In today’s business climate economic development is often only possible through public and private partnerships. The potential development of an assisted living center to provide affordable housing to senior citizens in the eastern part of the county is a perfect example.

Developers are hosting an open house today in Proctorville that will help show the community what this $8 million project could bring to the table.

It would be a much-welcomed addition to the community because it will create jobs, spark other development and address several needs in terms of affordable housing for senior citizens who may not need be able to keep up with an entire house any longer.

The idea of “affordable” shouldn’t be equated to cheap or bad for the community. In fact, this project will fill a void in terms of housing in eastern Lawrence County but also will provide quality at the same time.

Another benefit is that this project could pave the way for the return of a senior center serving the eastern end of the county, something that was lost last year when the Sybene center closed its doors.

Residents should take advantage of the open house from 2 to 6 p.m. today at the St. Mary’s Medical Center modular clinics across from Fairland East Elementary School to learn more about the project and offer some input.

Promoting economic development isn’t easy, but it can happen through partnerships and community involvement.