Mayor Knox addresses Section 8 Housing concern at Coffee with the Mayor Thursday

A large crowd gathered Thursday morning for coffee and conversation with Nevada Mayor George Knox. Mayor Knox answered questions pertaining to Section 8 housing concerns, derelict houses/vehicles, and the City's newly approved AMI water meter system.

Photo by Sarah Haney | Daily Mail Editor

A decent sized crowd gathered Thursday morning to have coffee and a discussion about City of Nevada issues with Mayor George Knox.

A highlighted topic that has been heavily discussed on social media was a newsletter that was distributed to tenants at Nevada Heights Apartments. The complex was recently purchased by Renown Realty LLC.

According to the circulated newsletter, the new owners "will be making some upgrades to the property with a rental rate increase starting on Aug. 1, 2022."

The newsletter further stated that, "If you are on Nevada Housing Section 8 or West Central assistance, you will still be getting assistance with them until your lease ends" and then, "your lease will not be renewed."

"A company that's buying current Section 8 housing does not have to continue the Section 8 housing," noted Mayor Knox.

The newsletter also mentioned that the complex will no longer have a laundry facility on the complex and that area will be turned into storage. It went on to state that if a tenant's dishwasher quits, the owners will not be replacing or repairing the appliance.

"It's sad. The City has no involvement in it and we can't change it," stated Mayor Knox. He also noted that the Nevada/Vernon County Chamber of Commerce has nothing to do with the situation, as well.

"Their argument on the laundry side is that there is a laundromat on the other side of town and that each apartment has washer and dryer hook-ups," noted Economic Developer Ben Vickers. "Because a private entity is in control of it, the City has no say. There is nothing we can do other than try to build a relationship with them."