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CITY HALL ATLANTA, GA. 30303
August 6 , 19 68 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 urban 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 this 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 letter of consent areas. This
is because of the rule that requires us to accept the amount we paid,
or the appraised value, whichever is lower, at the time we eventually
resell the property to the project.
Iam cognizant of the fact that the combination of the original Buttermilk
Bottoms, R-91, Project 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 request that the
processing of this application be placed on an emergency 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.
Sincerely yours,
IAJr:fy
cc: Mr. John Edmunds o