Anthony Cloud
Staff Writer
A major renovation project at the Wilderness Trail Manor in Pineville has created some concerns among residents on being relocated temporarily, but a company official says choices are offered to allow residents to select the best option for their needs.
According to Jennifer Cloud, a spokesperson for the Monroe Group overseeing the renovation process, there are $50,000 worth of property improvements being completed to each unit of the building — referred to by many as the High Rise Apartments.
Cloud confirmed residents are being relocated temporarily to allow for the work to proceed.
She said residents had the choice of moving in with family or being placed at a motel. She would not specify the motel the company would use for this option. In addition, she stated residents would receive a stipend during their relocation and all necessary accommodations would be met.
Amounts of each stipend are determined by different criteria, according to Cloud.
She said the residents were overwhelmingly happy with the renovation procedure.
However, 21-year Wilderness Trail Manor resident Brenda Helton said she believes many residents are upset with the procedure.
“A lot of them are scared they will lose their home if they speak up,” said Helton “They are more scared now than ever.”
Helton’s main concern with the relocation process is the well-being of the elderly people who are having to relocate, stating many of them do not have family to assist them.
According to Helton, money spent for moving would not be reimbursed because they were notified to pack up their possessions and leave them in their apartments.
Helton was also upset with the stipend some people will be receiving. She claims people moving to the hotel are receiving only $20 a week.
“You can’t live on $20 a week,” said Helton.
Helton also claims she has been through three renovations , noting she has never had to leave the apartment complex. She claims they just moved the residents to different apartments during renovations.
According to Jack Fletcher, the son of Brenda Helton, the procedure may take up to eight weeks to complete before residents are allowed back into their apartments.
Anthony Cloud can be reached via email at acloud@civitasmedia.com or by phone at 606-248-1010, ext. 208.
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