Des Moines Field Director William McNarney briefly tries out life as a bulldozer operator and decides not to quit his day job.

Des Moines HUD's Bill "The Builder" McNarney put on his hard hat and put his heavy machinery skills to the test during The Apartments of River Trace recent ground breaking. Actually, McNarny did not assist in the excavation of the site, but despite the suit it appears he was ready. As Bill was instructed in the workings of the bulldozer, the crowd watched him from a very safe distance, but the instructors felt so confident that none of them even moved their personal vehicles out of the parking lot - which would have been in the bulldozer's path.

Confident also is what the Community Housing Development Corporation (CHDC) felt this year. First of all, confidence that HUD would support the project in Des Moines' historic River Bend neighborhood; and also confidence that their 36-unit, low-income independent living apartment development would be a success in the city's enterprise zone.

Donna Anthony, US Senator Harkins Office; Stella Neil, Anawim Housing; William McNarney, Des Moines Field Office; Preston Daniels, Des Moines Mayor; Jenny Cooper, Polk County Housing Trust Bank; Carl Kinney, Federal Home Loan Bank and Carol Bower, Community Housing Development Corporation.

HUD did award a Section 202 Capital Advance grant of $2.5 million for construction of the facility, with completion and occupancy scheduled for January 2003. Additional funds were awarded by the Polk County Housing Trust Fund and Federal Home Loan Bank for upgrades and additions to safety features. These apartments are planned as the first phase of longer-term program to provide housing for low-income seniors. CHDC, a nationally recognized organization that develops affordable housing for people of all ages, saw a special need in Des Moines for low-income seniors. Many older residents need a combination of housing and supportive services to live safe, comfortable and productive lives. CHDC Director, Carol Bower said, "Allowing seniors to move out of their existing homes will permit new families to move into affordable housing in the historic River Bend Neighborhood."

Des Moines University's Geriatric Department (DMU) proposed an innovative idea to CHDC: DMU would offer health support services to senior citizens at River Trace while training medical people interested in gerontology. DMU offers education programs in medicine, allied health care services, health care administration and public health, and CHDC gladly supported the plan. Dr. Karin Ven Meter, Director of DMU's Geriatrics Research and Education Center, called this unique partnership "a national model in proactive, preventive health care for senior citizens."

While independent living is itself paramount, cost savings in avoiding expensive nursing care is expected to be an additional positive outcome. Richard Bender, M.D., a Des Moines geriatrician cited statistics noting that in the senior population, a year of comprehensive preventive medicine can decrease hospital admissions and trips to emergency rooms by 30%. The decrease over two years is 70%.

The River Bend Neighborhood has special meaning for many people. Audrey Rivas, Des Moines HUD Supervisory Project Manager, Multi-Family said, "I'll always be sentimental about this area of Des Moines - it's my old neighborhood. Over the years the area has degenerated, and now it's exciting to see it being renewed."