GLASGOW, Ky. — Barren County leaders are moving forward with a lease agreement tied to plans for a senior housing development at the former health department property on West Washington Street.

Wabuck Development approached Barren County several months ago about leasing the property as part of a proposed senior housing project, according to Judge/Executive Jamie Byrd.

The building had been proposed as a possible site for a future driver’s licensing facility, but Byrd said the state determined it would not meet its needs.

The former office of Dr. C.C. Howard, which later served as the home of the Barren County Health Department for many years, would be demolished to make way for the development.

The company plans to partner with the Glasgow Housing Authority on the project.

Byrd said the company is pursuing new market tax credits through the housing authority and, while that process moves forward, plans to provide the county with $5,000 to secure the lease agreement.

If the company receives the tax credits, the county would receive $600,000 next March for a 99-year lease. If the credits are not awarded, the county would receive $100,000 while the company continues pursuing additional funding opportunities.

“Basically, it’s a really good opportunity and we still get to own the property,” Byrd said. “They lease it from us, and it’s going to fill a housing need for seniors.”

Byrd said the company has completed similar projects in other Kentucky communities and expressed support for the proposal. Wabuck Development’s website lists projects in Bowling Green, Beaver Dam, Henderson and Caneyville.

Wabuck Development is based in Leitchfield.