AN ORDINANCE BY COUNCILMEMBER KWANZA HALL AMENDING CHAPTER 2 ARTICLE X DIVISION 14 SUBDIVISION 3 SECTION 2-1572, (DISPOSITION OF REAL ESTATE) OF THE CITY OF ATLANTA CODE OF ORDINANCES TO SO AS TO ENSURE CONDEMNED BLIGHTED PROPERTY IS REDEVELOPED WITHIN FIVE YEARS; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

(Held 3/28/17 by the Committee for a substitute and further review.)

WHEREAS, the City of Atlanta has an interest in remedying blight and developing affordable housing; and

WHEREAS, the City of Atlanta worked to pass HB 434 in the 2017 Georgia General Assembly whereby reducing from 20 years the amount of time a municipality needs to hold a property condemned for purposes of blight to remain the same use for 5 years;

WHEREAS, absentee landlords and land speculators are currently responsible for blight in the City of Atlanta.

WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Atlanta City Council to ensure swift redevelopment of properties condemned for blight and create vibrant places for people to live.

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATLANTA, GEORGIA, HEREBY ORDAINS, AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1:  That when the City has condemned property under O.C.G.A § 22-1-15 and it has not been redeveloped within five years the City of Atlanta shall apply to the condemnor or its successor or assign for reconveyance or quitclaim of the property to the former property owner or for additional compensation for such property.

SECTION 2: This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon approval.

SECTION 3: All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby waived to the extent of the conflict only.