Oak Ridge Housing Authority Receives Funding Assistance of up to $51.8 Million For Renovating Public Housing and Building New Workforce Housing

The Oak Ridge Housing Authority is preparing to renovate 128 existing public housing units and build 104 new affordable workforce rental units at a total development cost of $56 million, with the support of tax credits and tax-exempt bond awards announced today by the Tennessee Housing Development Agency.

The low-income housing tax credits and tax-exempt bonds will generate up to $51.8 million for the renovation and new construction developments throughout Oak Ridge, according to Maria Catron, ORHA Executive Director.

THDA representatives are joining ORHA and its development partner, Collaborative Housing Solutions, in making the announcement of funds that will help substantially rehab the 128 units scattered across the city and help build new rental housing in the Scarboro community.

The announcement is taking place at the Scarboro Community Center, 148 Carver Ave., Oak Ridge, adjacent to the 10-acre site where the 104 new housing units will be located.

ORHA is receiving a 4 percent tax credit, valued at $15.3 million, and $18.5 million in tax-exempt bonds to build 104 new units of workforce housing in Scarboro and to renovate 58 public housing units across the city on Apple Lane, Wade Lane, Knoll Lane and Honeysuckle Lane.

Another 9 percent tax credit award, valued at $18 million, will help renovate 70 units spread across four sites on LaSalle Road, Irene Lane, Van Hicks Road and Joel Lane. Having the sites scattered across the city reflects thoughtful public policy by the city to help create mixed income neighborhoods, preventing concentration of poverty in one location, Catron said.

“The work being done by Oak Ridge Housing Authority will transform and improve the city’s public housing, as well as provide much-needed affordable housing for low-income families and individuals,” said Ralph Perrey, THDA Executive Director. “THDA supports projects like this through our Affordable Housing Credits to help offset the costs of construction and ensure that affordable housing can be built that will make a positive impact on the communities where they are located.”

The redevelopment of these properties is a critical component of the city-wide master-planned “City Blueprint Plan,” adopted by Oak Ridge City Council in 2019, according to Richelle Patton, Collaborative Housing Solutions President. The Blueprint’s goals and action strategies focus on a cross-sector approach to improve the quality of life in the city, as well as to position itself for future population growth.

Among the Blueprint’s goals is developing strategies to restore the heritage of Legacy neighborhoods, and the new construction in Scarboro recognizes that community’s history as a segregated Black community during the 1940s in Oak Ridge and its place in history as sending the first 85 students from Scarboro School to integrate Oak Ridge schools in 1955, a first for the southeastern states.

ORHA worked collaboratively with Scarboro residents in planning the new rental units there.

The Blueprint’s goals also include expanding housing options by adding high-quality purchase and rental units attractive to young families and new hires, which the ORHA’s plans support. The Scarboro site will include 8 to 10 homeownership units.

Besides the tax credits, another change that makes the renovation of the 128 existing rental units feasible and affordable is a Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) grant program that allows housing authorities to address deferred maintenance and much needed improvements in public housing, according to Catron. The grant, from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, allows housing authorities to borrow money for repairs, rather than depending upon allocations from Congress.

“These buildings, built in the 1970s or early 1980s, have not had a substantial rehab in more than 50 years. We are looking at $75,000 to $85,000 per unit in rehab costs, which will include new kitchens, new baths, new appliances, new flooring, new HVAC units, new windows and façade improvements,” Catron said of the buildings where the 128 rental units are located.

“This public-private partnership allows us to not only address current needs, but also position ourselves to be able to address future needs in the housing market,” she said. The RAD program opens the developments to private partners who will invest in the tax credits and bonds.

The RAD program allows housing authorities to take over ownership of its rental units from HUD and, like private landlords, have the ability to take out loans and make repairs. With units under HUD ownership, rather than local ownership, the housing authority did not have the ability to get loans. The RAD program now treats housing authorities like private landlords, with HUD providing funding under the project-based Section 8 program.

