Mayor launches ‘Fight the Blight’ initiative

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms recently announced the launch of her “Fight the Blight” initiative in Southwest Atlanta, according to a press release. The demolition of six dilapidated and blighted single-family properties kicked off the initiative which highlights the commitment to improving public safety, economic development and the opportunity for greenspace expansion.

The term “blight” describes a wide array of problems that can range from physical deterioration of buildings (residential and commercial) to the lack of maintenance of land. Blighted and abandoned properties also create public safety hazards and are often havens for criminal activity. Mayor Bottoms’ proactive approach to targeting blight is grounded in building long-term sustainable neighborhoods.

“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 Councilmember Andrea Boone, District 10. “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 first six demolished properties include:

District 10:

■ 3714 Collier Drive

■ 3648 Saturn Drive, NW

■ 217 Wynnwood Drive, SW District 11:

■ 1944 Kimberley Drive

■ 4341 Wallace Avenue, SW

■ 2398 Herring Road, SW The administration expects to demolish additional blighted properties within the next seven to 10 days.