SALEM, Ohio - The City of Salem has approved the plan to construct a new retirement community in the city.

Salem Mayor Cyndi Dickey tells 21 News the plan was approved Tuesday, June 10 for Shepherd of the Valley to construct a new retirement community that would be able to house up to 120 seniors.

The complex will be a mix of assisted and independent living and will also house a community center with a pool and spaces for outdoor activities.

Mayor Dickey says she's happy to see this plan get approved because seniors in the city have been asking for something like this for a long time. Dickey says this will allow seniors to live in an environment that suits their needs without needing to leave the city.

Shepherd of the Valley CEO RIchard Limongi tells 21 News the project will span across four phases. The first phase, which involves road work and ground moving is expected to begin in July.

From there, a groundbreaking will take place September 17 to kick off phase two, which will consist of the construction of the independent living center. Limongi says this is expected to be completed by December of 2026.

The third phase will consist of the construction of the assisted living facility and club house, and the fourth and final phase will consist of the construction of the apartments.

There is no time frame yet for when phases three and four will be completed.