Although members of a Johnson City board expressed frustration at the pace of plans review, city staff say they’re maintaining a dialogue with representatives of the Haven of Mercy homeless
Cumberland County toddler out of ICU, community stepping up to help family
1-year-old Samuel Neal moved out of the ICU Wednesday. The Cumberland County community is still supporting him nonstop with fundraisers, donations and prayers. Author: Katie Inman Updated: 7:16 PM EDT May 12, 2021
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Tenn. Samuel Nearly, the Cumberland County toddler who nearly drowned in a pond on May 1, is out of the intensive care unit.
According to a post on Facebook from his parents, the 1-year-old is now considered in fair and stable condition at East Tennessee Children s Hospital. He is off the ventilator and doctors are monitoring his eating and eyesight.
As city staff review sealed drawings from an architect outlining repairs, the Haven of Mercy homeless shelter will continue to operate at a reduced capacity of at most 35 residents.
Members of the Johnson City Board of Dwelling Standards voted 3-1 Thursday to continue consideration of the building at 123 W. Millard St. to their May meeting. Member Dave Jenny voted in opposition, and Jennifer Hyder abstained.
âThere is work going on on the plans as requested,â said Vice Chair Gwen Hunter, explaining her motion to continue. âThatâs been progress, and weâve really not been given any new information.â
In January, the board found that conditions exist at the shelter that increase the risk of fire and injury and ordered the building repaired.
David Floyd
Hunter said that itâs important the Haven gets the proper permits to conduct the work, because âI would hate to see the owner put a lot of expense into doing work that ultimately does not meet the code.â
Haven of Mercy attorney Devon Muse said the shelter has contracted several companies to conduct the work, namely Newman Heating and Air, Blaser Engineering and GTL Construction, among others.
âThis also goes to show that steps have been taken, and are being taken,â Muse said after providing members of the board with documents showing the shelter has received quotes for the work needed from the aforementioned companies. Muse later added âweâve submitted these (documents) so that the board can see these and see that, even from the licensed professionals involved, that steps have been taken â theyâre being taken.â