Frontier Housing recently provided an update on a redevelopment grant awarded to Hayswood Hospital.
Robert Perkins, PG, MBA, of Linebach Funkhouser Inc., an environmental compliance and consulting firm, discussed the project’s current and future progress.
According to Perkins, the organization has been interested in supporting the work at Hayswood Hospital for some time.
“We looked at this building for a really, really long time,” Perkins said.
In the past, it has been difficult to obtain funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, he said.
Typically, EPA grants range from $280,000 to $300,000, which does not allow for much progress.
He noted that there had been several complaints regarding the amount of funding available for such projects.
“Congress has been trying to raise these projects for many years, but it wasn’t until the money became available in the bill that these increases actually happened. We’re really excited about it,” Perkins said.
In May 2023, Frontier Housing received a $1,999,900 Brownfields Cleanup Grant from the EPA. Perkins noted that this means the project is “moving in the right direction.”
He briefly discussed Linebach Funkhouser Inc.’s role in the redevelopment project.
According to Perkins, he and William Harshaw, PE, will ensure that all EPA grant guidelines are followed throughout the process. He noted that the agency is very strict and specific about what can be done.
“It’s not a difficult process, but sometimes – and I’ll be honest – it doesn’t always happen as quickly as we would like. Sometimes it just takes a little bit longer for federal funds to become available. Rest assured that we are moving as quickly as we can,” Perkins said.
He stressed that the goal is to make the project as safe and efficient as possible.
Currently, Linebach Funkhouser Inc. is working with Buffalo Trace to complete paperwork, which includes obtaining a copy of a request for proposal for an emissions reduction contract, Perkins said.
In the next few weeks, the organization will begin searching for a contractor. Kristie Dodge, director of community development for the Buffalo Trace Area Development District, will post the bid on a private server for 30 days, Perkins said.
He noted that in order to bid, contractors must contact Dodge for access.
Once the bids are received, they are evaluated and a decision is made within a few weeks. According to Perkins, everything is monitored “closely” to ensure an efficient outcome.
A lot of work will be done over the next seven to nine months. Perkins said people near the property may see dumpsters, trailers and other equipment as work begins on site.
He pointed out that out of consideration for local residents, all work will be carried out during normal business hours.
Before any renovation work can begin, asbestos and lead must be removed from the building by the relevant authorities. According to Harshaw, there are certain rules that must be followed at every step.
He noted that the contractor selected for the project must take these aspects into account. The process must be safe for nearby residents and must be involved in the project from start to finish.
Harshaw estimated that this process would be completed in five months, noting that weather could affect progress.
Tom Manning-Beavin, CEO of Frontier Housing, spoke briefly about the project.
According to Manning-Beavin, no official decision has yet been made regarding the conversion of Hayswood Hospital.
“We haven’t set in stone what we want to do with the building, but our discussions have revolved around residential use, some of it probably rental housing and probably mixed-income housing,” he said.
He pointed out that his main goal is to inform the community about what is being done to restore the property to its original condition and make it a community asset again.
Manning-Beavin thanked several people who helped make the project possible.
“This was a real team effort. Without them, Frontier wouldn’t be here,” said Manning-Beavin.
If Hayswood Hospital is converted to residential housing, income targets would need to be set for some units, while others would be subject to market rates, Manning-Beavin said.
“Organizations like Frontier don’t always work that way, but I think this property lends itself to that (housing),” he said. “We have an opportunity to create a more holistic community where city residents can live and take advantage of what the city has to offer.”
Community leaders and officials commented briefly on the cleanup project.
“When I became mayor, several people said to me, ‘If you can’t do anything else, you have to take care of the hospital.’ But no one can do something like that alone,” said Maysville Mayor Debra Cotterill.
She emphasized that a team effort is required to realize a project of this magnitude.
“Somehow the stars aligned (to make the project official),” Cotterill said, noting that the process began when Frontier Housing expanded its service area to Mason County.
Maysville City Manager Matt Wallingford noted the impact of the property’s restoration.
“I’m sure every administrator and every elected official here and now is pleased that we will no longer have that thorn in our side up on the hill,” Wallingford said.
He pointed out the lack of housing in Maysville.
“The fact that we are no different than many other communities is that we lack affordable and attainable housing. Frontier is going to make a huge difference here and we will be a partner all the way,” Wallingford said.
Former state Rep. Mike Denham echoed Wallingford’s sentiments.
“This will not only remove an eyesore from the community, but will also create affordable housing for many people,” Denham said.
He pointed out the impact that the presence of housing has in a community.
“If you don’t have housing, you don’t have a workforce. If you don’t have a workforce, you can’t create jobs. I’m constantly reminded that when jobs need to sleep, they go to housing,” Denham said.
Cotterill agreed with Denham that this project will have far greater impact than just aesthetics.
“The impact goes beyond aesthetics, particularly in terms of the housing shortage and the many things we need to provide for our citizens. We look forward to working with you,” Cotterill said.
Owen McNeill, judge and administrative chief of Mason County, also commented on the project.
“Hayswood in and of itself is a project that deserves national recognition,” McNeill said. “I think people are starting to recognize and identify some of the opportunities here in Maysville.”
He added that this project is one of several economic projects in the state.
Harshaw made closing remarks on the cleanup effort.
“It’s going to be a real asset when you’re all done. When we’re done, it could be the best place to live in Maysville when it comes to renting apartments,” Harshaw said.
