PDF: Resolution PDF: Summary Fairmount
Chattanooga Housing Authority board members unanimously have given the authority’s executive director the ability to sue the city to defend its Fairmount Avenue Apartments project.
“We’re charged to protect the assets of the housing authority,” said CHA board Chairman Eddie Holmes. “As a result of the actions by the City Council, CHA maintains that its property is in jeopardy.”
CHA board members voted on the action Thursday at a special called meeting.
The Chattanooga City Council recently put a 120-day moratorium on construction along Fairmount Avenue in North Chattanooga. It also asked the city Planning Commission to study whether the apartment complex’s zoning can be changed to another designation to prevent CHA from tearing down the current buildings and building 36 new units.
City Attorney Mike McMahon said he will not comment on matters when legal action is pending or when a lawsuit is threatened. Mr. McMahon said the city considers the CHA’s action a threat.
Mayor Ron Littlefield said Thursday that, if CHA is looking at a lawsuit, it’s a “very unwise move.” Housing officials need to talk with city officials about what could be done with the Fairmount complex.
WHAT’S NEXTThe Chattanooga Housing Authority’s next scheduled board meeting is at 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 23. at 801 N. Holtzclaw Ave.
“They are not going to be permitted to do what they want to do,” he said.
CHA has received a $4.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to build 36 energy-efficient units on the Fairmount Apartment site.
Fairmount Avenue residents and Mr. Littlefield have protested the move, saying the proposed complex is too large with too many people on a narrow street.