Peoplestown residents Mattie Jackson, Robert and Bertha Darden and Tanya Washington said they have been fighting for more than six years to save their homes from the city of Atlanta’s exercise of eminent domain and its plans to build a park and pond where their houses stand.
According to a press release, Atlanta councilmembers recently proposed an ordinance directing the city’s Law Department to withdraw the lawsuits against the Peoplestown residents.
In an April meeting with Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, the Dardens, their family and their engineer the engineer provided a workaround plan, based on data the city provided in its discovery responses that would achieve flood mitigation goals and allow Peoplestown residents to remain in their homes.
On Sept. 10 The Utilities Committee voted unanimously for the ordinance.
The Dardens and Washington palan to attend the next committee meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 24 to ask City Council members to vote for the legislation.
The residents of Peoplestown and their supporters will hold a rally and press conference 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24 at City Hall to demonstrate their optimism that all parties will be satisfied with the conclusion of events.
About the Author
