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DR . ALBERT M . DAVIS MRS . EUNICE COOPER DR . C . MILES SMITH PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER ATLANTA BRANCH NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADV ANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE 859 - 1/ 2 HUNTER STREET, N . W . SUITE 105 ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30314 524-8054 Mayor Ivan Allen, Jr. Office of The Mayor City Hall Atlanta, Georgia 30303 Dear Mayor Allen: I sincerely believe your hands are tied on this one, but, I feel I had letter bring it back into focus and. especially since you have expressed much concern with the Vine City problem and, what could arise during the summer months. Last night, I was invited into this area, specifically two apartments and what I witnessed literally brought tears to my eyes, unpainted filth;y walls, poor lighting, and gemral deterioration in evidence throughout these dwelling units. This is no doubt true in all of Vine City. Incidently, the rent for one room and bath is $49.50 a month. I could rationalize and say that the people living in this dastardly situation should assume the landlord's responsibility, repair, and paint their homes .. - after all, "cleanliness is mxt to Godliness, but Mayor Allen, these people are highly religious because on these filthy walls I saw crosses and pictures of Jesus Christ. One lady informed me that she would paint her walls but the landlord refused t provide the paint. I know and I hope that you are aware of where the problem lies in Vine City and other slum areas throughout this country; and that is with the building inspectors and landlords. When the people greeted me at their doors and through conversation with them, I got the feeling that they were wondering just what did I really want- "I wdn't one of them•--I had on nice clothasn--r talked different than them•--~Everybody has discussed us, but we haventt seen any changese• The Model Cities program is a start in the right direction, for it is designed to make living conditions better for the underpriviledged and to upgrade there status as well as their attitudes. However, we still have a long way to go and as far as Vine City is concerned, we should have been there yesterday. In the above paragraphs, I have reminded you of the problem and it is unfair to present a ~roblem without offering a solution, therefore, I &11 going to recommend to the President and the 11AACP Executive Board that they consider the f llowing plan for possible implementation: �-2- lo An emergency fund be established to be used to provide money to relocate these citizens to other living quarters outside of Vine City. That private charitall>le institutions and interested citizens be asked to contribute to this fund. 2. Conduct a survey of all private apartments and home-oimers requesting that as vacancies occur, earmark them for these people. · 3. Provide commercial transportation for furniture removal. 4. Provide money to each family involved t0 defray the cost of the higher rent i_n curred, for a period. of three monthso 5. Buy tents and rent trailers to house them temporarily until other permanent facilities can be obtained. 60 Buy good used furniture for those in need of it. 7. Find out, how many of these people can be temporarily housed on military installations. There are many more details that wi 11 have ta he worked out, however, the above is the basic plan. Wishing you and Mrs. Allen a very Merry Christmas and a Naw Year of Prosperity. I am Sincerely your friend, RBFscah �