LAST WEEK: WHAT SHOULD DEKALB DO WITH DERELICT APARTMENT COMPLEXES?
Rundown apartment complexes like Creekside Forest Apartment Homes, just off Interstate 20, have become a serious s blight on DeKalb County. The owner of Creekside, who was cited for code violations in July, has agreed to turn the battered, vacant leasing office over to officials to use as a service center to assist residents in finding new housing. And police recently were on hand with armed security guards who said they were tossing squatters.
With county officials wanting to move forward with development and attract new businesses, these types of structures hinder that progress.
We asked you what should the county do about the problem. Here are some responses:
Here's a crazy idea: enforce the current codes. Start issuing fines and possibly liens. Either the property owners will fix the problems, pay up or have their property seized by the county and sold at auction. Use the fine and auction proceeds to pay code enforcement salaries. If the county takes a hard line against absentee slum lords, it could make a huge difference. — Classics Brian
Sell the apartments to people who will invest in them and to hell with absentee landlords. If a person can't afford to properly clean up and renovate the apartment they don't get it . They must be able to invest . — Doris Stewart
Consistently hold those accountable that cause the destruction, the crime, the litter and the vandalism. It's not always someone else fault, it's the ones that repeatedly destroy everything that should be held accountable. — Beth Suber
All they're going to do is find another way to beat the system. So sick of these losers always destroying communities. No one should have to deal with them in any community. — Linda Hutchins
There isn't [much] safe affordable housing in the area. Affordable housing seems to be a hotbed for crime and attracts some undesirable individuals. — Angela Watson
In recent weeks, the AJC has reported on Gwinnett County’s challenge to hire and retain police officers. Gwinnett has hired 65 police officers but lost 75 to other police departments, retirement or are leaving police work entirely.
Many are lured into nearby counties where salaries are more competitive, sometimes by as much as $10,000 or more, said Gwinnett Police Chief Butch Ayers. Gwinnett Sheriff Butch Conway also reports trouble hiring and retaining officers.
But at the local level, city police departments feel they have less retention trouble.
“Our pay is pretty good and we offer a very good benefits package,” said Lawrenceville Police Chief Randy Johnson. “The city reviews salaries regularly to keep us competitive.”
“We are very fortunate to have strong support from our elected officials who adequately fund our department to allow for higher salaries and better benefits as compared to other agencies in the area,” said Lilburn Police Chief Bruce Hedley.
Lawrenceville employees, including all police officers and their dependents, receive healthcare insurance paid entirely by the city. Continuing education tuition costs are also reimbursed fully.
Either way, most police officers find themselves working second jobs providing security or traffic control to supplement their incomes.
But other municipalities across the country offer incentives such as allowing officers to take cruisers home, housing subsidies, athletic club memberships, etc. Do you think any of these perks would keep law enforcement working for Gwinnett County? Or are there other ways to attract and retain a good police force? Send comments to communitynews@ajc.com.
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