Nick Smith | Williston Herald This 16-plex on the corner of 16th Avenue West and 25th Street West was built by developers out of Idaho and was completed late last year. This and numerous other projects throughout Williston are part of an ongoing effort to address the city's critical housing shortage.
Several housing projects currently under way should alleviate some pressure as the summer progresses. Area leaders do recognize, however, with the housing demand high even before this summer, the situation is still extremely tough in the immediate future.
Mayor Ward Koeser said he and city officials are working as hard as they can to work with any interested developers and build on what they already have under way.
"What the city does is try to get people together, network and get information to those that are interested in building in Williston," said Koeser.
These efforts, ramped up in recent years with the latest oil boom cycle in the region, have led to a series of projects that should provide a few hundred more housing opportunities before year's end. Last week, the Cimarron Heights Trailer Court was sold after several earlier attempts had fallen through. Housing at the court could provide a much-needed shot in the arm when combined with other nearly finished projects.
Before last week's sale, the city had put in utilities for 41 units at the trailer court and was renting the lots. Koeser said an agreement between the city and the new owner allows individuals in the skid houses and trailers already onsite to stay until they can find permanent housing. Koeser said they had to resort to such measures with the housing shortage applying so much pressure to find solutions.
"The commission felt this is a critical enough issue to allow this on a short-term basis," said Koeser.
The park, with space for up to 338 units, is to utilities installed in the spring. By the end of the year, the court could easily have 150 or more lots rented.
Several other projects are in various stages. Two 36-plex apartment building are going up by developer George Gaukler, with the hope of being completed in July. Ground on a third 36-plex is to be broken by the end of the year.
The new 33-unit Bethel Assisted Living Center also recently opened, freeing up individual homes for sale. The 79-unit extended stay Candlewood Suites is hosting an open house on Thursday, Jan. 28 and opens Feb. 1.
Koeser said a low- and middle-income 51-unit project, Water's Edge, is on hold temporarily due to financing issues. He said the developer expects to get past the issue and the delay shouldn't push the project back too far.
All of these projects aren't able to accommodate what Koeser said could "very easily be 1,000 to 1,500 workers coming to Williston."
Compounding this influx is the fact there are only about 50 lots left in Williston with utilities in place, ready for building to take place. In 2009, there were 88 homes built in Williston.
If this were to repeat, all developed land in Williston should be gone before the end of the year, and the city's expansion becomes a next step.
Koeser said this is the topic of discussion at a special brainstorming session at City Hall before Tuesday's Williston City Commission meeting. The public is invited to sit in and listen from 5:30-7 p.m. as city leaders have initial discussions on issues such as annexation, expanding utility lines and tax increment districts.
Koeser added Tuesday's meeting is only an ice-breaking discussion to get a dialogue going. He said expansion likely needs to take place in some form if the city doesn't want to stifle the opportunity provided by the oil boom.
"We have to start talking about how we're going to go about this and stay in front of things. Obviously, none of these decisions are easy to make," said Koeser.
From the county perspective, the issue it faces primarily lies in temporary housing, said Williams County Commission Chair Dan Kalil.
"It's a struggle. With the cyclical nature it's just really hard to get investment dollars for the county. We have a real problem with getting places for people to sleep," said Kalil.
Kalil said some companies and individuals appear to be interested in organizing and setting up temporary housing facilities. The county commission is going to deal with any such requests as they come.
If any temporary housing is approved, there also are the issues of law enforcement, providing utilities and having the housing in an orderly fashion.
Kalil said the county commission is and has been willing to do whatever it can to help anyone trying to bring more housing to the area.
Comments
JimBob wrote on Feb 12, 2010 10:20 AM:
"I do feel bad for the elderly people in town that have had rent raised...But, there have been some assisted living buildings built over the last 2 / 3 years to help ease that problem. "
From what I have heard, these assisted living places cost $1000 - $2000 / month. Not exactly feasible for an elderly person. "
John wrote on Feb 12, 2010 5:25 AM:
You don't like it here? GO HOME. You don't sound like you want to make a life here anyways. We are proud of our low crime rates and the ability to trust the people you see on the street. The fact that people are willing to help you if you need help.
