FRANKLIN
In hopes of additional funding for renovations, the Franklin City Council voted to certify that the Berkley Court Apartments complex is a revitalization area.

Philip Page Jr., executive director of the Franklin Redevelopment and Housing Authority, said the classification would not have any impact on areas outside of the apartment complex in the area.

Renovations are ongoing for Berkley Court’s 75 units, with an original $4.5 million price tag. During the work, discoveries were made for additional improvements that FRHA would like to add to the project. Page said renovations would be minor in cost compared to the original price tag.

The authority is seeking to improve the drainage in the area by grading for a superior run-off; higher-end CO2 detectors for the units; better signage; better insulation for energy efficiency; and metering costs for solar panels.

This classification will allow Page to seek tax credits through the Virginia Housing Development Authority, which will help the city obtain more money for further renovations.

The original project started about a year and a half ago and is anticipated to be complete by the end of August.

Council’s vote was 5-1, with Ward 3’s Greg McLemore voting nay and Ward 6’s Frank Rabil being absent due to the death of his father, Fred Rabil.