Steeleville senior housing plan in early stages

The former Steeleville school superintendent is developing a proposal for a small group of senior housing units, to be built off Dale Hollow Drive.

Donald M. Badgley's plan is in the early stages, but he envisions creating a cul-de-sac with at least five housing units - some single-family, some multifamily - that would be built to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers and have other features to make it easier for seniors to live and get around.

"I want to make something available so seniors can live comfortably," Badgley said.

Badgley, who lives across the street from the site, bought the lots some time ago "and basically I just mow it," he joked.

People suggested to him that senior housing would be a good use for the property, and Badgley agreed.

The Steeleville City Council indicated its support for the idea last week, saying that if the plan moves forward there might be money from the city's tax increment financing district #1 to help install utilities.

Steeleville Mayor Bob Sutton, however, said the city council vote does not bind either the city or Badgley to anything, and there is a long road ahead before a deal is finalized.

Badgley added he would prefer to find someone else to actually build the units, saying he doesn't want to be in the real estate business if he can help it.

His vision for the cul-de-sac is that the units would be arranged like a villa, with an association taking care of common areas like the lawns, and clearing snow, etc.

As an educator, Badgley worked for 32 years in Steeleville Unit District 138, retiring in 2004 as superintendent. In retirement he remains active, consulting for the Steeleville, Chester and Red Bud school districts.