DECATUR, Ga.--As a part of DeKalb County’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life in all neighborhoods, DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May assisted with the demolition of a fire-damaged, vacant home on Walnut Ridge Court in Stone Mountain.
“This demolition shows DeKalb County's commitment to address blight in our communities in order to make DeKalb a better place to live, work and play,” Interim CEO May said.
“Beautification of our county is a priority that we will continue to address with additional demolitions in the upcoming months,” Interim CEO May said.
DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May hold a news conference before the demolition.
DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May
DeKalb County first warned the homeowner in February 2012 about high weeds and grass, a vacant unsecure structure, and open storage of trash and debris. In April 2012, eight court citations were issued and $4,000 in fines and penalties were assessed in Recorders Court to the owners of record. Additionally a failure to appear warrant was issued and a lien was placed on the property.
In February 2014, as a result of a structure fire, code enforcement staff met with the property owner and issued nine new court citations. The owner failed to appear in court, a judgment of $4,500 was assessed, another failure to appear warrant was issued and a lien was placed on the property.
In December 2014, Code Enforcement began an In-Rem action and a final order to demolish was granted to DeKalb County in May 2015. The estimated cost to demolish the structure was $11,000.
In 2016, the county has demolished four structures with three additional structures currently being demolished. County officials expect to demolish at least 20 structures by the end of 2016.
The demolition of this property is the result of collaborative efforts of the DeKalb County’s Code Enforcement Division and Legal, Community Development and Sanitation departments.
1300 Commerce Drive Decatur, GA 30030
404-371-2000