Local tenant calls out housing authority over overgrown lawn

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – One Chattanooga woman says her government housing complex has let her down.

Denise Morris, who is visually impaired, says she has been waiting for months for crews to cut her grass.

She tells us the tall, overgrown lawn isn’t just frustrating—it’s become dangerous.

For Morris, even stepping outside her home is a challenge.

She says the tall grass around her unit has turned daily tasks into risks.

“It’s strong for me because I am blind, and it’s hard for me to walk back and forth,” Morris said. “I’m scared of walking by this grass because I don’t know what’s going to come out at me during the day or at night. I just don’t know.”

Morris recalled one instance when her foot became caught in the grass near her stairs, making her fear she could easily trip or fall.

She says the Chattanooga Housing Authority has repeatedly promised to send crews to mow, but months later, the problem remains.

“Complaining seems like it falls on deaf ears,” she said. “In the meantime, we’re just supposed to deal with it. It’s embarrassing because I take pride in where I live. If code enforcement came along and saw grass this high, we would get cited for it. I don’t understand why they just can’t get it together and have someone come cut this grass.”

Morris says the problem goes beyond appearance. For her, it’s about safety, independence, and dignity.

“I take pride in where I live,” she said. “This isn’t just about grass—it’s about me being able to safely move around my own home.”

We reached out to the Chattanooga Housing Authority, and they shared some good news.

Officials say the previous mowing contractor quit unexpectedly, causing the delay.

A new contractor is scheduled to begin work on Wednesday.