By ALIN HETT
Hays Post
VICTORIA—The Victoria Community Coalition provided an update to Ellis County commissioners about its ongoing housing and community development projects at the commission's Tuesdays meeting.
Projects include the construction progress on its moderate-income housing initiative, St. John's Place, in Victoria.
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They said four residents are living in the development, with additional interest expected once construction is completed.
“We are well underway," Braun said. "The red iron has shown up, and they are starting to dig the foundations and put in electrical wiring."
Braun added the project remains on track for completion by Sept. 30.
Braun also said much of the work on the project, including maintenance and mowing, is being done by volunteers.
"For a project like that, right now, until we fill the place up, it's volunteer work," Braun said. "We do the maintenance, we do the cleaning, we do a lot. Everything is just basically volunteer, even the mowing."
The coalition asked for county assistance with vegetation control around drainage areas near the property, saying heavy rain has increased weed growth and maintenance needs. Commissioners directed the coalition to submit a formal request through county staff for consideration.
Braun said community involvement has been key to the project’s progress, noting significant volunteer support and local participation in events such as the group’s recurring food truck nights, which regularly sell out.
“We are very lucky people have come forward and help,” Braun said.
Braun also said the organization has added new board members, including Jake Hunter, Stephanie Broyles, Sam Gross, Ashley Herl and Sarah Von Lintel.