A crack in the ceiling creeps toward the commons area in the 955 building at Boynton Terrace.The Chattanooga Housing Authority's largest high-rise building for seniors will get a $3 million to $5 million renovation with construction starting as early as the end of this year.
This will mark the first time the 250-unit Boynton Terrace Apartments in Chattanooga's Westside neighborhood has had a major interior rehab since it was built in 1971, said Mark Bell, CHA project manager. Previously, CHA has made more units there handicap-accessible, installed security cameras, replaced air conditioning units and sewer systems.
Residents broke into applause when Wanda Autry, resident manager of Boynton Terrace Apartments, announced the renovation at a meeting last week. Still, Boynton resident council President Bennie Haynes said several people expressed disappointment that all of the money will be used to renovate only one of the site's three buildings.
Bell said the housing agency will first renovate Boynton's 953 Building because it has generated the most calls for repairs and service. Work could start as early as this year or, more likely, by the first quarter of 2016, he said. Renovations to the 951 and 959 buildings will begin when funds become available, officials said.
One wall is set aside for worn-out chairs in the recreation room at Boynton Terrace.Money for the renovation will come from the housing authority's capital fund, said Naveed Minhas, CHA's vice president of development. CHA's fiscal-year 2015 capital fund allocation is $3.75 million.
The housing authority turns its focus toward Boynton as it completes a four-year, $15-million renovation at Emma Wheeler Homes this summer.
Elemi Architects owner Eric Myers spoke with Boynton residents to get their input on the renovations to Building 953. Residents requested better appliances and a laundry room with machines large enough to wash and dry blankets.
Others complained of cold rooms and noted a need for more phone lines for health care monitoring.
Several residents described a need to better protect the building fromwater leaks.
They complained of doors that don't fit their frames and bedbug infestations.
Angela Maffett-Jerry, a registered nurse, said a Boynton resident under her care had to leave his apartment for care because health care workers were afraid to come inside due to a bedbug infestation.
Another resident said he had to replace his furniture because of bedbugs.
Contact staff writer Yolanda Putman at yputman@timesfreepress.com or 757-6431.