Chippewa County board approves $2.63 million state grant to convert Indian Head Motel into 27 affordable efficiencies

The Chippewa County Board of Supervisors voted to add $2,628,217 to an existing grant contract to fund Hope Village’s conversion of the Indian Head Motel into 27 efficiency apartments.

Board members approved Resolution 125 to amend grant contract HSG20Four-seven, adding the funds to complete conversion work after a public-comment period and an extended question-and-answer session with Hope Village representatives and county supervisors.

Supporters said the project will create highly affordable efficiency units that currently are scarce in the county. "These 27 units are gonna be very unique," said Ruth Rosenow, a Hope Village board member and former director of the Chippewa County Housing Authority. She said the rent will be $831 a month and that figure includes utilities, making the units appropriate for residents on Social Security or Supplemental Security Income.

Opponents and nearby residents raised safety, timing and fiscal concerns during the public comment period and board discussion. Luke Deutschlander, a Chippewa Falls…