The Fayette County Housing Authority has been granted permission to demolish 255 of its least-desirable housing units over the next five years.
"In this case, demolition is progress," said executive director Thomas Harkless.
Portions of Bierer Wood Acres, Dunlap Creek Village, Lemon Wood Acres and Snowden Terrace will be razed after environmental assessments and other measures are completed.
The demolition allows the authority to meet demand more closely, trimming its recent 20 percent vacancy rate.
Harkless said remaining units will be refurbished or redesigned to maintain fewer efficiency-style units and more two- and three-bedroom accommodations.
Bierer Wood Acres, in South Union Township, has 200 units and was opened in 1943. Dunlap Creek Village in Redstone Township was opened in 1954 and has 100 units. Lemon Wood Acres, in North Union Township, was opened in 1952 with 150 units, and Snowden Terrace in Brownsville opened in 1962 and has 70 units.
