Highlands Secures Final Grant For Redbud Village Housing
Some $600,000 in grant funding will help begin construction on Redbud Village, a 20-unit development for those homeless or near homeless. Highlands Residential Services Executive Director Chris Cassetty said the project has been in development for approximately three years while the agency worked to secure multiple funding sources. Cassetty said the recent Tennessee Housing Trust […]
Highlands Residential Magnolia Ridge Awaits Tax Decision
Highlands Residential Services is awaiting a decision on a tax credit application submitted for the Magnolia Ridge housing development. Executive Director Chris Cassetty said the application was submitted to the Tennessee Housing Development Agency at the beginning of April. “We had an update on Magnolia Ridge, but it’s basically just that the tax credit application […]
West Victory View Speed Limit Slowed To 30 MPH
The speed limit on West Victory View Drive will be reduced to 30 mph after a decision by Putnam County Commissioners. Chairman Chris Cassetty introduced the measure following a recommendation from the road committee and a formal petition from citizens living along the route. The action addresses long-standing concerns regarding the high speeds allowed on […]
HRS Approves 2026 Budgets, Despite Facing Concerns
The Highlands Residential Services Board of Directors approved its proposed 2026 fiscal year budget Thursday, but with reservations. The budgets included all of the facilities in the housing authority. Highlands Residential Executive Director Chris Cassetty said the 2026 budget is projecting an estimated $210,000 to the good. That would be a $90,000 drop from 2025. […]
Highlands Forms 2026 Annual Agency, Capital Fund Plan
Highlands Residential Services wants to transition public housing into more multi-family housing as part of its annual plan. Executive Director Chris Cassetty said the annual agency plan is submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) every year. Cassetty said the plan lays out the goal of transitioning public housing into multi-family […]
Residents Worried About Burning, Traffic At Waste Facility
Several residents spoke during a Putnam County Commission Public Hearing against the expansion of a solid waste facility on CC Camp Road, concerned about traffic and emissions. Novastus takes recyclable materials from waste and converts it to fuel. The company wants to expand its current facility. Jennifer Willis directs a rehabilitation program for those battling […]
Highlands Residential Misses Tax Credits For 2nd Year
Highlands Residential’s Magnolia Ridge Project missed out on federal tax credits for the second straight year. Johnson City received the credits. Highland Residential Services viewed the Tri Cities as a potential competitor several months ago. Executive Director Chris Cassetty labeled the results for the past two years unlucky. “We’ve just fallen a little short,” Cassetty […]
Cassetty Named Highlands Residential Services Director
Chris Cassetty said the chance to lead Highlands Residential Services led him out of retirement. Cassetty was the Director of Operations at Highlands until he retired. Cassetty said there seemed to be mutual interest on his return between him and the HRS Board. Cassetty said the board viewed him as “plug and play,” which makes […]
Putnam Budget Committee Approves Nonprofit Funding
The Putnam County Budget Committee approved charitable donations and funding for non-profits in next year’s budget, but not without pushback from some committee members. The non-profit funding request totaled some $97,100. Commissioner Vinnie Faccinto made the motion to postpone approval until after a decision was made on employee raises. Faccinto said he did not feel […]
Putnam Budget Committee Deliberating COLA Method
The Putnam County Budget Committee deciding on how to give a cost of living adjustment to employees in the new fiscal year during Monday’s meeting. Budget Committee Chair Ben Rodgers said Putnam County currently offers employees a step raise, which is meant to keep up with cost of living. Rodgers said in years past, the […]
