Grand Opening in Cicero

The board and staff of the Hamilton County Area Neighborhood Development (HAND) together with State Representative Eric Turner, Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt and other staff and elected officials from Cicero cut the ceremonial red ribbon to officially open Lakeside Gardens. 

Located at the intersection of Route 19 and Flannigan Street near downtown Cicero, these new, energy efficient apartments provide affordable rent to income eligible seniors age 62 and over. HAND Executive Director, Nate Lichti, said “HAND is happy to make such a positive and impactful investment in Cicero with the opening of Lakeside Gardens.  These 5 apartments, while affordable, offer accessible design, high quality features, and Energy Star rated equipment to realize costs savings for each resident.”

Founding member and outgoing President, Colleen Buesching, is moved by the completion of the organization’s 5^th apartment community.  “When we started HAND, we knew there was a great need, and I hope the community will continue to rally around and support HAND’s efforts to build a strong and healthy community.” 

In addition to major funding from Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis and the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA), volunteers from Northview Church, Meyer-Najem and Herman & Kittle, among others, are helping to finalize the landscaping plan that includes a rain garden with native plantings.  

In addition to Lakeside Gardens, HAND owns similar high-quality rental properties in Noblesville and Sheridan.  The apartments at Lakeside Gardens are all currently leased, though anyone interested in learning more can contact HAND at 674-8108.

Shown in Photo Above:  Mary Beth Wott (FHLBI), Tracy Heaton (HAND), Cindy Konich (President, FHLBI), Representative Eric Turner, Colleen Buesching (HAND Board Member), Nate Lichti (Executive Director, HAND), Paul Munoz (Town of Cicero), Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt, Art Hall (Town of Cicero), Dennis Schrumpf (President, Town Council of Cicero).  Also, in attendance, Harvey Kagan (HAND Board Member), David Burian (Constituent Services Representative, Congresswoman Susan Brook’s Office, Mark Winzenread (Fmr. HAND Board Member). 

Those not pictured include Kevin Wright (STAR Financial), Troy Halsell (Noblesville Housing Authority), Mark McConaghy (NHA), Amy Bianchi (Volunteer), Michelle Westermeier (HAND), among others.

HAND is a non-profit organization with a mission to “invest in neighborhoods, provide housing solutions and build partnerships to improve lives and build communities in Hamilton County.”  HAND’s offices are located in a building it renovated in Noblesville, but its board members come from several Hamilton County communities.  HAND’s strategic plan for 2014-16 creates many new partnership opportunities, and HAND looks forward to working with a diverse group of individuals and organizations interested in supporting low-income families and communities.