DeKalb may sue over run-down condos
DeKalb County may go to court to seek permission to clean up a blighted and derelict condominium complex known for squatters, drugs and gangs.
The county government is considering asking a judge to declare the common areas of Brannon Hill condos a public nuisance after hearing complaints from the community.
A ruling in DeKalb’s favor would give it the authority to remove trash, clear overgrowth and prevent insect or animal infestations at the condominums, located off Memorial Drive near Clarkston High.
County commissioners plan to vote next Tuesday on whether to file suit in DeKalb Superior Court.
“This is a tremendously positive step forward for DeKalb County to address such a problem that’s been going on for years,” said Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton, who formed a task force about a year ago to find solutions to the complex’s problems.
DeKalb’s government so far hasn’t been able to take action to clean up the area because the legal responsibility for code violations lies with property owners, many of whom are difficult to find and hold accountable.
Brannon Hill is a 368-unit complex that was built in 1973, but many structures have burned down over the years. More than 100 people still live in the community.
“We have been prohibited by law from going in to pick up the debris and tear down the units,” said Interim DeKalb CEO Lee May. “We believed we’ve built up a strong case that we can file in the courts. We hope we will be successful so the county can go in and try to address some of these issues.”
May said he doesn’t want to set a precedent of having the county government take care of problems that should be addressed by property owners. That’s why the county would file the lawsuit before it moves ahead at Brannon Hill.
“We don’t want all the taxpayers to assume the responsibility for a small group that has not maintained their responsibilities and obligations to the community,” May said.
About the Author
Mark Niesse is an enterprise reporter and covers elections and Georgia government for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and is considered an expert on elections and voting. Before joining the AJC, he worked for The Associated Press in Atlanta, Honolulu and Montgomery, Alabama. He also reported for The Daily Report and The Santiago Times in Chile.
