Moon Towers fence considered
Tenant says vandalism becoming a problem
Wednesday, November 1, 2006
GALESBURG - The Knox County Housing Authority discussed future improvements to its Galesburg and Abingdon properties during a meeting Tuesday.A request to install a fence around Moon Towers in Galesburg generated the most conversation, as the commissioners debated whether or not it was needed.
A tenant liaison wrote a letter to the commissioners citing recent vandalism as an impetus for enclosing the property in a 4-foot high fence.
"I think it would deter people (from trespassing)," said Gwendola Hall, the Moon Tower resident who submitted the letter.
Hall has been living in the complex for about one year and said her car was parked under a light in the lot one night and someone shattered a window.
Dale Parsons, a commissioner who lives in the building, said the housing authority should consider the request. In the 16 years he's lived there, he's been mugged, approached by panhandlers, and had his car vandalized.
Not all commissioners were on board with the proposal, estimated to cost more than $45,000.
"To me, this fence is isolating the property from the community," said chairman Lomac Payton.
Payton said the personal safety of residents hasn't been threatened. He hasn't completely nixed the suggestion and asked Don Tomlin, executive director, to return to the board with more specific estimates.
The fence would be a basic aluminum or steel fence with sharp points and wouldn't include brick pillars and gates, which would drive up the price.
Paul Stewart, a board member, said the board should approve the request.
"I think it's important to listen to the tenant council," Stewart said. "They live here."
The board members also received a breakdown of 2007 capital projects, which include $900,000 in elevator repairs to the Bluebell and Moon towers properties. The elevators, smoke detector replacement, roof repairs and other projects will cost more than $1.2 million.
