John Coffelt, Editor

The Manchester Housing Authority approached the Manchester Planning Commission during the June 16 meeting with a request to rezone roughly 20 acres at the end of Woodrow Street to develop a series of duplexes for moderate-to-low-income seniors.

Manchester Housing Authority Executive Director Nancy Huddleston said the development planned for the Grindstone Hollow area across from the Manchester Wastewater Treatment Plant near Oakdale Street will not be public housing.

The concept resembles the Justin’s Court duplexes on Oakdale Street.

The roughly 20-acre area is currently zoned R-2 low density residential. Manchester Housing Authority is requesting it be rezoned R-4 high density residential.

Engineer Scot St. John estimated that about 50% of the property is buildable with the remainder being situated in the floodplain.    

Huddleston said the duplexes will be 700 square foot one- and two-bedroom homes on each side. They will be designed for the elderly and disabled with an estimated $500 per month rent.

“It’s like Justin’s Court but it will never be ran like public housing,” she said. “Just like

Rivendell Apartments, it’s a tax credit property, but we are the sole owners of the property.” 

The project will be funded by a grant and a loan on the property and be run by the Manchester Housing Authority. Tenants will be required to make under an income cap.

“We are applying for a grant through the end of July,” Huddleston said. “We have received the grants through the time (I’ve been here). It’s a very competitive grant. It might be that I have to apply for it next year.”

The grant will not pay for the entire project, requiring a loan of about $800,000. The project will be in phases. The first will be five duplexes or 10 units.

Huddleston said the development is really needed in Manchester. The waiting list on housing can span multiple years with units only becoming open with the death of a resident or their moving into an assisted living facility.

St. John said the development would not be able to maximize the density because of the terrain.

The Planning Commission sent a positive recommendation to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen with a 7-0 vote.

John has been with the Manchester Times since May 2011. John has won Tennessee Press Association awards for Best News Photo and placed in numerous other categories. John is a 1994 graduate of Tullahoma High School, a graduate of Motlow State Community College and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Middle Tennessee State University. He lives in Tullahoma, enjoys painting, dancing and exploring the outdoors.