Atlanta Senior Home Plagued by Crime, Filth, and Squatters

Elderly residents at Veranda at College Town raise concerns about safety, squatting, crime, and unsanitary conditions, prompting an upcoming hearing by the City of Atlanta.

Atlanta's senior citizens are living in fear at Veranda at College Town, an apartment complex plagued by squatters, filthy conditions, and rampant crime. Residents have begged for help, recounting incidents of motor vehicle theft, vandalism, and burglary confirmed by Atlanta police.

Renita Callier, daughter of resident Charles Russell, paints a grim picture, describing "9 or 10 people who are sleeping there without electricity, any power - just squatters." She laments the presence of "junkies" who have breached the fence into the prohibited property.

Rick White, senior vice president of owning company Integral, acknowledges the issue of unauthorized occupants or squatters, stating that they have arrested two individuals for squatting in the building. However, he attributes many disturbances to two problematic households that will soon be evicted.

Regarding the unsanitary conditions, Callier expresses concerns about her father's living conditions. An amputee residing on the top floor, he faces deplorable conditions.

In a plea at a Fulton County Commissioner's meeting, resident Charlene Allen describes seeing "gangbangers" kicking at the door and vandalism to vehicles. She highlights the presence of squatters in the attic and the constant threat of broken car windows.

Diane Usher, another resident, echoes those sentiments. "We are just begging for someone to please come and see what's going on with our building," she implores. "The homeless keep tearing up the back door. They keep breaking into people's cars. We just don't know who to ask for help."

White acknowledges constraints imposed by the eviction court system but emphasizes efforts to address concerns promptly. The complex has repaired its entrance gate and is considering additional surveillance cameras to combat break-ins.

Atlanta Housing subsidizes 100 units at Veranda at College Town, prompting the City of Atlanta to hold a hearing to address the persistent problems. Residents hope that this hearing will bring much-needed attention and solutions to their ongoing nightmare.