ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The residents of a condemned apartment complex in College Park are now searching for new places to live following claims that they were not provided sufficient time to relocate.
"My apartment was inundated with water and it contained at least a foot of sewage," stated Georgia Thomas, who has resided in the complex for 13 years.
Poor hygiene standards are merely one item on the extensive list of grievances that led the City of College Park’s code enforcement to declare the Chelsea Gardens apartments unfit for habitation.
“It was what it was. It was a home. It was a place to lay my head down and I had a door to close every night,” said Cassandra Meenaghan, who has lived in the complex for three years.
"The city isn’t involved in evictions. Our main focus, as well as what we're striving to achieve, is cleaning up these properties," stated Antoinette Govan, who serves as the communication director for the city.
Residents say they didn’t get enough warning.
“I got the letter that I have seven days to move,” said Thomas.
“There are veterans, there are elderly, there are autistic people, there are people who haven’t been lucky enough to find somewhere to go because all of this has just happened so fast,” said Meenaghan.
The city has now pushed back the vacate date until June 1.
"We aim to ensure they have sufficient time to locate alternative accommodations," stated Govan.
However, locals argue that this is an extremely short timeframe to locate a place, gather your belongings, provide a deposit, and relocate.
"I was searching for a place but couldn't find anything. You see, these days you have to pay triple the rent," explained Thomas.
The city spokesman states that the new owner of the property is attempting to help out.
"They are providing storage space at a U-Haul facility close to the property, with several tenants being moved to alternative apartments within the city and nearby regions," stated Govan.
However, locals mention that they've experienced difficulties reaching the new owner.
"Where can I go? What am I supposed to do?" questioned Meenaghan.
Atlanta News First tried calling the leasing office but the number is disconnected and the apartment’s website has been taken down. Atlanta News First’s Madeline Montgomery called every number associated with the owner but has not heard back.