Residents emphatically object to proposed low income housing

By Marlene J. Bohr
mbohr@steelcountrybee.com
 
Unhappy homeowners on Magnolia Circle in Hughes Springs signed up for public comment at the Hughes Springs City Council’s April 15 meeting to protest the proposed low income housing that would be located in a close proximity to their residences.
Some of the strongest objections were to low income occupancy, rental property and the loss of a peaceful neighborhood they now enjoy.
Ronnie Davis told the council he has lived on Magnolia Circle for the past 14 years.
“I have some questions concerning the project by the Williams Addition for low income housing that is being proposed there,” Mr. Davis said. “Has that been approved by the council to build it?”
Councilman Lee Newsom said the council passed the ordinance for the company to get funding.
“It is not a done deal,” Mr. Newsom said.
Mr. Davis said it was his understanding that it has been approved by the state.
City Secretary George Fite said the council approved StoneLeaf Properties to build a 63-unit complex by ordinance and by resolution in February that allowed them to apply for additional funds for improvements to the property.
“If funding is approved and the citizens in the town do not want it, will it still be done?” Mr. Davis asked. “This is the first time we have heard about it.”
Mr. Newsom said this is the first time he heard of any objections to the properties.
“Two of them will be built about 7 feet behind my house,” Mr. Davis said. “The property in question is right up to my property line within 7 feet.”
Councilman Jimmy Samples said he thinks plans read they cannot build within 10 feet of someone’s property.
“If enough citizens do not want it, I would have to look at it,” Mr. Samples said. “We could stop it right here.”
 

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