Pictured is the former Silver Creek school building. P-J File Photo

It appears an eyesore in the village of Silver Creek is finally going to be addressed.

On Wednesday, the Chautauqua County Legislature voted to sell the old Silver Creek School, located at 60 Main St. for $1 to Region Nine UAW Housing Corporation of New Brunswick, N.J. The sale is scheduled to be completed by Dec. 31, 2023.

According to the resolution, the former school will be renovated into 47 affordable apartments for people 55 and older.

The resolution states the purchase is contingent upon the purchaser receiving necessary tax credits, financing, governmental approvals and permits for the project.

The former school has been empty for decades. It has been vacant since 1978 and has been a long-standing eyesore and safety hazard for the community. Several plans through the years have been made to restore the building. None have gotten past the planning stage.

Three years ago the OBSERVER reported that the Silver Creek Village Board had given Region Nine permission to access the building to conduct a structural condition assessment. George Borrello, who at the time was the county executive, was a member of the assessment tour, that took place in May, 2018.

He applauded the move Wednesday. “For longtime residents of the village, watching the former Silver Creek School deteriorate from a proud landmark to an eyesore over these past decades has been sad. It has been a longtime goal of mine to see this building renovated and repurposed for the benefit of local residents. I am encouraged that we are now closer than we have ever been to seeing that vision realized, thanks to the joint efforts of officials at the village, county and state levels. Region Nine UAW Housing Corp is advancing a project to transform the school into affordable senior housing, a resource that we desperately need in this area.

“This move by the County Legislature will give Region Nine the assurance they need to apply for critical federal and state funding. We’ve been engaged in this process for a long time. While this progress is encouraging, there are still hurdles to jump. However, I am optimistic and look forward to continuing to work with all involved parties to bring new life to this school,” he said in an email.

Silver Creek Mayor Jeff Hornburg said he, too, is glad something is being done at the former school. “The village of Silver Creek stands ready to assist in the sale of the Main Street school on Main Street in the village going forward. It’s a project we’ve been working on for numerous years and we’ve been ready, willing and able to help,” he said during a phone interview.

The resolution was unanimously adopted.

Before the vote, a number of county lawmakers expressed their support.

“I feel that this company that they’re proposing to rehabilitate the building is in the best interest of Chautauqua County and in the village of Silver Creek and the residents,” said Legislator Bob Bankoski, D-Dunkirk.

Legislator Tom Harmon, R-Silver Creek, agreed. “This has been a longtime coming. I would just love to see something happen with the building,” he said.

Legislator Dan Pavlock, R-Sinclairville, said there is definitely a need for senior housing. “Our population is growing in age. We have a very large population that is 65 and older. I think it will be well utilized. This is a great positive thing for our community,” he said.

Legislator Lisa Vanstrom, R-West Ellicott, expressed her support as well. “I can’t wait to see this project come to fruition. It will be great to have it done and address all the issues and problems it’s been causing in the past,” she said.

The OBSERVER has reached out to Region Nine for further comment but has not yet heard back. According to its website, the non-profit organization was established in 1970 to sponsor, promote, and

provide affordable housing to meet the needs of low to moderate income seniors, persons with disabilities, and families.

“Region Nine Housing Corporation is committed to excellence in housing by delivering the highest level of services for our residents and employing the finest individuals to meet these goals. We strive to ensure that our apartments, common areas, and grounds are well maintained, providing the residents with a comfortable and safe living environment,” the company states.

Region Nine Housing Corporation owns and manages over 1,100 affordable housing units throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.