Construction on the developments is expected to begin in early 2025. The new Scarboro units are expected to be completed by mid-2026 and occupied before the end of that year.

The Oak Ridge Housing Authority manages public housing units and aims to provide quality, affordable housing and foster self-sufficiency in the community.  

The Tennessee Housing Development Agency is the state’s housing finance agency, promoting the production of more affordable new housing units and preservation and rehabilitation of existing housing units for very low-income, low-income and moderate-income individuals and families in the state.

Collaborative Housing Solutions is an Atlanta-based development firm specializing in creative problem solving to develop affordable rental housing.

CNS awards $180,000 in 2024 grants to community nonprofits

By BreAnna Robinson • 24 Oct, 2024
Y-12 employees have designated $1.4 million for organizations since fund’s inception

TSBDC State Star Award 2024 at RSCC

By BreAnna Robinson • 21 Oct, 2024
The SBDC State Star Award was presented to Stephen W. Williams at the TSBDC at Roane State Community College at the annual ASBDC Conference in Atlanta this September. The SBDC State Star Award is the highest recognition for individual achievement within America's SBDC Network. State Stars are nominated by their peers, and winners are selected by their State Directors. The State Stars are those who demonstrate exemplary performance, make significant contributions to their Networks, and are committed to the success of America's small businesses. Further, our TSBDC website at www.tsbdc.org will provide you with the background on our work across the State of Tennessee for small business owners from pre-venture to succession planning. TSBDC is an economic development resource for communities and small businesses.

City of Oak Ridge Healthy Waters Program to host Clean the Clinch event on Oct. 26

By BreAnna Robinson • 18 Sep, 2024
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. (Sept. 17, 2024) – The City of Oak Ridge Stormwater Division and its Healthy Waters Program will host the 2024 Clean the Clinch event next month for National Make a Difference Day. On Saturday, Oct. 26 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., volunteers are encouraged to come out to Melton Lake Park to “Clean the Clinch.” "Our hope with this event is that members of the community will feel empowered and more connected to the environment by volunteering to clean up trash debris in the water and along the banks. Plus, it'll be a refreshing break on the waterfront,” Healthy Waters Program comember Cash Winn said. Comember Mya Moseley commented, “This event will not only be impactful to the volunteers, but to the fish and wildlife at the lake. It will bring awareness to the amount of litter that ends up in the river and around Oak Ridge.” Volunteers will meet at Melton Lake Park near Adventure Outdoors, where members of the Healthy Waters Program will help individuals launch into the lake from the nearby boat ramp and direct land volunteers for litter pickup along the greenway. Volunteers are needed to make this event possible. Thanks to sponsors River Sports Outfitters and Adventure Outdoors, limited watercraft will be available for volunteers to use at no cost to remove litter from the water; volunteers are also encouraged to bring their own canoe or kayak if they have them. There will be opportunities for everyone at this cleanup, as the Healthy Waters Program will also need help removing litter along the shoreline and land surrounding the lake. Litter pickers, vests, gloves, and trash bags will be provided. Volunteers are recommended to wear close-toed shoes and clothes they don’t mind getting messy in.  If you are interested in volunteering, register at https://bit.ly/CleanTheClinch2024, by scanning the QR code below, or by email at healthywaters@oakridgetn.gov Questions can be submitted by email at healthywaters@oakridgetn.gov or by calling (865) 425-1890.

