed by St. Mark’s. The presence of affordable middle income senior citizen housing in Yates County will undoubtedly have an invaluable impact on Yates County, Penn Yan, and the surrounding communities.”
