Fair Oaks Structures Coming Down, VHA Looks to Future

Demolition is getting underway for about 50 percent of the structures at the Fair Oaks Housing Complex, along Fairchild on Danville’s East Side.  Vermilion Housing Authority Executive Director Jaclyn Vinson says the decentralization efforts of the VHA when it comes to Fair Oaks have been to make things much better with more room for those who will live there from here on, and get those who will not a new place to live.  Vinson says, the latter has been been taken care of.

AUDIO: At this point and time all the families have been relocated here.  We’re taking 14 buildings down, 102 units of Fair Oaks.  What we plan for Fair Oaks after this demolition project is complete is upgrading the buildings that remain, investing in infrastructure, investing in modern day amenities.

Danville Mayor Rickey Willaims, Jr says giving everyone more room, and a better livelihood, is absolutely the way to go.

AUDIO: I think we’ve learned, unfortunately, over the last several decades that piling people in one area is not good for anyone, most importantly the people that we serve.  This effort to deconcentrate Fair Oaks that’s been led by Director Vinson and her board I think is great.  It’s going to mean new opportunities for the people here, but I think it’s also going to improve the quality of life for those who live here.

And of course, there’s a lot of memories and nostalgia as this project moves along.  Monty Schroder has worked grounds and building inspections for the Vermilion Housing Authority for the last 15 years.  But more importantly, his connection to East Danville goes back his entire life.

AUDIO: I’ve lived in the east end of Danville all my life; road my bicycle up and down Fowler Street many times going to the Illini Swimming Pool; growing up with the boys and girls that lived here.  I’m trying to hold back the tears, because it’s…it’s a big  undertaking.  And I appreciate Jaclyn for all the work she’s done on it.  It’s a big deal. 

And as Vinson told Linda Bolton during a News Makers program in December,  essentially everything east of Wakely is coming down at Fair Oaks; with future plans for things like greenspace, solar installations, and playgrounds.