DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — They’re views and conditions renters living at Scenic 2505 apartments on Columbia Drive in DeKalb County say are anything but scenic.
“I would just like to be treated fairly,” renter Aretta Hutchinson said.
Channel 2 Action News was first to report in 2022 when the property formerly known as The Forest at Columbia Apartments gave tenants a 30-day notice to move out after a new investor purchased the property to rehab.
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Our coverage sparked protests and some tenants were allowed to stay while renovations were ongoing.
“At my spot I have rats, big rats,” Thomas Bittle said.
Renter Isaiah Keys told Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Ashli Lincoln he was expecting to be moved into a new unit once renovations were complete.
“I understand that they can’t do it while we’re in here,” he said.
But renters like Aretta Hutchinson say they stayed with the hopes of moving into newly renovated units.
“I wanted to get my children out of these harsh living,” she said.
Renters showed us images of several rats inside the units and holes in the walls from where rats have eaten their way in.
Renters say they’re also dealing with insect infestation.
Hutchinson showed Lincoln her arms and legs displaying several bite marks Hutchinson says are from bed bugs and fleas.
“Me and my children have numerous marks on our skin,” she said.
Channel 2 Action News went by the leasing office on Monday.
An employee closed the blinds and refused to open the door.
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Records from the Georgia Secretary of State office show the complex is owned by 4373 Glenwood LLC based in Hollywood, Florida.
Management told Channel 2 Action News last year their goal was to rid this property of blight and crime.
We reached out to Dekalb County code enforcement to check for any violations regarding this property.
The county says they are currently reviewing our request.
Lincoln received word back from property management Monday evening. They say they have a process on how they’re transferring renters from the old units to the new ones and plan on giving a walk-through tour of the new units to Channel 2 Action News.
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