Eminent Domain Sparks Protest in Atlanta

Atlanta's worsening housing affordability set the stage for a controversy over the city's use of eminent domain to build a new park and stormwater retention facility.

1 minute read

December 17, 2019, 11:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell

About 50 protestors held a sit-in outside the office of Atlanta Mayor Keisha Bottoms to protest the use of eminent domain for the development of a new park and stormwater retention pond.

"Seven years ago, Atlanta ordered dozens of Peoplestown residents to leave their homes to make way for the flood control project," according to Habersham. "Now, Washington and Darden are among only four people who still live on the block. While their neighbors took deals from the city to sell and leave, they refused and stayed, waging a legal battle with the city to keep their homes. The residents are still fighting to keep their homes."

The protestors, led by the Housing Justice League, "an organization that works to preserve affordable housing and prevent gentrification," have connected the current controversy over the Peoplestown park development with the larger issue of affordable housing in the city, and a lack of action by the city to achieve the ambitious goals set forth by Mayor Bottoms.

FULL STORY: Activists, residents stage sit-in outside Atlanta Mayor’s Office

Monday, December 16, 2019 in Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Government / Politics Housing Infrastructure Urban Development Georgia Atlanta Eminent Domain Affordable Housing Controversies Protests Mayor Keisha Bottoms View More

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