The proposed sale of Dogwood Manor Apartments by the city has been raising questions among residents since it was announced.
The city is actually swapping properties with the Chattanooga Housing Authority, which has announced plans for remodeling.
CHA will release details in the next few weeks.
If you live in public housing and hear about a forced relocation...a high level of concern is understandable.
That's been going on for several months now as the Chattanooga Housing Authority draws plans to buy the Dogwood Manor high-rise from the city and begin renovations.
The problem has been getting the message over to those who are affected.
JIM JOHNSON, DOGWOOD MANOR "There shouldn't be any fear, because you'll either get to stay here ..move you around as they do the floors, or you can choose to move."
CHA met with residents on Tuesday afternoon, and brought two main messages---its not going to happen soon and anyone who has to move, even temporarily, will receive financial assistance.
MAURICE HARVEY, DOGWOOD MANOR RESIDENT "I'm not ready to move, and I don't want to move for a long period of time. But I would like for the place to get re-did."
Tammie Reeves, Director of the Housing Choice voucher program told News 12 CHA will have several more meetings with residents when final plans have been worked out.
SHERRY MCCROSKEY, RESIDENT "Well, there's nothing I can do about it, have to just wait and find out. If they give me assistance moving, I'll move."
The final plan means that some residents will be relocated inside the building during the remodeling, while others may have to move.
That's the same procedure the housing authority has used during other local restoration projects.
The Dogwood transaction actually a land-swap, with the city getting about 4 acres of land at the old Poss Homes on South Market.
It will likely be used by Howard High School.
Any agreement on transferring ownership of Dogwood Manor is subject to approval from HUD.