City of Oak Ridge to reevaluate site for future Oak Ridge Airport following Orano Enrichment announcement

By BreAnna Robinson • 13 Sep, 2024
The announcement of Orano’s Enrichment facility in Oak Ridge, a multi-billion-dollar investment, has prompted the City of Oak Ridge to pause the Oak Ridge Airport project and reevaluate the proposed location while assessments are made regarding Nuclear Regulatory Commission approval for the Orano facility. “The State and the City have pledged to work together on the possible relocation of the airport to accommodate one of the largest, single economic investments in the history of the State of Tennessee,” said Oak Ridge Mayor Warren Gooch. “We are committed to evaluate available options to determine the optimal path forward.” The City also has support from airport project grantors including TDOT Aeronautic and the Appalachian Regional Commission for exploring new site selection for the Oak Ridge Airport. The Oak Ridge General Aviation Airport was conceived as a regional reliever airport to fulfill two purposes: 1) alleviate a growing, unmet need for general aviation service, and 2) facilitate access to the region’s innovation corridor of advanced technology and research. The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA) undertook planning efforts, funding research, and technical reviews. In 2020, the City of Oak Ridge assumed sponsorship of the project. Since then, among other activities, the environmental assessment was completed and in August 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) Record of Decision (ROD). The project has secured $34 million in funding with the anticipation of additional funds following the announcement of the FONSI. Further, 122 acres have been acquired for the development of the airport and over $11 million has been invested in the project to date. “Given the influx of Orano, Kairos Power, and many other nuclear companies locating to Oak Ridge, the City believes an airport is crucial to support the new nuclear industry,” said Oak Ridge City Manager Randy Hemann. “These companies have chosen to locate in Oak Ridge due to the support of the State of Tennessee as well as the existing nuclear ecosystem of research provided by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the current and growing talent pipeline, and the many existing industries that provide for needs ranging from manufacturing to specialized transportation.” An airport in Oak Ridge would leverage existing assets and strengthen the region's manufacturing base as well as diversify Oak Ridge and neighboring economies. For the latest information on the Oak Ridge Airport project, visit OakRidgeTN.gov/OakRidgeAirport.

42nd Annual Children’s Halloween Party set for Oct. 24

By BreAnna Robinson • 13 Sep, 2024
The Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department will host the 2024 Children’s Halloween Party on Thursday, October 24, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. This annual event will be attended by hundreds of children and their parents. Activities will be planned throughout the western fields of A.K. Bissell Park including a hayride, weather permitting. Businesses and organizations are invited to sponsor a booth for the event. Sponsors will create their own themed booth, supply volunteers and hand out candy throughout the event. Booths should be age appropriate for children aged 4 years to 4 th grade. Applications can be picked up at the Recreation Center front desk. Parking will be located at both the west (Recreation Center side) and east side (Library side) parking areas. To help ensure a smooth event, the west side parking area will be filled first. Traffic in front of the Recreation Center will flow in one direction exiting onto the Turnpike from the east side parking area. For more information, please contact the City of Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department at (865) 425-3450. To learn more about this and other events, visit the Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks website at http://orrecparks.oakridgetn.gov . # # #

Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce Launches National Civics Bee®

By BreAnna Robinson • 13 Sep, 2024
Oak Ridge, TN middle school students will test their civics knowledge and compete for national title

Roane State cuts ribbon on new health science wing, names campus in honor of Cumberland County couple

