Henryetta Economic Development Authority (HEDA) heard a presentation from Deep Fork Community Action Foundation Inc. Executive Director Christie Baldridge during their regular meeting on Monday morning.

Baldridge discussed services provided to area communities including child and adult care food program, Rx for Oklahoma, self-help housing, emergency social services, rental housing, housing rehabilita- tion program as well as emergency housing grants and other funds.

Deep Fork utilizes state approved funds to aid with utility assistance, rent assistance and emergency prescription assistance.

“We have about nine different programs we offer,” Baldridge said. “We are a non-profit 501(c)3 community action foundation. Some housing project we have are four duplex projects in Henryetta that includes eight senior housing projects.

“On Ferguson, there is low-income housing that we have completely rehabbed. We lease the land, owned by the City of Henryetta, for $1 per year.”

Baldridge went on to say inspections of property are done on a monthly basis in order to keep units looking nice and in great shape.

She said that Deep Fork is interested in developing the entire block, adding additional units.

“We also have single family units on Broadway Street that have been completely gutted and rehabbed,” she said. “We do have a homeless, veteran and elderly preference.”

Baldridge was invited to speak to HEDA by trustee Bruce Jones.

“We have a bad housing shortage in Henryetta and we need housing badly,” he said. “The City owns a total of 83 pieces of property within city limits some of which include City Hall, the library, parks and other city buildings. Of those, there are eight areas that could be developed into housing.”

Jones said he wanted to start the discussion for the possibility that these pieces of property could be turned over or made available for low-rent housng or community action to develop into housing.

There was discussion only among trustees with no action taken.

Action on the final phase of property located at 419 W. Trudgeon to turn it into a functional parking lot was tabled until an updated deed was completed by an attorney.

Trustee Andy Bealko announced guardrails were taken down on the property in order for visitors to utilize the parking area.

He provided a diagram to other trustees on how to fill in an unleveled portion with stone or crusher run to access the entirety of the property.

“Once completed, the property will provide approximately 40 parking spaces,” Bealko said.

Other agenda items approved include:

• Minutes of the July 11 meeting..

• HEDA financial report for July. During the City Projects Report, Ron Casey announced crews are preparing for the upcoming Labor Day holiday. On the west side property, a hydraulic analysis was received from Myers Engineering and provided to trustees.

Under new business, Josh Wells with 2K Consulting who is a consultant for MB2 Land Development Company, announced plans for development of 70 lots of 841 acres west of Henryetta Lake.

“Once the land is developed, it will provide the opportunity for vacation homes, permanent residences and lakeside property ownership in Henryetta,” Wells said. “Next Monday, the company will begin creating 5.5 miles of roadway.”

Wells asked about water infrastructure and provided Ron Casey with a detailed map of the project.

“This is the first time I’ve ever heard of the project,” Casey said. “I will get estimates and provide them soon.”

No other business was discussed and the meeting adjourned.

Trustees attending were Andy Bealko, Bruce Jones, Jim Beymer, Keith Estes, Christy Jeffcoat and Jill Francis. Ron Richmond recorded minutes of the meeting.