The Summerland Advocate-Messenger - Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community

On a sunny fall morning, five individuals gather in the community room at Flats on 8th, an upscale apartment complex located near the Cowboy Trail on Neligh's west side.

Each has their own story of what led them here: separation, loss of a loved one, downsizing, moving closer to family.

All agree the move has made a difference, especially here, where neighbors watch out for neighbors, where strangers have become fast friends.

The complex, located at 705 West 8th Street, offers 12 all-inclusive apartments. Each unit features a kitchen, laundry area, one bedroom, one and one-half baths, patio and attached garage.

Some of the apartments include a flex room that can be used as tenants see fit.

One perk of the Flats is the rental price is all inclusive.

According to Jim Meuret, who owns the property with other family members, water, electricity, phone, internet and basic cable are included in the price.

Former Clearwater resident Rose Blecher said multiple reasons led her to move from her home following the loss of her husband.

"I was tired of maintaining my home by myself, mowing the yard, scooping snow, the what ifs, storms, whatever," she said.

After looking at an apartment, Blecher was the second resident to move into the complex in September 2018.

After his son from Ewing requested he move closer to family, Harold Williams arrived at The Flats from Garden City, Kansas.

"My daughter-in-law, Ruth Williams, found this place and I told her to take it," he said.

Mary and Marvin Forbes decided homeowner maintenance at their Brunswick home was becoming "too much."

"This is easier for my husband and myself," Mary said.

The project, originally called Neligh Independent Living, launched in September 2015.

In July 2016, the Meurets requested $313,000 in tax-increment financing from the City of Neligh.

Those TIF funds were used for public improvements, including extension of water lines and fire services, construction of a storm water/sewer system and road improvements on 8th Street.

Site preparation and construction began in September 2017.

The Flats fills a definite need for housing, according to Meuret.

Life-long Antelope County residents, the Meurets have been active on the Antelope Memorial Hospital board and the governing board of The Willows Assisted Living facility.

"My brother, Pat, could see the need. There was an open spot (of land) and we could see the need for it here," Meuret said. "We thought it would complement The Willows."

Residents of The Flats can take part in meal service at The Willows.

"In some cases, affordable quality housing is really short in the area, and in some cases, this freed up some homes for people who were ready to downsize."

In most instances, those homes did not remain on the market for long.

Blecher made one call and was able to hang a "sold" sign outside.

The Forbes sold their house quickly, too.

While it took a few months to reach occupancy, the facility has been full since it opened in September 2018.

"There's been a little rotation in and out," Meuret said. "We have a waiting list."

LuAnn Schindler

Community • (l-r): John Meuret, Harold Williams, Mary Forbes, Rose Blecher and Jeri Doerr spend time in the community room at the Flats on 8th. Residents gather there for a variety of events, ranging from Husker watch parties, putting together puzzles and family gatherings.

Residents said family members saw the benefits of considering a move to The Flats.

"It helped knowing the owners," joked John Meuret, formerly of Brunswick. "I told them I wanted to move in. I didn't like living alone."

Blecher said they're still close proximity-wise.

"We're safe here. The doors are locked at a certain time. They knew I was scared staying in my home, but I stayed there five years after my husband died," Blecher said.

Mary Forbes said there's peace of mind.

"There's someone around if we need help."

It's a community within a community.

"If we want to visit, we meet here (in the community room), " Mary Forbes said.

"A lot of good neighbors," said Jeri Doerr, who moved in from Osmond. "If someone is going to be gone for the weekend, we let each other know. We've become a close family."