Residents say they’re being forced out of their Cobb County homes after investors renovated building

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — It’s a tough decision renters living at the Avenida North Apartment Complex in Cobb County say they’re having to make.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

“I have only two choices leave this property next month or move to another remodeled one, which is (one) I can’t afford,” said renter Mazia Gholizes.

Renters told Channel 2′s Ashli Lincoln that they received a 30-day eviction notice last week. The notice came after investors renovated the units with plans of leasing them at a higher price.

Tim Clarke, a resident at the property for 12 years said, “They’re just in it for the money.”

Clarke, who receives social security, and his neighbor, Elizabeth Hillis, who’s on a housing voucher, say they have nowhere to go.

TRENDING STORIES:

• 64-year-old mother stabs son to death in DeKalb County, police say
• Man arrested for exposing himself in front of child at Cobb Walmart. Again.
• Savannah Chrisley says mother’s prison treats dogs better than inmates, dad’s hair is gray

Lincoln spoke with a manager on the property, who said she couldn’t answer questions. However, the manager forwarded the questions to their corporate office. Channel 2 Action News is waiting to hear back.

Atlanta Legal Aid says this is a growing problem across the metro as affordable housing and low-income options dwindle.

Georgia lawmakers have been discussing long-term options to increase affordable housing.

The House of Representatives, Study Committee on Regulation, Affordability, and Access to Housing reports that Georgia cities are 40% to 57% below the 2019 national supply.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has been aggressively increasing affordable housing.

In 2022, the city created nearly 1,800 housing units, with 4,000 more under construction.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN OTHER NEWS:

4-month-old baby safe after 13-year-old girl steals car with him inside, deputies say

©2022 Cox Media Group