Model of senior citizen apartments in Sumpter ready for display

On Friday, acclaimed Sumpter Township artist Jamarrea Bishop delivered his model of a five-story, 400-unit apartment building for senior citizens that was commissioned by Sumpter resident Nelson Po.
Po, who is running for supervisor in the August primary, said he felt sorry about Sumpter seniors who are living on fixed incomes and facing increased taxes every year.
He said his first project if he is elected will be to have the township build a 45,000-square-foot building on an acre foundation and fill it with one- and two-bedroom apartments for seniors.
He said there would be a 10,000-square-foot cafeteria on the ground floor where seniors could eat two meals a day — breakfast and dinner.
Po said, in his plan, seniors could give their house to the township and live free in the apartment complex. That way when they get their social security checks, they no longer would have to pay taxes, insurance, and other expenses for home ownership and would have more money in their pockets.
Those without a house would pay nominal rent. If they wanted to eat there, they would pay, he said.
There would be a 6,000-square-foot gymnasium and a small swimming pool for exercising. There also would be a get-together room for bingo and other games.
Although the model doesn’t have the condos that could be built on each side of the apartment structure, Po said two-bedroom condos on each side would be for wealthy seniors.
With the condos, the site would need about ten acres, he said.
There would be a van for shopping and doctor’s appointments, and elevators. Although it had been suggested a laundry room could be in the basement, Po said he didn’t think seniors should have to carry their laundry to the basement and so he plans laundry equipment in each room.
“It would be paid for by the township, not me,” Po said of the project’s cost, which he said would be raised by cutting expenses and waste in the township.
He said he would have to have sewer and water lines at the site. He has talked with two construction companies and an estimate of $10 million was given for construction and could be paid for in installments.
“This wasn’t my idea,” Po said, pointing his finger upward and saying it came from above and is consuming his thoughts.
“I can’t believe that God brought me from the Philippines to help the seniors in Sumpter Township,” Po said. “But He has.”
Po has lived in Sumpter Township since 2008. He said his family in the Philippines recalls when he was a spoiled brat growing up and now he has come to America and is planning to help senior citizens. They also are amazed he is running for office and plan to come to see him sworn in if he is successful.
When Po first asked Bishop to create the model, there were several options for public display, so he could explain his project to township residents. But, with the coronavirus, those places are closed.
So, Po is opening up his home office, behind his garage, to the public so they can come in and inspect the model.
Bishop has partitioned off 50 apartments on his model and those looking in the windows can see stairways and details. There are lights within and outside of the model.
Bishop is the son of Sumpter resident Sheena Barnes.
Po said he will welcome visitors to his home at 45025 Harris Rd. before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. daily to inspect the model. For an appointment, call him at (734) 796-4977.