Public housing units to be demolished

MARBLE FALLS, Texas (KXAN) - Scratched and discolored counters, sinks without disposals and electronics that aren't energy efficient are among a handful of reasons why the Texas Housing Foundation is planning on demolishing  almost 100 Section 8 apartments in June.

It's a choice that's forcing families, some who aren't for uprooting themselves,  to move out over the next six months

"I really hate it," said Gloria English, a resident who is relocating.

The buildings, located near the corner of Broadway and Avenue K, are run down and in shabby shape. They only provide people with the basics to live.

Foundation officials said they don't have the finances to fix and repair housing units to meet current building code.

That's why they've adopted a tentative plan to tear them down and build anew.

"The units are old, they're 30 plus years old, so, the wear and tear on them over the years, they aren't energy efficient," said Patti Mezger, Section 8 coordinator.

Mezger said the foundation is helping residents move to apartments that have better amenities like carpeted floors, a disposal and modern technology.

"They also have the option of moving anywhere in the U.S. that administers the Section 8 programs so that's a benefit to them," Mezger explained.

A benefit, but not an option for most of the people who have come to know the public housing units as their home.

A few are moving to Fredericksburg and Kingsland, most are staying nearby.

For a few folks, moving from these apartments to ones with better amenities is bittersweet

They explained that tearing down these apartments also means tearing down relationships and a neighborhood that took years to build up.

"Devasted, you get to know people and you don't want to let go of that friendship," English added.

English, who suffers from a few health problems, admitted she is excited her standard of living will improve.

It's letting go of the past four years she's lived in her apartment and moving away from her friends that's the problem

"We are a close knit community," English said while looking around her packed-up apartment.  "You don't know where people will end up."

Mezger said 31 families have already relocated. The Foundation hopes to have all residents moved by 2010.

The Foundation does not have a date set for demolition or construction.