Mayor Andre Dickens’ Administration is requesting a specially called meeting of the Atlanta City Council at a date in the coming weeks to consider resolutions authorizing the City to initiate condemnation proceedings involving five blighted properties.

The proposed action is part of the City’s continued effort to address long-standing blight, protect surrounding neighborhoods and position distressed properties for productive future use.

The properties under consideration are:

• 533 English Avenue NW
• 748 Neal Street NW
• 293 Sunset Avenue NW
• 699 Joseph E. Boone Boulevard NW
• 2795 Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway NW

“Blight is more than an abandoned building or neglected property. Blight affects quality of life, safety and economic opportunity of the families who live around it,” said Mayor Dickens. “Our Administration is using every appropriate tool available to us to address properties that have remained distressed for far too long. This action is about protecting our residents, enhancing neighborhood pride and making sure all of Atlanta’s communities can benefit from the growth and investment happening across our city.”

The proposed action also supports the Dickens Administration’s Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative (NRI), which is focused on addressing longstanding disinvestment and strengthening neighborhoods across Atlanta. Removing persistent blight is one part of that broader effort to create safer, healthier and more stable communities.

If approved by the Atlanta City Council, the resolutions would formally authorize the Mayor or his designee to initiate condemnation proceedings pursuant to Georgia law, including O.C.G.A. § 22-1-1 et seq., for the purpose of remedying blight.

Any acquisition would be based on an independently appraised fair market value. If eminent domain becomes necessary, the City would be required to pursue the matter through legal proceedings in Georgia Superior Court, where the acquisition would be evaluated for consistency with applicable state eminent domain laws.

“These properties have been a concern for residents who have waited to see meaningful action and investment in their neighborhoods,” said Councilmember Byron Amos, District 3. “We have an obligation to use the tools available to us responsibly and strategically when persistent blight threatens the stability and future of a community. Addressing these properties creates an opportunity to remove longstanding barriers to neighborhood revitalization and help move the Westside forward.”

The proposed resolutions represent an authorization to begin the condemnation process and do not, by themselves, constitute the immediate acquisition of the properties. The City will continue to follow all applicable legal requirements, including appraisal, notification and judicial procedures.

The specially called meeting is requested to be held at the earliest appropriate date and time.

You can learn more about the Dickens Administration’s comprehensive NRI strategy here.