Chattanooga Housing Authority officials said Tuesday that all residents of Boynton Terrace, Tower 2, must move out prior to the start of a major upgrade of the public housing facility on Cameron Hill in early January.
Naveed Minhas, development director, said on earlier high-rise projects the work was done several floors at a time. But he said it appears CHA can save as much as $500,000 by moving out all residents at once.
Officials said 87 residents are affected, including a woman who is 100 years old.
Residents were told of the move on Friday.
Ann Martin said some will stay with family and friends, while 55 public housing units have been identified for others. Some may also go to Section 8 housing.
Residents will be paid moving expenses.
Jim Sattler, board member, said, "There will be some inconvenience to residents, but this upgrade will be very beneficial to our community."
It had been over 40 years since the building was remodeled, it was stated.
The CHA Board approved a contract with Elemi Architects for architectural, engineering and environmental services on the project. The cost will be $251,687.
Mr. Minhas said residents need to be out by early January so the abatement process can begin. He said actual construction will start in March.
The board approved a change in management for the Villages at Alton Park, the Oaks at Camden and Maple Hills Apartments. Alco Inc. is the new firm, taking over from Pennrose.
CHA will work with the city trying to finding housing for homeless veterans. They will go to the top of the list on 150 public housing slots set aside for the homeless.
There are 500 people left on he housing choice voucher program list, and there will be a push to find places for them.
They will be asked to come in to work with staff over a two-day period. Then there will be a landlord-tenant fair in mid-September.
There were 13 graduates of the Onward and Upward youth program. The course included trips to Birmingham, Nashville and Washington, D.C. Gerald Mason and SunTrust Bank were supporters.