Moss speaks on Beacon Light situation


At the conclusion of Friday afternoon’s FAIR Committee meeting, Henderson City Manager Jerry Moss spoke to assembled council members regarding the current situation at Beacon Light Apartments.

The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently foreclosed on the subsidized, Section 8 housing complex, and is theoretically in the process of relocating tenants to other approved Section 8 housing.

Moss reported to members Garry Daeke, Lonnie Davis, Bobby Gupton, Mary Emma Evans, Elissa Yount, Lynn Harper, and Ranger Wilkerson that he had been “bombarded” with calls from council members and residents regarding Beacon Light. He said he was being called about what was going on what callers needed to do.

The city manager reported that in May there were 64 families living in Beacon Light, and as of Friday there were 33 or 34 families residing there, with three families scheduled to move that day.

Moss reported that he was in communication with HUD, Social Services, and Section 8 about the situation, and that he hoped to hear from HUD by Tuesday.

A meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. with HUD, Section 8, Social Services, and families residing at Beacon Light at the City Hall Council Chambers regarding the situation to address concerns.

Moss emphasized that the city has no hand in the Beacon Light situation other than trying to help. He expressed the opinion that residents should be offered credit councilling. He noted that some had been living in the complex so long that they did not know how to purchase appliances or manage money in general.

The manager reported that he has been trying to obtain funds for movers and utility and rent deposits. He also informed those present that he has been working with HUD and Bill Owens from Franklin-Vance-Warren Opportunities, and Social Services to set a meeting up.

Bill Owens has only assigned two houses to Beacon Light families, Moss reported. Many have chosen to move out of the complex on their own. The Section 8 vouchers that families are issued do not always cover the entire cost of the rent of dwellings that families may wish to rent.

The complex has been the scene of looting and widespread criminal mischief since the foreclosure took place. One vacant building was the scene of a recent arson.

In May, Moss had reported that the city published a flier and began distributing it to Beacon Light residents in an effort to help with the transition, but that HUD had directed the city to cease the distribution.

Council member Garry Daeke clarified, “So one issue is affordable Section 8 housing.”

Moss went on to inform members that there is only one Section 8 inspector for Vance County. He reported that Owen said more inspectors would be brought in if the situation warrented.

Daeke commented that when Beacon Light was empty, there would be another issue.