BY STEPHEN H. COWLES/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Playback58@gmail.com

FRANKLIN—City Council has set a public hearing for 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26, with the planning commission for the rezoning of the old Hayden School property for a $10 million renovation.

Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia wants to convert the historic black high school into a 62,000-square-foot, government-subsidized housing complex for seniors. There would be 25 apartments, with 10 in the original building, and 15 in a new wing.

In addition, a community center would be built that could provide 60 jobs. Also included would be an adult daycare center, black history museum, café and Head Start facility.

The complex would be named Hayden Village Center.

Senior Services has been seeking a state and federally funded historic tax credit that could pay for up to 45 percent of the cost.

Long-Term Care Capacity Planner William Wade said the agency on Oct. 3 received a letter of conditional approval for state funding. He’s expecting the federal response within the next 15 to 20 days.

He’s still hoping for a groundbreaking in spring, with an anticipated completion in 12 to 14 months, Wade said.