Mayor Andre Dickens signed legislation today to allocate the first $1.5 million of a planned $9.1 million investment to support the relocation of Forest Cove residents. Councilmember Jason Winston, whose District includes the Forest Cove Apartments, sponsored the legislation in partnership with the Dickens Administration.
“Every resident deserves the dignity of safe and quality housing, but that has long been lacking for the families living at Forest Cove,”said Mayor Dickens. “While this isn’t a City-owned property, I could not stand by as these residents continued to be left behind. That’s why I have directed the City to step in to take urgent action. Thank you to Councilmember Winston and the entire City Council for their urgent partnership on this issue.”
The Mayor is also today signing a partnership agreement with the Community of Foundation of Greater Atlanta, which will be facilitating the relocation of Forest Cove residents. The funding, which is drawn from the City’s American Rescue Plan funds, will be immediately allocated to the Community Foundation. The remaining balance of Mayor Dickens’ $9.1 million commitment will be allocated in the near future.
“The legislation demonstrates that our city and its elected officials can come together to deliver results for the residents of the city of Atlanta,” said Councilmember Winston. “It will assist in relocation costs, recovery, and support for the residents of Forest Cove Apartments. With these resources, the Community Foundation can begin assisting with the relocation efforts. I would like to express my gratitude to Mayor Dickens and my colleagues on Council in support of this paper. Mayor Dickens’ signing of the legislation on the day it has passed through the Council is indicative of our belief that no family should live in deplorable conditions and is the first step toward ending the damaging housing conditions within our city. My office will continue to work toward resolutions that will help the people entrust our city government’s ability to meet these challenges.”
Separately, Mayor Dickens is working with the Atlanta Apartment Association and other property owners to identify housing units for families moving out of Forest Cove to consider. The Mayor and Association co-hosted a call with property owners to identify potential units last week and is today broadening the call for property owners with vacant units on the critical relocation effort.