Neighbors ‘thrilled' to see dilapidated condo building torn down

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Crews are working to tear down a dilapidated condo building that's been a nuisance for years.

Neighbors said they are thrilled to see crews take it down.

Large dump trucks were at the Brannon Hill Condominiums in Clarkson on Thursday.

Residents told Channel 2's Lori Wilson that this has been a long time coming.

The Brannon Hills community has been in the news for arsons, bodies being found there, drugs and even trash that just sits on the property leading to health hazards.

That’s why DeKalb officials brought heavy equipment to tear down the 108 units that are considered blighted.

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The units have been vacated, abandoned or burned out creating a haven for illegal activity and sub-par living conditions for the residents, many of whom have lived there for several years.

"Now that we see something is going on, people do care. We're flabbergasted at the fact that something is happening now," said resident Lance Williams.

As residents looked on at the demolition, they told Wilson they are filled with hope for a safe place to live and raise their families. One that's free of what health workers call unsafe conditions. Tires and trash that hold water, a breeding ground for mosquitoes that could carry West Nile and fleas.

CEO Michael Thurmond said he knows what it’s like to live and teach the children in a community like this and that’s today is an important day for him.

“We are Brannon Hills, and ultimately you will judge, we will judge the quality of life in DeKalb, by the quality of life in some of our most challenged communities,” Thurmond said.

Cox Media Group