A housing project in Jefferson looks to have made it through all the major hurdles before construction can begin.

On Tuesday, the Jefferson City Council held a public hearing for the first reading of the ordinance to change the zoning of a property on North Olive Street, next to the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Residents both for and against made comments, but after the Council closed the hearing, they voted unanimously to change the property from Residential Single Family to Multifamily Residential, so that rental properties could be built on it.  

Rowland Construction Company President Andy Rowland, who is also the contractor, was at the meeting and requested the Council waive the last two readings so he could get started quickly on the project and not have to build during the winter. The Council agreed and waived the final two readings. The project includes three four-plex units, consisting of two ranch-style units on the end and two-story apartments in the middle. Greene County Development Corporation Executive Director Ken Paxton says they are impressed with Rowland’s proposal and how he will go about the project.

“Not only does he build them, but he owns them and he maintains them. He’ll use local suppliers and local products to do this. (He) Will hire somebody local to take care of the properties. So he’s a local commitment (to the project), once he does it, he’ll also stay a part of our community.”

Paxton notes that final paperwork is being completed and Rowland has already staked out the property. He estimates about three months to complete the project and looks to start it within the next couple of weeks.