Plans to develop single-family housing units, in Clearwater, are one step closer to reality.

Clearwater Community Development Group, LLC, broke ground on property located at Sixth and Iowa streets, March 23.

Group members, including Jeremy Sanne, Bill Thiele, Curt Thiele and Walt Aschoff outlined plans to a gathering of approximately 30 community members at a March 28 meeting.

Bill Thiele said the group has tapped into Aschoff's experience with construction and development in communities across Nebraska. Additionally, the group has consulted with area communities that have completed similar projects.

Thiele said for years, a progressive approach to housing development has been talked about, but little action has been taken.

A recent survey, conducted by the Clearwater Village Board of Trustees, identified two main concerns in town.

"They were almost neck and neck. Number one is housing and number two is streets," Thiele said. "We've been dreaming and scheming for several months how we can do this."

The perception of living local and/or returning to one's roots has changed, according to Thiele.

"Now almost every family has a story about 'I have a son' or 'I have a daughter' or 'I have a family member' who would like to move back to our rural community."

The problem they face: a lack of affordable and quality housing.

Thiele said that type of talk made group members decide to be proactive and grow Clearwater.

"We've also made a concerted effort about where the housing can be located," Thiele said.

Driving through the village on U.S. Highway 275 offers one view. But the village's curb appeal has changed in the last 20 years, according to Thiele.

"We are concerned about, even in Antelope County alone, we have gone down hill much faster. Other towns are already ahead of us," Thiele said.

He referenced efforts in Neligh, Elgin, Stuart and Petersburg to renovate existing structures.

"Again, small groups of people making a decision that the time to act is now," he said.

In Stuart, a similar group formed and in the 15 years since its inception, almost 100 houses have been built or rebuilt.

Thiele said part of growing Clearwater is building a vibrant business district.

"That's already underway," he said, citing new construction for Roots by Jaci, Automated Dairy Specialists and Cornerstone Bank, as well as business building renovations for ColdType Publishing, Sidebar and Main Street Auto.

Adding housing to the mix would make the town even more attractive for potential businesses or employees considering a move to town.

Thiele said Clearwater's development group plans to build an 1,100 to 1,200 square foot, single-family structure and purchase additional lots for future construction. Houses will feature two bedrooms and attached garage.

"We think our opportunity is with starter homes for single people, a new teacher, a young couple," he said. "You need something small, something affordable."

Each house will be turnkey.

To do that, the group hopes to capitalize on the grocery store model used to start the Clearwater Market, with community buy-in. Shares in the development group start at $5,000.

"We are looking for participation from everyone and others, wherever we might find them," Thiele said. "We want the community involved."

Curt Thiele said the group is willing to work with interested parties wanting to invest.

The group hopes to "move rapidly" with investments and hope to let bids on the initial project in 30 days.

"We hope for the same kind of participation and believing in Clearwater that we got for the grocery store, so that everybody believes it is worthwhile," Bill Thiele said.

For more information, contact Bill Thiele at 402-649-2608.