By BreAnna Robinson • 13 Sep, 2024
Roane State hosted a special ceremony at its Cumberland County Campus on Thursday, September 12, 2024, celebrating two major milestones: the completion of a new health science wing named for a state representative and the dedication of the entire campus in memory of two of the site’s strongest local supporters. College leadership joined Speaker of the House of Representatives Cameron Sexton and members of his family to cut the ribbon for the new Cameron Sexton Health Science Wing. The addition was finished over the summer and is currently home to the first-ever nursing cohort at the campus in Crossville. The expansion includes flexible labs and classrooms to help meet the increased demand for health science education in the area. “Our community and workforce partners told us they need more skilled healthcare workers, and we have answered that call with this campus expansion, new equipment, and increased opportunities for students,” said Dr. Chris Whaley, president of Roane State. “This space is already helping eliminate barriers to success by reducing required travel for students and serving them close to home. The project would not have been possible without local and state support, particularly from Speaker Cameron Sexton.” “When you see the names of the families around this campus who have supported this community and Roane State, you know they had gratitude in their hearts,” Speaker Sexton said during his remarks to the crowd. “It’s an honor for me to join them, but the opportunity I have to serve Tennessee and the Upper Cumberland Region is thanks to everyone in this room. I stand here today because of you, and I hope I can continue to give back.” An estimated 150 health science students from Cumberland and Fentress counties alone are expected to benefit from reduced commute times during their foundational course years. In addition to the expansion, the event honored a local couple who were instrumental in bringing a Roane State campus to Cumberland County – Diane and Jay Brown. The Browns played a major role in forming the plan for a permanent campus, then helped lead the fundraising effort to build the facility. To honor them, the signage at the entrance to the facility along Cook Road now bears the name “Diane and Jay Brown Campus.” “As part of the early strategic planning team, we truly would not be here today if it were not for the efforts of Diane and Jay Brown,” said Teresa Duncan, Roane State’s vice president of workforce and community development, and native of Crab Orchard. “Both Diane and Jay helped leverage local support for years to make this campus a reality and they continued that fierce support for the remainder of their lives. The Browns have forever impacted Roane State, its students, and this community we so proudly serve, and we are honored to place their name on this campus.” The campus in Cumberland County is Roane State’s third largest of ten locations. It opened its doors in 1998 and was the first permanent campus to be constructed when the college began serving additional counties in East Tennessee. The total estimated cost of the health science wing expansion was $2.5 million. The State of Tennessee funded $1.7 million, and local government provided a combined $250,000 between donations from the City of Crossville and Cumberland County. Roane State Foundation has been raising the funds needed to fully furnish the added space and provide scholarships for student needs. With the latest donations, the campaign is more than halfway to its goal of $800,000. To learn more about the future of the project or to make a direct donation, visit //roanestate.edu/cccdonate. Roane State’s Cumberland County Campus is located at 2567 Cook Road in Crossville. Dewayne McGhee is director of the campus and can be reached by emailing mcgheefd@roanestate.edu or calling (931) 456-9880. Additional information about this site can be found online at //roanestate.edu/cumberland.

ORAU awards more than $33,000 in education grants to nine East TN teachers

By BreAnna Robinson • 11 Sep, 2024
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. — Nine teachers from schools in Anderson, Roane and Scott Counties received more than $33,000 in teaching materials and supplies for the new school year through ORAU’s 2024 Education Grants. A flight simulator program for Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) cadets, several 3D printers and filament, scientific calculators, a food composter, a worm farm, oxygen sensors, water testing kits, bee nesting tubes, bird houses and makerspace materials were among the items teachers requested for the classrooms. Through this new technology and supplies, education grant-winning teachers have tools to help them meet evolving state-wide curriculum standards and better engage their students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects. Since the ORAU Education Grants program was launched in 2002, the organization has awarded more than $550,000 in resources to local schools because of its mission to support STEM opportunities. “Education is foundational to ORAU’s purpose,” said Andy Page, ORAU president and CEO. “We’re proud to offer grants for East Tennessee teachers to use toward equipping their classrooms with technology and resources that will engage students in STEM disciplines. Our communities will be stronger because of these students who grow up and pursue STEM careers. We were able to fund proposed STEM projects for nine teachers this year, and we can’t wait to see the results.” ORAU 2024 Education Grant recipients are: Ligia Boundy at Clinton High School, who requested scientific calculators. Rebekah Bozeman at Lake City Elementary, who requested a makerspace invention wall. Tracy Burton at Clinton Elementary School, who requested 3D printers. Judy Carson at Huntsville Elementary School, who requested STEM activities for the school library. Chad Feiock at Anderson County Career and Technical Center, who requested industrial 3D printers. Dallas Freeman at Clinton High School, who requested supplies for new science curriculum rotations. Carrie Giles at Oliver Springs High School, who requested a composting system for the special education program. Brandi Poore at Clinton Elementary School, who requested gardening supplies for a spring project. Timothy Vowell at Clinton High School, who requested a flight simulator program to spark JROTC cadets’ interest in an aviation career. Education Grant recipients were chosen from competitive proposals submitted by individual teachers in Anderson, Campbell, Morgan, Roane and Scott counties. For more information about this and other ORAU-supported programs in education, visit Education Grants | ORAU.

