Augusta’s Housing Authority leaders break down relocation assistance for Dogwood Terrace residents

AUGUSTA, G.A. (WJBF) – New data on the plan to demolish and redevelop Dogwood Terrace. The town’s housing authority held a gathering at the moment and I used to be there.

There’s nonetheless a approach to go along with the potential demolition and redevelopment of Dogwood Terrace. Housing Authority leaders say they’re nonetheless within the very early levels of the method.

“We’re submitting an utility to HUD that utility course of is a prolonged factor. We began engaged on it a couple of month in the past and it takes about six months to place collectively a demolition utility.”

If and when that utility is accepted that’s when the housing authority will start assembly with residents one on one to start begin the relocation course of. Residents could have two choices. 

“And in order that might be both a switch to a different housing growth or probably it might be a tenant safety voucher which then they’d have the ability to take part on a bit 8 program and discovering housing wherever they need within the space,” mentioned Douglas Freeman, Deputy Government Director, Dogwood Terrace.

Which means residents who discover a landlord in Columbia County prepared to take part 8 might transfer there. The one stipulation to the relocation course of is that residents should be dwelling and in good standing on their hire at Dogwood Terrace with a view to be eligible. The relocation help will even embrace utilities and different prices.

“So, we could have a contract with a shifting firm that can transfer the tenant from one website to a different. It doesn’t matter in the event that they select the tenant safety voucher or public housing or they may select to maneuver themselves and we’ll pay them what we’d’ve paid the contractor,” mentioned Freeman.

Many residents had been for the demolition and redevelopment of the Dogwood Terrace due to the crime, however some metropolis leaders say that now shouldn’t be one of the best time due to the restricted quantity of public housing.

“We simply assume primarily based on there’s a scarcity now , however within the subsequent two years we might not have a scarcity,” mentioned Augusta Commissioner Dennis Williams.

“It’s a concern, as a result of we all know there’s a downside with the homeless and this may maybe impression it a bit of bit,” mentioned Augusta Comissioner Francine Scott.

However Deputy Government Director Douglas Freeman says the housing authority says they won’t let that occur.

“When this utility will get accepted, we are going to make sure that whether or not it’s public housing or a bit 8 voucher that now we have a spot for everyone,” mentioned Freeman.

As soon as the demolition section concludes the housing authority will work on redeveloping Dogwood Terrace into one other inexpensive public housing neighborhood. The anticipated approval for the applying will probably be early subsequent 12 months.