ROME TOWNSHIP — Moving a project about a half-mile could boost its chances to become a reality. That is what economic development leaders are hoping by changing the location of a proposed low-income senior housing project in Rome Township.

About a year ago, building 44 one-and two-bedroom units of low-income senior housing across from Fairland Elementary School was proposed. It was to tie in with the St. Mary’s Medical Center’s doctors’ offices nearby.

Although the project was to be built by Pirhl Developers of Cleveland, the county was seeking Low-Income Housing Tax Credits to help with funding.

However, to get the project started a sewer line extension in that area was required. That increased the cost of the project, which cost the county the tax credits.

“That is why we missed out on it because of the cost per unit when you added on the sewer cost,” Ralph Kline, of the Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization, said. “That’s why we are coming up with an alternate site. We are trying to keep it affordable.”

By moving the project to Market Street in Rome Township near the fairgrounds, a more developed area, a sewer line extension won’t be required. The county expects to apply again for the tax credits in February. The project is expected to cost $8 million.

There are plans for the original site by Fairland East, but they haven’t been made public yet, Kline said.