RSCC’s Kailee Rossman named TCCAA and NJCAA Runner of the Week

By BreAnna Robinson • 11 Sep, 2024
Freshman student-athlete Kailee Rossman started the cross country season with an incredible achievement as she was named the Tennessee Community College Athletic Association’s (TCCAA) and National Junior College Athletic Association’s (NJCAA) Runner of the Week in the first week of competition. The announcement came after Rossman’s stellar performance at the Walters State Cross Country Invitational, where she placed first in the women’s 5k individual event. Rossman’s final time of 23:30 was more than a minute faster than second place. “Kailee had an incredible day at the invitational, and we know we will see even more great things from her this year,” said David Lane, Roane State’s director of athletics. “Bringing home gold in her first meet with the Lady Raiders is truly something special.” The NJCAA announced its week one edition of the players of the week on August 28, 2024, covering the sports of cross country, football, soccer, and volleyball. Rossman is one of only two student-athletes from Tennessee to make the list in any sport for week one. Roane State competes in men’s, women’s, and team events in cross country. The college will host its invitational on the flagship Roane County Campus on September 13, 2024. Schedules, rosters, results, and regional standings for cross country are available at //roanestate.edu/mxc for the men’s team and //roanestate.edu/wxc for the women’s team.

Oak Ridge Electric rate to increase by 2% in October

By BreAnna Robinson • 11 Sep, 2024
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. (Aug. 30, 2024) – Oak Ridge Electric customers will notice an increase in their electric bills this October. Beginning October 1, a 2% local rate increase is set to go into effect. The Oak Ridge City Council approved the increase at its August meeting. It is now subject to final approval by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). “We estimate that it will increase the average monthly residential bill by $2 to $3,” City of Oak Ridge Electric Director Dave Cross said. “The rate will go into effect with meter readings beginning October 1, so roughly 30 days after that is when it will start appearing on bills.” The 2% increase is across the board – for both businesses and residential customers and is the first local rate increase since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes to the City of Oak Ridge Electric Department (CORED) disconnect and reconnect procedures and fees are also taking effect October 1: · Initial disconnection: $40 · Reconnection: $40 during normal business hours; if reconnection service is needed after hours, there is an additional $80 fee “The increases will bring our fees and rates more in line with other cities and utilities. While no one wants their electric bills to go up, we really need this increase to continue to provide a stable electrical grid for our residents,” Cross said. “Work is already underway replacing our aging infrastructure including changing aging poles and copper conductors, as well as work to our substations – all to increase reliability.” The 2% increase would be in combination with the 5.25% increase TVA’s Board of Directors approved on August 22. “In addition to the rates we pay TVA for energy, other costs have risen dramatically in the last few years. For example, transformers that cost $1,700 in 2018 are now costing more than $5,000,” Cross said. “That’s a more than 220% increase. Our more expensive transformers are almost $50,000 today and used to cost under $12,500.” CORED is concerned about the impact this may have on our residents and customers. The Utility Business Office (UBO) offers Budget Billing Plans for those who are eligible that would even out payments so monthly bills are more consistent. To be eligible for budget billing, the customer is encouraged to have a 12-month billing history, cannot have more than three late payments in the last 12 months, and must have a zero balance at the time of enrollment. For additional information about the City of Oak Ridge, see OakRidgeTN.gov or call the Utility Business Office at (865) 425-3400. For assistance, ADFAC can be reached at (865) 483-6028. For additional information about TVA, see TVA.com.

