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'Where am I going to go?' Residents on fixed incomes given 60 days to vacate

ATLANTA — Many residents living at The Darlington in Buckhead are angry and frustrated.

They told Channel 2 Action News they recently got a notice saying they must vacate the premises located on Peachtree Road in 60 days due to upcoming renovations.

"Where am I going to go?" one tenant asked.

It's the question hundreds of people are asking, especially since most of the residents cannot afford to live in another high-rise in the area.

"I have to save up money and try to find a place to stay. Hopefully, you know, I can get an apartment," Elliot Washington said.

Washington said he found the letter on his front door last Thursday, stating that residents must move out of the building by Oct. 17.

"I don't feel like that's enough time," Washington said.

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Under Georgia law, the owners of the property only have to give tenants 30 days to vacate.

Channel 2's Nefertiti Jaquez checked and the language is clearly laid out in the residents' lease agreement under paragraph 25.

"It's just a mess," Washington said.

Washington and the other residents who live in the more than 600 units that make up the complex told Channel 2 Action News they are angry because the complex is the only affordable one in Buckhead.

The renters Jaquez spoke with are all on fixed or low incomes, paying no more than $650 to live in one of the most expensive ZIP codes in Atlanta.

"I work down the street as well, so I have to try to find something that's close to my job," Washington said.

Adding to their frustration, many said management showed no compassion after giving them the notice.

Jaquez tried to speak with the property manager before she pulled out of the parking lot Wednesday.

"I would be more than happy to discuss this with you, but I will have to refer you to my corporate office to give you more information," she said.