Box 17, Folder 1, Document 173

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681 Fielding Lane, S. W.
Atlanta 11, Georgia
July 20, 1962

The Honorable Ivan Allen, Jr.
Mayor of the City of Atlanta
City Hall

Atlanta, Georgia

Dear Mayor Allen:

An attitude of fear and resentment is fast developing in the residents of
a proud Southwest Atlanta community, Fear of losing the new homes
they love at staggering financial losses and resentment at their elected
city officials for no assistance, If the "block busting" tactics employed
in this community prove successful, all Cascade Heights will quickly
feel the affect. Yes, all of Atlanta will suffer through the loss of long
time white residents to the suburbs carrying with them a deep seated
and justified hatred, reduced property values of entire Southwest
Atlanta, and a drastic curtailment of city revenue,

Our neighborhood of Peyton and Utoy Forest is composed of homes that
range in price from $21,000 - $28,000 and we are surrounded by all
white communities. A petitiion readily signed by all home owners in
Peyton and Utoy Forest clearly indicates that we desire to remain all
white, We believe the entire future of Southwest Atlanta and the overall
good of our city can best be served by allowing our community to remain
unchanged,

Listed below are some of the "block busting" tactics being used to harass
and frighten our neighbors:

1. Negroes constantly riding through the neighborhood
stopping and pointing at houses. This area is well
off the main thoroughfare and many children play
here. A majority of these cars have out of town
licences indicating they may be paid to agitate,






Mayor Ivan Allen, Jr........ Page Two

2. Night telephone calls from agents of Callaway Realty
to 15 - 20 homes on each street asking for listings.
These agents also infer that they have secured listings
from home owners in this area, No home owner in
our area has listed his home with a Negro realty
company. You could stop this intimidation.

3. Realty salesmen from T. M. Alexander constantly
riding through our neighborhood, stopping at every
opportunity and questioning home owners about the |
sale of their property.

We in particular and all Atlanta in general urgently need the influence

and persuasiveness of your office to prevent our loss. We plan to make

a sincere effort to take all legal steps possible to protect the sanctity
and value of our community. We sincerely request your help.

Yours very truly,

Cc. J. Owens








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