CHA Commission Discusses Poplar Circle Complaints
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by Stephanie Baker
The Clarksville Housing Authority Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, April 14, and discussed tenant concerns voiced at the public hearing, particularly by Poplar Circle tenants.
The Authority held its public hearing on Monday, April 13, where residents were encouraged to voice concerns about their homes and the neighborhood. The majority of the concerns voiced at the public hearing were from Poplar Circle residents about the data center being constructed near the neighborhood, said Executive Director Shelly Wood.
Tenants shared noise complaints about the construction work and machinery, as well as blasting that regularly happens at the future location of the data center, she said. Some also reported there had been more traffic near their residences recently. Noise concerns don’t end with construction either, as many residents are worried about the loud technology humming that is reported with some data centers, Wood said.
After some discussion about possible ways to buffer the noise, Wood said she will contact the city about the possibility of installing a sound barrier fence around the Poplar Circle residences. The option would depend on many factors, including whether any city ordinances prohibit taller fencing or a similar barrier, she explained.
She stated that it was about the only thing that could be done to respond to the data center situation, as the matter is “out of our control.”
Wood explained the lack of information about the large-scale project across the street had contributed to many residents being fearful of how things may continue to change in their neighborhood, and the concern was more widespread than those who spoke at the public hearing. Many who are on fixed incomes are fearful of rising costs or a lack of resources. Without local answers, they are seeing information online and fearing the worst, explained Wood.
“Our most coveted area to live is now unwanted,” she said. Wood was clear that no one knows what may happen, and this was not something Clarksville residents chose, but the agency would do what it could to take care of its tenants.
Another public hearing matter Wood shared at length with the Commission was regarding the “No Soliciting” signs posted throughout the Authority’s properties. Wood said she was recently told if a solicitor had a permit, they could not legally be asked to stop going to tenants’ door-to-door. Wood explained she was informed it was not a violation of the solicitors’ rights, but the tenants retain the right to refuse solicitors the chance to purchase goods.
Wood said the signs were hung prominently throughout the neighborhoods after repeated incidents of scamming and identity theft among the elderly. Recently, a tenant reported a solicitor trying to enter her home at 8 p.m., voicing concerns with both the action and the late hour.
Wood asked the Commission for ideas on a policy for soliciting at the Authority’s properties. Wood said if the act itself could not be prevented, perhaps a policy could require a solicitor to sign in with the agency and restrict soliciting to certain daytime hours. She clarified she was not against someone trying to make a living, but the protection of the tenants, especially the older ones without family and friends nearby, who are often at the highest risk of targeted crimes. The discussion of a soliciting policy was tabled for further research.
Other concerns shared at the public hearing included installation of handrails, replacement of a porch light, and use of the playground after dark by adults. The Commission voted to approve the minutes of the public hearing and the accompanying action plan.
Other Matters
-Wood explained there is a need for an accounting assistant in the administrative team, at least on a part-time basis. Wood said the administrative team is facing a maximum capacity workload and needs specialized assistance.
-Approximately $121,000 in CFP funds were spent recently on the replacement of refrigerators, stoves, water heaters, and a few HVAC units. Installation has begun on the new appliances.
-An End-of-School Bash will be held from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, May 30.
-The proposed budget was distributed to the Commissioners to review before the next meeting.
-The CHA received a score of “A” on its NSPIRE assessment and will not need to test again for three years, said Wood.
Read this story and others in the April 22 issue of The Graphic, available online and at businesses throughout Franklin and Johnson counties. Subscribe or donate here to support more hometown journalism.