Oak Ridge Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event set for October

By BreAnna Robinson • 11 Sep, 2024
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. (Sept. 3, 2024) – The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Division of Solid Waste Management and Anderson County Solid Waste will host a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection event in Oak Ridge this October. Residents are encouraged to bring household hazardous waste, including lithium-ion batteries, cleaning fluids, pesticides, swimming pool chemicals, and more, to the Oak Ridge Public Works Department at 100 Woodbury Lane on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. “We really want to remind everyone that household hazardous waste materials should not be placed with regular garbage,” said Oak Ridge Fire Marshal Tony Grande. “Things like your leftover aerosol cans, paint strippers and thinners, and old medicines are considered flammable, toxic, reactive and/or corrosive and should be brought to this event to be disposed of properly.” TDEC will also accept automotive and marine products, home and lawn maintenance products as well as needles and sharps (in a puncture-proof container). Items not accepted include ammunition, explosives, paint, electronics, and any empty containers. No latex paint, oil, anti-freeze or electronics (BOPAE) will be accepted. Alkaline batteries will not be accepted and may be thrown away in the trash. For a full list of acceptable and unacceptable items, visit tn.gov/environment/hhw/what-to-bring. “When you’re transporting materials to our event, be sure to place containers away from children and pets – in sturdy boxes lined with something like newspaper or plastic to prevent spills inside your car,” Grande said. There is no cost or appointment necessary for household hazardous waste collection and a person does not have to live in Oak Ridge to participate. To dispose of hazardous waste from non-household sources such as businesses, schools, farms, and churches, please call (615) 643-3170 to request a price quote and schedule an appointment. For questions or more information, please contact Oak Ridge Public Works at (865) 425-1875 or visit OakRidgeTN.gov.

Y-12, Pantex honored as leaders in sustainable electronics procurement

By BreAnna Robinson • 11 Sep, 2024
Oak Ridge, Tenn.— Consolidated Nuclear Security (CNS) has been recognized as a 2024 EPEAT Purchaser Award winner , celebrating leaders in sustainable electronics procurement. The award comes from the Global Electronics Council (GEC), the non-profit organization that manages the EPEAT ecolabel. CNS operates the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas, for the National Nuclear Security Administration. EPEAT allows the two sites to efficiently address the lifecycle impacts of the electronics purchases, including computers, displays, printers, copiers, network equipment, mobile phones, servers, photovoltaic modules, inverters, and televisions. Recognized for purchases in four categories Y‑12 and Pantex were both recognized for purchasing sustainable electronic products in four categories. Y‑12 has received the award for every year since its inception in 2015, (2015–2023) with the exception of 2017 (8 out of 9 years). Pantex has received the award 4 years (2020–2023). As shown in the infographic prepared by GEC, Y-12’s purchases realized a cost savings in excess of $160,000. These purchases reduced greenhouse gases equivalent to taking 192 typical passenger vehicles off the road for a year. The energy saved is equivalent to the annual energy consumption of 278 average U.S. households. The infographic for Pantex acknowledges a cost savings in excess of $60,000 for purchasing sustainable electronic products. With these purchases, greenhouse gases equivalent to taking 17 typical passenger cars off the road for a year, and the energy savings is equivalent to the annual energy consumption of 10 average U.S. households. Reducing environmental impact “Knowing our sustainability efforts make a significant difference in the environmental impact of our operations is the ultimate reward,” said CNS Sustainability and Stewardship Manager Jan Jackson. “Having our efforts validated by the Global Electronics Council helps assure our communities that we are making progress in sustainability and stewardship of the sites.” By using EPEAT in purchasing contracts, vendors are required to only provide electronics that meet strict sustainability criteria. These products are more energy efficient, less toxic, longer lasting, and easier to recycle and also address labor and human rights issues along the entire supply chain. Buying these sustainable products minimizes the environmental impact of operations for both sites as they support their national security missions.
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