No evictions at Timberline
By Arthur McLean Editor

A report published in the Dec. 6 issue of The Thomasville Times regarding some residents of Timberline Apartments contained factual errors.

The report stated that a number of residents had been evicted from the property during its change to an income restricted housing complex. No residents have been evicted during the property's change.

"An eviction is an ugly legal process," said John Norwood, Timberline manager. "But we could not renew their leases."

Recently, the investors in the Timberline property sought federal tax credits to perform a major rehabilitation of the property. The process also requires Timberline to put in place income limits that allow for low-income residents according to federal guidelines.

Those tenants with incomes above the federally mandated limits cannot have their leases renewed. "Even if I tried, the USDA would reject the renewals," Norwood said.

A letter informing those tenants with incomes above the federal limits was sent out in April. A second letter was sent to each tenant 122 days before each tenant's lease was due to expire, said Andy Davis with Apartment Services, the company that manages Timberline.

"These credits will provide much needed work for a 20- year-old property," Norwood said. Davis echoed those comments, saying the money would restore the property and create a better living environment for those living there.

"We are doing this project to enhance the livability of the property for the tenants," Davis said.

Income limits put in place for the property are based on federal statistics for the average median family income in Clarke County. The limits set for residency are $18,960 per year for an individual up to $27,120 for a family of four.

"The old Section 8 housing is going away," Norwood said. "This system is designed to give people a leg up. Those are good tenants, and I hate to lose them, but we have to abide by the rules set in place for us."

The Times regrets the errors made in the previous report.

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