Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced last week the launch of her ‘Fight the Blight’ initiative in Southwest Atlanta. Bottoms kicked off the initiative with the demolition of six dilapidated and blighted single-family properties. Joined by Councilwoman Andrea Boone in the historic neighborhood of Collier Heights, located in District 10 and Councilwoman Marci Collier Overstreet in District 11, the initiative highlights the new administration’s commitment to improving public safety, economic development, and the opportunity for greenspace expansion.
“By demolishing neglected and abandoned properties, we can restore pride in our communities,” said Bottoms. “This initiative is an important step forward in fulfilling my administration’s commitment to creating clean, safe and thriving neighborhoods for all of our residents.”
The term “blight” describes a wide array of problems that can range from physical deterioration of buildings to the lack of maintenance of land. Blighted and abandoned properties also create public safety hazards and are often havens for criminal activity.
“The demolition of one of the properties today has been in discussion for six years, and in less than 90 days we were able to get this dangerous eyesore out of the community,” said Boone. “It is time to invest in Southwest and this week’s demolitions are an example of our long-term plan to foster and implement economic development programs throughout the district.”
The Administration expects to demolish additional blighted properties within the next two weeks.
