CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The City of Clarksville’s Neighborhood and Community Services Department is planning a public meeting to provide information and receive community feedback on a proposed property acquisition at 1485 Golf Club Lane to create a community services facility.

The city is considering the acquisition of the property on Golf Club Lane for $400,000 using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. “The proposed acquisition and use of this property aligns with the goals of the CDBG program, which is intended to support viable communities by providing decent housing, suitable living environments, and expanded economic opportunities – primarily for low- to -moderate-income residents,” said a statement from city spokesman Casey Williams.

The site, which is the former home of Tabernacle Church, is being evaluated for use as a community services facility, focused on addressing key gaps identified in Clarksville, including:

  • Case management services for at-risk families, seniors and other vulnerable residents, to include housing navigation and financial independence.
  • Affordable childcare services, identified as a critical need for family self-sufficiency.
  • Additional supportive services to be determined based on community need and input.
  • The site will also be used to provide Severe Weather Shelter operations, offering temporary, life-saving overnight accommodations during extreme weather conditions only.

“By investing in case management, access to affordable childcare, and targeted emergency response, this project is designed to support housing stability, workforce participation, and long-term self-sufficiency, consistent with federal program objectives,” Williams said.

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The meeting is intended to provide residents, nearby stakeholders and community members with clear information about the proposed use of the property, while gathering input prior to further action. They also said this site is not proposed as a full-time shelter.

The meeting is set for May 13, at 5:30 p.m., at 1485 Golf Club Lane.

‘We’re seeing case management as a huge gap’

Neighborhood and Community Services Department Director Michelle Austin told Clarksville Now she’s confident people will have questions about what the nature of the site will be.

“We provided a small outline of what those services would be, but we want to show the true picture and even portray some of those conversations that happen during case management and housing navigation, so people can see some of the real-life solutions that can be found during those moments,” Austin said.

“Through our Canopy Initiative, we’re currently going through a 100-day challenge where we’re identifying the service providers in the community, what they can provide, and we’re seeing case management as a huge gap.”

She said this proposal isn’t just about getting people into housing but also ensuring community members have solutions to stay in housing. “So that way they can have financial education to continue to thrive in that new home that people have worked so hard to get them into,” she said. One half of the building is already in use for Urban Ministries programming.

Austin encourages residents to attend the meeting to meet her and her team, while also building trust throughout the process.

“There are probably going to be services provided here that are open to anyone. So, not just for those people that are unhoused, or at risk of losing their housing, but those in need of help with family stability, whatever that looks like.”

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