Benton Township is working with a developer to build a senior housing complex at 650 South Crystal Avenue.

The Benton Township Board of Trustees heard from St. Stephens Retirement Center founder George McKinney by phone during its regular meeting Tuesday night. He’s proposed a one-story, 150 unit complex on the nearly ten acre parcel owned by the township.

Benton Township Supervisor Kathy Yates told us a use for that site has been sought for years.

“It was a mobile home park for years and then it went kapoop,” Yates said. “It’s just been vacant. People have been having ideas — they want to do tiny homes and this and that, but I always thought that was a perfect location for senior housing.”

Yates says she spoke with McKinney about her dream of getting senior housing into the property.

“I was put in touch with him through a member of our committee here, and we started talking and then reality started forming. He was telling me he’s ready to dig dirt. I said, ‘Hey, I’ve to go to the board.’”

McKinney told trustees Tuesday his company has worked on developments all over the country, including St. Stephens in San Diego, which was its first. He’s envisioning a low to moderate income senior community complete with a recreation center. However, trustees said they want more than 150 units. Treasurer Debbie Boothby suggested 450, and McKinney said that is an option.

Yates says the township is working with the state to help secure funding for the development.

Trustees on Tuesday voted in support of the concept, and the next step is for McKinney to come and make a presentation in person.