How much land and other buildings were left to fall back to the city after the last Boom? I know there was at least 3 trailer parks that had to fall back to the city. I believe all 3 have been sold/ are being sold and are being used. Buy a trailer and move in. Sandcreek estates looks like there may still be some lots open. There are also apartment buildings being built in the area. So the statement of "They will NEVER do anything about the housing problem" Should be "They are attempting to do something about the housing problem"
I do like the idea of having the Oil Companies put up housing for its workers. Tha would save a lot of trouble for a lot of people in town.
My last note. The city DOES NOT control the amount that is charged for rent in PRIVATE apartments. I rented for years here and my rent wasn't too bad...But I was lucky. I didn't live in a build that was owned by a company from out of town. Not all land lords are too bad...Some are. I do feel bad for the elderly people in town that have had rent raised...But, there have been some assisted living buildings built over the last 2 / 3 years to help ease that problem. "
Old resident wrote on Feb 9, 2010 4:53 PM:
Randy wrote on Feb 9, 2010 2:57 PM:
" ... not the middle class locals who seldom see one dime of oil money."
Huh? Do you have ANY idea what you are talking about? Take a look at all of the businesses that are supported - directly or indirectly - by the oil business. Stores, restaurants, bars, gas stations, etc etc etc all benefit from the oil field. And just WHO do you think works in these places? If the oil were to suddenly quit flowing and Williston had to survive on the agriculture that it was founded upon, the population would Rapidly drop by 50% or more.
Here is an idea - Why don't YOU purchase some land, then go to the bank and secure $1,000,000 in funding and build an apartment complex? I've got news for you....Developers have to have a business plan that assures that they will not only pay for such a project, but actually make a profit, before a bank will even consider loaning money for such a venture. And, just case you haven't noticed, banks are extremely leery of housing loans right now - especially in an area like Williston where the economy is dependant on such a limited number of industries. Imagine investing $1 million in a project that will rely on a boom to be profitable, and that boom never occurs or busts rapidly. "
homeless worker wrote on Feb 8, 2010 7:23 PM:
THE (immediate) SOLUTION: MOVE AWAY! Don't play their game. Williston is not a place to get stuck, (nor is ANY Dakota town,) and the town really has nothing to offer but low crime rate, and good hunting. That shouldn't be enough! Plenty of places offer that, and much, much more for far less money. Let these greedy people stew about having zero workers to keep the city and businesses running. Let the landlords enjoy their empty $1500/month apartments. This is the ONLY thing that will teach them a lesson.
THE REAL SOLUTION: All the cities/towns in the area, MUST get together and REQUIRE oil businesses to pay for the havoc they cause within the communities. They are the ones that should foot the bill for housing subsidies, not the middle class locals who seldom see one dime of oil money. The oil companies have a responsibility to the community that supports them in their oil endeavors. They should either build their own facilities to house oil workers (like they do on the North Slope of Alaska,) or they better pony up the money to offset all the displaced people within the community.
THE REALITY: The local officials will NEVER jeopardize any chance at oil money, by trying to help the middle class. And that is why the problem seems to have no solution and the concerned parties are at a stalemate. But the officials will keep whining and crying until they convince the local middle class to foot the bill for the problems caused by the oil industry. That is what they are up to right now! These meetings are just spin to make you think it is your problem, not their pal's the oil companies. MOST people in the area get NOTHING from the oil industry, but headaches, traffic, housing problems and increased costs.
I would come to your meetings and tell you this, but I'm too busy getting out of here. The solution is simple and obvious, but the officials are too busy trying to scam the poor working people, and I don't have time or patience to keep butting heads with them. Life is too short, and there are plenty of other places to go in the big, wide world. You fatcats should realize that Williston is just another town that is having a boom... BIG DEAL! Get over yourselves already, and provide affordable housing for the grannies and grandpa's that have lived there all their lives. Why be such abject sell outs? How do you even look at yourselves in the mirror these days? "
Former Transplant wrote on Feb 8, 2010 6:22 PM:
We've been here now over 10 years and have shown that we are here for the long haul. Williston residents make you earn their trust and friendship, but when you do the support system you cultivate is worth it.
