The East Ridge Housing and Redevelopment Authority had a special called meeting Wednesday to discuss having an informational “open house” and to set a date for a public meeting concerning the board’s redevelopment plan.
After much discussion the board decided to hold the open house informational meeting on Thursday, May 3 at the Community Center on Tombras Avenue. The meeting is slated from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and will be in part an opportunity for community input concerning the HRA redevelopment plan.
City Manager Scott Miller told the board that during the meeting the Redevelopment Boundary Map would be available for residents, board members and city staff to examine. Residents are encouraged to ask questions concerning the boundary map and the redevelopment plan, which is designed to fight blight and provide safe and sanitary housing to all the people of East Ridge.
The board formally adopted the 26-page plan, which had been revised to address some misspellings. The plan, along with the boundary map – which defines the area in which the HRA is allowed to act – is available for review at City Hall on Tombras Avenue.
There was much discussion about a mandatory public meeting that would be held in conjunction with a city council meeting. HRA attorney Mark Litchford said that notices will be mailed to all residents who own property which could potentially be effected by the redevelopment plan. Per state law, a public meeting must be held no less than 10 days after residents are notified and no more than 30 days after receiving notification.
City Manager Miller said he would expect the city council to demand it be given some period of time in which to reflect on citizen input concerning the redevelopment plan and should not be asked to vote on the measure immediately following the public meeting.
Ultimately, HRA Vice-Chairman Eddie Phillips made a motion to put a public meeting regarding the redevelopment plan on a future city council agenda per the discretion of City Manager Miller. That measure was approved by voice vote. So, a specific date for such a public meeting has yet to be determined.
Attorney Litchford prepared an annual report which will be presented to Mayor Brent Lambert. The two-page report is over and above an annual report that is submitted to the Tennessee Secretary of State’s office, he said.
Phillips also made a motion that the East Ridge Housing and Redevelopment by-laws be changed to reflect the new meeting dates and times. In a previous meeting of the HRA, a citizen suggested moving the meetings from 10 a.m. on Wednesdays to a time in which more interested citizens would have an opportunity to attend. The board accommodated by scheduling the meetings on Thursday evenings in the future.
The meeting scheduled for April 19 at 6 p.m. was cancelled as there is no business before the HRA. The next meeting was scheduled for Thursday, May 17 at 6 p.m.
