The Bend-Westside Evolves proposals are getting news headlines because of the responses of decision-makers that reflect frustration, a bit of anger, and opposition to this historic project that involves the long-overdue upgrades to the subsidized housing paired with the development of the former Alstom property along the Tennessee River.
Both promise a great deal of public and community good.
But the big news seems to be the unanswered questions around the relocation of current residents and the lack of understanding of that process. These facts were manifested by the palpable stress, that if measured like tremors by a Richter Scale, the numbers would have been pretty high at the September 26 agenda session.
It’s understandable, and relatively clear, that the large number of moving parts with such a large scale of financing that’s tied together the dynamics of these two worthy endeavors are stress-inducing.
It’s not so understandable that simple answers have not been provided in advance of such a presentation through one-on-one meetings with critical stakeholders. Most have heard of the idiom, “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.”
It was stated, but also vividly clear that private meetings, a flow of information, and any give-and-take had not occurred prior to the agenda session/committee meeting in efforts to prevent confusion. The nine people elected to represent the best interests of all Chattanoogans–the Chattanooga City Council members–had not received adequate information. The voice of Councilwoman and Chairwoman Raquetta Dotley, the very elected leader representing the area containing both projects, framed the entire meeting with her open disgust.
Back to the critical question: What are the options given to residents of the Westside regarding their relocation?
A new Chattanooga Housing Authority (CHA) survey to determine which residents want to relocate or stay within the downtown area should be in the field within days, according to the pledge of Director Elizabeth McCright.
Residents have three choices regarding their move. First, those indicating their wishes to remain downtown will be housed in the initial replacement units built on the former Youth and Family Development site. Two other choices may be made between a mobile voucher good for relocation to any place in the US or relocation to properties within the CHA portfolio.
Another new bit of information elicited by the hope expressed by Councilwoman Coonrod that some residents would be in a position to own a home came as McCright informed the Council of the availability of an “active upward mobility program.” Counselors are available to assist residents who aspire for homeownership. Further, the relocation voucher could be used as a “soft second on a home mortgage for home ownership.”
Despite the contention that has been the “news,” clear communication and data may aid in restoring trust to address concerns. The Chattanooga City Council Economic Development Committee did its job for all Chattanoogans with a public hearing of sorts. Stay tuned as this project moves forward to create wonderful assets for the Westside residents and all Chattanoogans.