DeKalb County gained three slums Tuesday.
The county commission voted to designate three county properties as slums, which allows the county to use $36 million in federal stimulus bonds to redevelop the areas.
Commissioners insist no residents live in the slums, which include the Recorders Court on Camp Circle, a five-acre site next to the DeKalb-Peachtree Airport and an acre on Candler Road.
“We will not displace families,” Commissioner Kathie Gannon said. “That is where the redevelopment is located and it's limited to these areas.”
Under Georgia law, any place that is considered a slum, deteriorating or a hazard that impairs county growth can be considered a redevelopment area to stimulus bonds, county officials said.
The low-interest bond money is being used to relocate the police department’s north precinct from Dunwoody, expand the traffic court, and build a family protection center to house all services for sexual assault, rape and domestic violence victims. Bond money will also be used to upgrade the county’s aging water and sewer system.
Commissioners previously rejected a plan to use the bonds to redevelop the vacant GM plant in Doraville, saying they were reluctant to give public money to a private developer. County officials say they hope to absorb the annual $200,000-$300,000 interest payment in next year’s budget, but may need to raise taxes.
DeKalb residents will have to pay $7.95 million in interest on the bonds, spread over 20 years. The low-interest federal bonds are expected to save the county $1 million over 20 years, county officials said.
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