I suggest that transplants hang in there and give it time if they intend to stay. These people have been burned by people coming and going only as the money comes and goes. "
TO Confused wrote on Feb 8, 2010 12:13 PM:
Bill wrote on Feb 7, 2010 6:27 PM:
As far as the old Law Enforcemnet building...I think it would be easier to level that building and build some new housing or something on that piece of land. "
Number Cruncher wrote on Feb 7, 2010 6:24 PM:
not $1600.00 "
wrote on Feb 7, 2010 5:23 PM:
Check your math
Wish I could work 40 Hours a month
40 hours per week times 4 weeks "
1979 wrote on Feb 7, 2010 4:32 PM:
Confused wrote on Feb 4, 2010 6:53 PM:
Using the excuse of "well during the last boom" is only going to work for so long. Why is it so hard for people to see that IF you build the base now it will be much easier to sustain that base when the oil money is gone. But the first step needs to be taken by the people who run our city THEY need to put the incentives out there for other business to move in. Sitting back and expecting the developers and businesses to come knocking on your door is not going to get the job done.
I am also still very confused at all of the houses being built, temporary workers are not looking for a $250,000 house to live in, they want a decent apartment and a six month to one year lease.
Also the reason people are so shocked at the housing prices is because there have not been very many new houses built in the last 10-15 years. Of course someone is going to to get put off by a $250,000 price tag when the last new house they looked at was built 20 years ago. There are a good number of people that live in Williston that really have no outside experience beyond highway 2 and 85 and you expect them to know what housing is like in L.A?? Most of the people that talk to my wife cannot guess what country she is from and she speaks English and it is the only language she speaks.
I really wish the citizens of Williston would venture outside of their comfort zone and see what else is out there and I am sorry Minot although it is a bigger city is not a very good example. "
Heather wrote on Feb 2, 2010 9:20 AM:
Private owners have bought much of the available land and lots in the area, and development does take time and money. Something is only worth as much as someone will pay for it, and people are paying for it, and will continue to pay for it. Is it the price we pay for stability? Yes, at this point in a crappy economy, it is. We are blessed to have a good economy, and a booming region. Will there be growing pains? Absolutely. Anyone who thinks there won't be is foolish. Those of us who lived through and paid for the last boom remember just how expensive it was when everyone left town after the bust and alot less people paid for progress that never amounted to anything until 30 years later, and now remains an eyesore because of lack of upkeep. Of course these same people are going to be gun-shy when it comes to weathering the boom we have now. To throw caution to the wind simply to satisfy everyone who gets on here and complains about the state of affairs...is short-sighted.
To the person who wants to rent an apartment in the next year, I suggest you get on a waiting list for one of several apartments in the area. I suggest you start looking now to plan for the future. To the woman who is overqualified, I hope that you find something that works for you. Your experience is the first I've heard of someone having this kind of issue.
What I find really amusing is how people act like housing prices are horrific and overpriced. How many of you have lived in California in a 2 bedroom home for over $700,000 in order to live in a decent neighborhood in L.A.? When the rest of the country was booming, and ND's economy wasn't - the prices you see here now were the housing prices that were seen in other states. In fact, those were often higher. It's definitely difficult for those of us who have lived here much of our lives to see the housing prices double and triple in the last few years, but we were living in a bubble before.
The long-term citizens of Williston are happy to see growth in the area, and are pleased that people are making the town and state we love, their home. Everyone is affected by the current situation, and if you are getting on here and railing on about what our leaders aren't doing - then please, get involved and make the effort to help change things. "
What to do wrote on Feb 2, 2010 7:12 AM:
Before we go blaming the City leaders for every problem maybe we need to look at ourselves. Have we done everything we can as individuals to make this community to better. As I read these comments all I see is negativity, that doesn't help the situation it makes it worse. Negative enrgy and feelings create an environment that is not good for growth and development. If I was a developer from outside the area and see all the negative comments I don't know that I would want to come and invest here. As a citizen, who has lived elsewhere, I can say that no place is perfect. I appreciate the fact that we have what we do in Williston - I hope and wish for more, but if we don't support what we have why would anything new come?
We need to continue to look for way of the city to grow; in business, industry, housing, and opportunities. I applaud those who get involved to find proactive, positive and realistic solutions to the many issues that we face as a growing community. "
John wrote on Feb 2, 2010 1:20 AM:
The rent is the responsability of the land lord, not the city. "Not all landlords are that bad, but some are." I rented here for almost 4 years before I was able to get a house, Im not in the oil field.
