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Federal grant to boost safety at public housing

Staff photo by Erin O. Smith /
A East Lake Courts resident, who didn't want to be named, smokes along the road beside his apartment at East Lake Courts Friday, August 3, 2018 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. A new rule that bans smoking in public housing developments went into effect in Chattanooga on July 31. — Staff photo by Erin O. Smith / A East Lake Courts resident, who didn't want to be named, smokes along the road beside his apartment at East Lake Courts Friday, August 3, 2018 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. A new rule that bans smoking in public housing developments went into effect in Chattanooga on July 31. Staff photo by Erin O. Smith / A East Lake Courts resident, who didn't want to be named, smokes along the road beside his apartment at East Lake Courts Friday, August 3, 2018 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. A new rule that bans smoking in public housing developments went into effect in Chattanooga on July 31.

By Staff Report August 27, 2018 1 min read

Residents at some Chattanooga-area public housing facilities will see increased security and safety measures thanks to a federal grant announced Monday.

As part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development program, the Chattanooga Housing Authority will receive $250,000, according to a news release.

It’s part of a $5 million effort that includes 22 public housing agencies across the country.

Locally, the projects will include the purchase of security cameras, lighting and fencing at the College Hill Courts, East Lake Courts, Mary Walker Towers, Emma Wheeler Towers, Cromwell Hills, Gateway Towers, Greenwood Apartments, Fairmount Apartments and Dogwood Apartments.

“The families we support who live in public housing deserve to feel safe in their homes,” said HUD Secretary Ben Carson. “HUD wants to ensure the safety and security of public housing residents and these grants offer neighborhoods and communities the tools they need to help keep their residents safe.”