Homestead has no project in Russell

The Marion County Record followed up on Homestead Affordable Housing’s past development with the city of Russell for a low-income senior living project.

The former mayor of Russell Carol Dawson, who was the mayor at the time of the discussions, refrained from saying anything about the city’s relationship with Homestead Affordable Housing. She said the newspaper should contact the city manager, John Quinday.

Quinday said there is no development currently in the works with Homestead Affordable Housing. He added that he has never met Tom Bishop, Homestead’s CEO. Quinday was not the city manager at the time of discussions.

The reporter called the current mayor of Russell, Curt Mader, who also said there was no current project with Homestead. He also said the best course of action was to contact Quinday.

The reporter also attempted to contact council member Larry Daugherty but could not reach him.

Housing projects in Marion and Russell were previously linked in the early stages of development. Bishop called Russell’s project September three, with September one and two in Marion.

He also said last week in the public hearing that the projects are no longer linked. Further, he said there is no longer a project in Russell because the city backed out.