Chattanooga Housing Authority leaders and managers of Chatt City Suites have reached an agreement to ensure residents aren’t homeless next week when the extended-stay motel closes for major renovations, according to two people working with the housing authority.
The hotel operators still want everyone out of the motel by Tuesday, and the hotel’s general manager denied residents would be given an extension. However, housing authority executive director Betsy McCright said the property’s manager, Sunbest Management, agreed to allow residents to stay until the end of the month while they search for permanent housing.
When called for confirmation, a management company employee told the Times Free Press to call the motel and then hung up. Chatt City Suites manager Joyce Woodard said the company wants all residents out before Tuesday and would not be granting an extension. However, McCright said Friday the property owners have been “extremely” reasonable and are helping but don’t want residents procrastinating until the end of the month.
“Management did agree to extend to month’s end,” she said. “They did absolutely give me their word [residents] would have until month’s end.”
Guests were given a note two days after Christmas the property would be shut down for a complete renovation. The letter informed the residents – some of whom have lived in the motel for a decade – they had to be moved out before Jan. 15.