What has DeKalb done to fight blight?

Colorful barriers to keep illegal dumpers away from isolated property are just one way DeKalb County is trying to stop blight.

Credit: Mark Niesse

Credit: Mark Niesse

Colorful barriers to keep illegal dumpers away from isolated property are just one way DeKalb County is trying to stop blight.

DeKalb County is touting achievements in fighting blight.

This year, the county said employees have removed more than 5,600 tons of debris, litter and illegally dumped material from more than 3,500 miles of roadway. More than 20 illegal dumping sites have also been cleared and barricaded. By the end of the year, the county expects to have addressed more than 80 dilapidated properties, either demolishing or removing vegetation and securing the property.

CEO Mike Thurmond is asking residents to help in the fight.

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“DeKalb employees have made tremendous progress toward improving the health and safety of county roads and neighborhoods,” said Thurmond. “This is not a task we can accomplish alone; we need citizens, businesses, and civic and church groups to show pride in their communities and get involved in eliminating litter and illegal dumping.”

DeKalb residents can learn more about participation in the efforts through Keep DeKalb Beautiful.

To learn more, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/kdb, email kdb@dekalbcountyga.gov or call 404-294-2010.

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