CHA plans closure of College Hill, East Lake Courts

Chattanooga Housing Authority has plans to close College Hill Courts. IF YOU GO

* What: CHA Public Hearing for 2015 Annual Agency Plan and monthly board meeting

* When: 12:30 Tuesday

* Where: 801 N. Holtzclaw Ave.

Chattanooga Housing Authority may apply for the demolition or sale of College Hill Courts in 2015 and the demolition or sale of East Lake Courts in 2017, according to its 2015 Annual Agency Plan.

CHA officials say nothing is set in stone, but it is possible for the application process for College Hill Courts, its oldest and largest public housing site, to begin in the next year.

If an application is submitted, it takes a year just to get approval, said Naveed Minhas, CHAs vice president of development.

The deferred maintenance and dollars necessary to sustain these projects is extremely high, said Minhas, CHAs vice president of development. So we know that sooner than later, we will ultimately have to apply for a disposition or demolition. The properties are not sustainable in the long-term.

CHA estimates it will take $100 million, with $50 million spent at each site, to bring College Hill and East Lake Courts up to standards. The sites were constructed in the 1940s and include more than 900 households.

Units at both sites have outdated sewer systems, outdated electrical systems and issues with mold and leaking roofs, said Minhas.

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CHA plans closure of College Hill, East Lake Courts