As for the shopping and resturants, I would love for there to be more here in town.
I think the city is a little timmid because they dont want to hit the wall like happened at the end of the last boom. "
Get Real wrote on Feb 1, 2010 6:36 PM:
$20/hr x 40 = $1600/month
Rent $1000 = $1600 - $1000 =$600
Car Pymt $200 = $600 - $200 = $400
Insurance $100 = $400 -$100 = $300
Utilities $100 = $300 - $100 = $200
Water/sewer $50 = $200 - $50 = $150
Phone $100 = $150 - $100 = $50
Groceries $150 = Ooop out of money- cant feed my family this month.
That is with $20 per hour. Just think of the people that live in Williston who make minimum wage. You CAN NOT live in Williston with the rent as it is now. It is IMPOSSIBLE. It doesn't matter if developers come in and build apartments. If the rent is too high people can not afford to stay. As a "transplant". I'm not entirley confinced Williston wants the "transplants" to stay anyway. "
Resident wrote on Feb 1, 2010 5:49 PM:
Randy wrote on Feb 1, 2010 1:53 PM:
Job Hunting - Believe me, I've been there. Heed the advice you were given...dress down a bit and by all means, "strip" your resume to the bare bones. I have no idea where you are from, but look around - Williston is "rural America" and showing up for an interview dressed better than the owner of the company might not be a good idea. Having a better resume than anyone else in the company could be perceived - by them - as a threat to their livelihood.....Be prepared to start out at a far lower wage than what you may be accustomed to. Let your performance speak for itself. And remember, don't burn bridges - the community is pretty "tightly knit" and everybody knows everybody else, so a bad experience with one employer can lead to trouble in finding employment elsewhere. "
kris wrote on Feb 1, 2010 8:55 AM:
newvoiceintown wrote on Jan 31, 2010 11:24 AM:
Just my opinion - I could be wrong! "
Reena wrote on Jan 31, 2010 12:00 AM:
Randy wrote on Jan 30, 2010 2:32 AM:
todd stewart wrote on Jan 29, 2010 6:41 PM:
MJ wrote on Jan 29, 2010 12:38 PM:
I would have gone to this meeting however I live outside of the city limits and dont' get a vote or a voice in city affairs! "
future resident wrote on Jan 28, 2010 3:41 PM:
Does anyone know how to get your name on a list or more information about the new complexes that will be done in July? I've scoured the internet for info about apartments in Williston and have come up empty handed. Any information would be greatly appreciated! "
Steph wrote on Jan 28, 2010 12:32 PM:
Common Sense wrote on Jan 28, 2010 5:54 AM:
momof6 wrote on Jan 27, 2010 10:17 PM:
So my point is why are these people jacking up the rent? Yes oilfield workers make good money! But not that good, for a family of 8! And not to mention MOST oilfield workers took a nasty cut in pay!! I know my husband went from 26 an hour down to 19! Yeah, it was nasty and took some time to rebudget the bills! It all worked out in the end but that isn't the point! The point is this is ridiculous how high rent is and the prices of homes to buy!
Someone should really get these people that rent out homes/apartments and what not together in a mandatory meeting and explain to them situations such as mine and I'm sure many others! As I read in a previous post, its all about greed and money! "
I disagree with Williston Resident wrote on Jan 27, 2010 9:45 PM:
Ali wrote on Jan 27, 2010 4:50 PM:
Lori H. wrote on Jan 27, 2010 2:52 PM:
CommunityMember wrote on Jan 27, 2010 2:15 PM:
Forgotten wrote on Jan 27, 2010 12:02 PM:
watching wrote on Jan 27, 2010 11:51 AM:
jeff miller wrote on Jan 27, 2010 7:12 AM:
Confused wrote on Jan 26, 2010 10:07 PM:
And why are they focusing on houses? I would assume they are easier to deal with, the contractor builds them, they are sold and they are now the owners problem. However how many temporary workers are going to buy a house to live in for six months to a year?????
There is so much potential in this city that is ignored because there are some that just do not want to advance this city past what is has been for the last 30 years. Who cares if it would make life easier for the people that live here. "
vicki wrote on Jan 26, 2010 2:24 PM:
1980 wrote on Jan 26, 2010 1:20 PM:
Williston Resident wrote on Jan 26, 2010 12:26 PM: