The landlord's been wanted for a month, charged with failing to appear in court to answer to 338 code violations at his crumbling, crime-addled complex off I-20.
But Chester Meisel, owner of Creekside Forest Apartment Homes, could soon appear.
He's sent word to the DeKalb County solicitor's office, saying he may attend court on Tuesday. He has no hearing scheduled but said he may drop by anyway, according to the solicitors office.
If he does, it would be the latest twist in a complex tale of the apartment community that only seems to become more complex.
DeKalb officials have been aware of problems for some time. Many of the units have been taken over by squatters and vandals, the grounds strewn with trash.
Residents say the leasing office was abandoned months ago and some units are without water or electricity.
County officials said Meisel was cooperating with efforts to straighten up, until he didn't show to court.
The judge issued the bench warrant with a $338,000 bond.
The solicitors office couldn't immediately offer an opinion this week of what will happen if Meisel shows up at court Tuesday.
Even in Meisel's absence, county officials have vowed to help the complex. By this week, seven "households" have been relocated, DeKalb spokesman Andrew Cauthen said.
At last count, 174 people were living at Creekside Forest, he added.
Help is coming from local charities and churches including: Decatur Cooperative Ministry, New Life Church, Hope Atlanta Travelers Aid and PATH Team.
