SPRINGHILL- Next to the Health Department building on Forest Oaks Boulevard is an empty lot that used to be a wastewater treatment facility. The facility has been torn down and part of the land is in use as a parking lot for the Health Department.
Hernando Property Management attorney Paul Molle’ explained that the local chapter of National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI) has contacted the County with an offer to buy the property for $8,000. Molle’ admitted that amount is lower than the value of the property, but a portion has already been converted to a parking lot.
Commissioner Diane Rowden read into the record a letter from David Lambert, president of NAMI. The letter explained NAMI’s desire to bring additional mental health services to Hernando County. State Senator Wilton Simpson and State Representative Blaise Ingoglia are both supporters of NAMI and are part of a larger group planning to bring Vincent House to the county. So far, a $250,000 grant has been received toward construction of the new Vincent House.
Vincent House seeks to help those with mental illness through “recovery through work” programs, teaching skills that will help their clients interact socially and become employable, and providing hope and acceptance. Another goal is to help clients transition from public assistance to independence through employment. Veterans will also be able to access services at Vincent House. The location on Forest Oaks is ideal for such a venture, as the Health Department is next door and bus transportation is available to many areas of the county.
Commissioner Nick Nicholson stated that the county would be practically giving away a $200,000 property. The proposed $8,000 is a very low amount to pay for a 7.3 acre property, even though approximately three acres is already a paved parking lot. However, he expressed concern for those who needed recovery and would like the facility to be built as quickly as possible.
Executive Director of NAMI Hernando, Tina Kinney, explained Vincent House as a “clubhouse” model. While members (clients) are not residents, they will have the opportunity to work with a career coach in culinary, arts, and social media skill programs. Members will transition through three levels, working part-time at local businesses, improving their resumes, and on to full time work.
Upon a recommendation from County Attorney Garth Coller, Rowden made a motion to make a gift of the property to NAMI Hernando for $10.00, with the provision that NAMI Hernando will pay all closing costs. Nicholson quickly seconded the motion, and the BOCC approved the purchase unanimously.