Submitted

A project providing improved housing for individuals was the topic of a program presented at the Thursday, Feb. 5, meeting of the Trenton Rotary Club, held at the BTC Bank community room. Daniel Gott presided at the meeting, Joe MacDonald gave the prayer, and Brian Upton served as sergeant at arms.

Michael Ormsby, who also served as program chairman, presented information on a project he and former Trenton resident Kinnison McKay have been involved in, which includes purchasing the former Walden Apartments and remodeling the one-bedroom, one-bath rental units to create additional living space. Ormsby and McKay purchased the 44-unit structure and its community room in 2022 and have been working on the project since that time.

Currently, 26 of the units and the community room have been completely remodeled, and another 13 units have undergone partial remodels. Ormsby noted several residents had lived in the apartments for several years at the time of purchase, and many continue to reside there.

He described the process of completing the remodels, noting the project required addressing wall graffiti, roofing issues, pest problems and stray cats before work could begin. The apartment complex has been renamed Avalon Flats, and a manager is on site one day a week.

The program for the March 12 meeting will be presented by CPA Whitney Esry, who will discuss changes in tax laws resulting from the OBBB passed by Congress in 2025.