By Amanda Hara
FRANKLIN, Tenn. - Bulldozers spent Thursday at Franklin's oldest public housing project tearing down some 22 buildings to make way for a bigger and better campus.
For more than 50 years, the homes around Redding Street have been filled with low income families.
Shirley Chunn was one of the last people to leave.
"I got everything packed and just ready to go," she said.
The Franklin Housing Authority moved everyone to temporary homes while they bulldoze the old units and make way for newer and bigger buildings.
"When I see this happen I see us making those things come true," said Jackson.
For two years, Derwin Jackson has been working to tear down these WWII era homes.
Thousands have lived in the units, and even more will live here in the future, when new homes and apartments are built.
Capacity will more than double once a senior tower and family homes are complete.
In the meantime, Shirley Chunn doesn't mind the quiet. But after seven years in the same place, she's excited for something new.
44 units will be demolished, but 112 new units will be built in their place.
The new senior tower will take about a year to finish. The housing authority will then start looking for funding to complete nearby homes.
In addition to low cost housing, the project will also provide job training and GED help to encourage residents to become self-sufficient.
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