(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors, Tuesday morning, are set to discuss during a Special Meeting, and possibly take action on approving: A lease for the Willow Heights facility, and, Support for Vision Atlantic. The latter was previously discussed during the Board’s regular meeting in May, following a request from Vision Atlantic President Christina Bateman,

With regard to Willow Heights facility, the land was sold in 2023, but the building on the grounds, which previously served people who have a mental or intellectual disability, substance abuse or other disabling condition, was closed nearly two-years earlier, due to federal and State requirements. Later discussion included proposals for the building to be renovated for Senior, low income, veterans’ housing. Despite those talks, the building remains unsold.

The Vision Atlantic group, meanwhile continues to work on their initiative that includes an $84 million project incorporating 142 new housing units, expansion of the Nishna Valley Family YMCA, and a new child care development center. This past June, the Supervisors approved the earmarking $150,000 from the County’s share of ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds for Vision Atlantic, specifically focusing on the child care center aspect of the project.

Vision Atlantic has a fundraising goal of $39 million, which will be used to construct the YMCA expansion and child development center. To date, they have raised $26 million of that goal, thanks to an $8.6 million lead grant from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and significant support from local donors. Vision Atlantic’s Project Committee is actively working to secure the remaining $13 million needed to meet their fundraising goal.

Tuesday’s Cass County Board of Supervisors meeting will be held in their board room at the Cass County Courthouse, beginning at 9-a.m. You may attend in-person, or watch online via Zoom, at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2899195216?pwd=R0hSa2FOOTh0NUdra1ZSdVhVWHpMUT09.

The Meeting ID is 289 919 5216 and the Passcode is 012064.