The long-anticipated, multi-million-dollar renovation project with local public housing has started with many residents already relocated.
As part of the Rental Assistance Demonstration project, tenants at Lindsey Lawn Apartments have been moved so that rehabilitation work can begin on the historic complex. The first phase of this project kickstarts a lengthy renovation to local low-income housing that covers about $20 million in construction.
Yazoo City Housing Authority officials presented a detailed report on the project during the Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting Monday afternoon.
Housing Authority Director Alpresteon Billings said, that in an effort to prepare for the RAD project over a year ago, many apartments within local housing were left vacant to accommodate those who have to be relocated when the project began. That concerned Mayor Diane Delaware during the recent city council meeting.
“Our vacancy rate is really high,” Billings said.
“What,” Delaware asked. “We were told you never had any vacancies. For four years, we have been told that you don’t have any available apartments. How can you have a high vacancy rate?”
Billings said at the end of 2016, housing was at full capacity with close to 300 family members in apartments. But, eventually, preparations had to be made in anticipation of the RAD project.
“We have been having vacancies,” Billings said. “Originally, we knew at some point RAD would close, and we would have to have vacant units in order to move some (tenants) out. You have to accumulate vacancies in order to rehab. They cannot be 100 percent occupied because once you start construction you have to have somewhere for residents to go.”
However, several residents contacted The Yazoo Herald about the conditions of their relocation from Lindsey Lawn Apartments. Those residents said, despite reports from officials, their relocation felt “rushed” and not planned.
One resident, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of eviction, said the apartment she was relocated to at Graystone Apartments was unacceptable. She said the apartment had water issues with several leaks and evidence of mildew. She added that she spent several days cleaning the apartment to get it to a state she felt comfortable for her family.
The Herald visited the apartment and also saw that a bedroom window was missing it entire window. It was covered with a piece of plywood. There was also evidence of water leaks, particularly within walls.
