Dilapidated, derelict and now demolished.
Those are a few words describing once-abandoned DeKalb County properties. The eyesores, as some call them, can affect a neighborhood’s property value and in some instances increase crime.
DeKalb’s answer? They got rid of them.
But the county could soon examine the long-term effects of its solution through a proposed comprehensive study of blighted properties in 2019. Further details, like price, on the proposed study have not been released, but the county said they are looking to select a vendor.
The study would "enable the county to develop a more comprehensive long-term strategy," DeKalb community development director Allen Mitchell said in a statement to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The study would focus its efforts on dilapidated condominium complexes, such as the notorious Brannon Hill Condominiums. Forty of the condos will be demolished early next year.
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This year, the county has demolished or abated 140 properties to the tune of about $278,000, DeKalb officials told the AJC in an email earlier this week. The county’s final demolish this year was 521 Warren Ave., a cobblestone and brick home in unincorporated DeKalb.
Demolishing the derelict properties has been a part of CEO Mike Thurmond's plan to fight blight since early 2017, when the Board of Commissioners allocated $3.8 million to fight dilapidated properties. The county demolished its highest number of proprieties in 2017 with 153.
And more are expected in 2019.
The county provided the AJC a list of 70 properties, mostly in Clarkston, set to be demolished or abated next year.
Dates for demolitions and abatements have not been scheduled.
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