News: ALL 400+ PARK APARTMENTS TENANTS MUST VACATE BY JUNE 30
Property owner, Bluerock-Woodfield is offering a $500 payment to any tenant who signs a vacate form which includes the address of the renter’s new home, but the payment is not mailed to the former tenant until he/she has turned in the keys. Those payments will not reach each tenant until at least 2 weeks AFTER they vacate.
A housing fair was held March 9 on site from noon-2:00pm. Town Affordable Housing staff have helped BP identify participant staff. A site will be determined soon. BP reports that current occupancy at The Park Apts. is about 82% (36 units )and they expect it to drop to about 60% (120 units) by mid-April. No information was available as to whether payment of the $500 refund has been made to those who have left.
CHALT recently petitioned the Town Council to determine whether some or all of the $1.5 million payment offered by Bluerock-Woodfield instead of their building affordable units on part of the site, could be accelerated and directed to current Park Apt. tenants in a way that would cover relocation costs. This payment would normally be due to the Town when the development application is approved and permits issued. The application has not yet come before Town Council or the Community Design Commission.
Council Member Oates said, “It’s always tough to move when it’s not voluntary. This situation is all the harder because there are so few affordable units available in town. My understanding is that town staff are coordinating with residents to help them find options.”