CLARKSVILLE, Mo. — The not-for-profit North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC) is finding new residences for 26 families of the Clarksville Estates apartments as a precaution after an inspection revealed rusting support beams at the 47-year-old complex.

NECAC acted immediately after the agency’s property management director found the concern. An inspection was done by a professional engineer, who recommended residents be moved.

As of mid-afternoon Thursday, NECAC had found other accommodations for seven of the 26 families and was working to find places for the rest. Accommodations will be provided until more permanent housing can be secured. Residents should have minimal to no cost for moving expenses.

NECAC and USDA Rural Development representatives met with residents Thursday morning and provided documentation that gives them priority to rent at other USDA-financed apartment complexes.

Clarksville Estates was financed in 1973 by Rural Development on the southwest corner of First and Lewis streets adjacent to Clarksville Riverfront Park and Lock and Dam 24. There are 31 apartments, with a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units. The site has withstood many floods by the Mississippi River, the worst of which came in 1993. The last flood was in 2019, when water got into the courtyard.

NECAC took over as general partner and manager of the facility from the former general partner and manager in January 2009 as part of an agreement that included five other apartment complexes.

A decision on the fate of Clarksville Estates has not been made.