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I C ITY OF .ATLANT.A CITY HALL August 6, 1968 ATLANTA, GA. 30303 Tel. 522-4463 Area Code 404 IVAN ALLEN, JR., MAYOR R. EARL LANDERS, Administrative Assistant MRS. ANN M. MOSES, Executive Secretary DAN E. SWEAT, JR., Director of Governmental Liaison Mr. Edward H. Baxter Regional Administrator Department of Housing and Urban Development 645 Peachtree -Seventh Building Atlanta, Georgia 30323 Dear Mr. Baxter: I have become increasingly concerned with the conditions existing in an area of Atlanta that is designated as the Bedford-Pine Urban Redevelopment Area, Ga R -101. I have recently made several tours of this area and find the structures in an extremely bad and often dangerous state of repair. In reviewing this with the City's Building Inspector, he has advised me of the practical difficulties that he has in requiring a property owner to make a substantial investment when it is anticipated that the property will soon be acquired as a result of u_rban renewal. The City already has expended over $1,600,000 of its own funds in this area to acquire street and sewer rights of way as well as properties of those persons who, if was felt, were suffering a severe hardship because of the impending urban -renewal activity. It is now obvious that every resident and property owner in thiel area is suffering a hardship and the City Comptroller has advised me that, even if funds were available, there is considerable risk involved in advancing funds for any further acquisitions that are outside lett~r of consent areas. This "'is because of the rule that requires us to accept the amount we paid, or the appraised va_lue, whichever is lower, at the time we eventually resell the property to the project . . I am cognizant of the fact that the combination of the original Buttermilk Bottoms, R -91, Proj e ct with the Bedford-Pine Project, R-101, Project, .,,.. �Mr. Baxter Page Two August 6, 1968 after we had received Part I approval on the original project, may have caused some problems and delays that might not otherwise have occurred. I am sure that any such delays were caused by factors occurring at all levels, including our own. Regardless of the reasons for the delays, however, I am sure that you can appreciate the plight of the residents of this area as a result of living with the impending urban renewal activity for this period of time, The situation in this area is now critical. In reviewing the situation with everyone concerned, it seems to be the concensus that immediate approval of the urban renewal project would be the single most effective factor in meeting the problem. For this reason, this letter is to :i;equest that the processing of this application be placed on an emerg_e ncy status. I would sincerely appreciate any assistance that you personally can provide in obtaining this approval as quickly as possible. Needless to say, your continued cooperation and assistance in helping Atlanta meet its problems is · very much appreciated . IAJr:fy cc: Mr. John Edmunds ... �