ATLANTA — Neighbors are upset with an English Avenue neighborhood eyesore that is controlled by Invest Atlanta, the city's economic development authority.
"The city is going around citing other people for code violations and we find out the city owns this property," said Michael Pitkins, a longtime English Avenue resident.
The property on James P. Brawley Drive was purchased by Invest Atlanta in March, according to property deed records.
Neighbors report little has been done to maintain it. On Wednesday, there were overgrown weeds, a broken fence, garbage and exposed windows on the abandoned property.
Rick Warren, who Mayor Kasim Reed considers one of the city's worst code offenders, tipped off Channel 2's Rachel Stockman to the story. Warren believes there is a double standard in play here.
"I think there is. I think it speaks for itself and it is hard to understand," Warren told Rachel Stockman.
The city has focused much of their attention in cleaning up the dilapidated area.
"Although we have not been cited nor have any fines been imposed, today Invest Atlanta is clearing the overgrowth and securing 356 James P. Brawley Drive. This is the first property in Invest Atlanta's own portfolio associated with our initiative to redevelop blighted property and we are going to make sure that our strategy as well as the processes in place serve the interests of Atlanta and its residents," said Valena Scott with Invest Atlanta.
The City of Atlanta Code Enforcement says they have opened up a case on the Invest Atlanta-owned property.
"Invest Atlanta acquired 356 James P. Brawley Drive with the intent to transfer it to the Landbank within a short time frame. At that point, Brawley Drive would have been secured and maintained by the Landbank. However, this process has taken a little longer than expected. The City of Atlanta does allow 30 days from notification for an owner to bring a property into compliance," Scott explained.
Warren, who is facing code enforcement-related court proceedings in July, says he would be willing to cut the city some slack.
"It is very, very challenging neighborhood, takes being out here every day to keep these things clean, boarded up, that is what we are out here doing," Warren said.
WSBTV
