Neighbors complain of abandoned property

ATLANTA — Neighbors say a community eyesore is back, years after the apartment complex was torn down because of safety concerns.
 
"There was the expectation when this was torn down that there would be something to benefit the community to be put in place," said neighbor Stacey Hopkins.
 
Hopkins was instrumental in getting the abandoned Wishing Well Apartments torn down. The property is located on Waters Road in southwest Atlanta. The site was becoming an illegal dumping ground and a safety concern in 2011.

In November 2011, Atlanta city code enforcement demolished the building, whose owners proved tough to track down.  Now neighbors contend the problems are back.
 
"People are dumping in there again. The grass has grown so high. It's a nuisance because there are snakes back there -- mosquitoes and raccoons," said Kelly Pickens, whose home is right next to the abandoned property.  

The gate surrounding the property is also unsecured, and Channel 2's Rachel Stockman spotted several pieces of furniture being dumped and trash on the property.
 
Pickens is trying to galvanize neighbors to create a community garden. Several other neighbors suggested a park or playground.
 
"No one is doing anything with it and we need a park or something field so we can have somewhere to play," said Quintez Kamp, 13, who lives in the neighborhood.
 
"This is bringing down property values. Who would want to live by a neighborhood with dilapidated properties like this," Hopkins said.

Channel 2 Action news has not been able to track down the owners of the property.

WSBTV