ATLANTA — An Atlanta apartment complex is facing a loss in federal funding after the Department of Housing and Urban Development said the property has "unacceptable physical conditions."
In a statement to 11Alive, a HUD spokesperson said the Fairburn Gordon I and II, which is located on along Fairburn Road, has serious deficiencies impacting its tenants.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens brought up the property Wednesday when talking about another complex that's been troubled with issues. The mayor acknowledged HUD's recent efforts.
"That too is under (HUD's) eyes," Dickens said Wednesday. "And HUD is saying, 'We're going to abate those contracts too,' as well."
In Thursday's statement, HUD confirmed it was taking action regarding the Fairburn Gordon property.
"HUD is beginning the process of abating the Section 8 HAP Contracts at Fairburn Gordon I and II. As part of the abatement process, HUD will issue Tenant Protection Vouchers for the tenants to use at other properties. In addition, a HUD relocation contractor will assist the tenants in finding replacement housing," the statement reads in part.
This comes after a HUD spokesperson said the property owner had a recent deadline to fix the major issues.
"The Fairburn Gordon I and II property owner, A & B Apartments LLC (“Property Owner”), was provided a February 28, 2024 deadline to resolve the serious deficiencies affecting the Fairburn Gordon properties and tenants," the statement reads. "HUD requested Owner conduct an exterior survey of all buildings and of 100% of the units to identify deficiencies and develop a relocation and repair timeline in order to bring the properties back into compliance with federal requirements."
But last week HUD, said it denied the owner's proposed corrective plans because there were "insufficient details and failure to provide timeframes for realistically and timely repairing the properties."
11Alive reached out to the apartment complex by phone and left a message. We have not heard back yet.
While HUD takes action, the City of Atlanta is taking a hard look at properties as well. Dickens said Wednesday they've launched a safe and secure housing initiative and will work with code enforcement and the solicitor's office to ensure landlords keep their properties in compliance.
Just this week, partial demolition began at the former Forest Cove Apartments, which was plagued with issues over time. Read more about the city's efforts here.
HUD's full statement on Fairburn Gordon I and II:
On February 13, 2024, in response to unacceptable physical conditions HUD issued Demands for Corrective Action and Notices of Default of the project-based HAP contracts. HUD received a response from the Owner for each project. The responses were determined to be insufficient to cure the deficiencies because the proposed actions by the Owner lacked sufficient details and timeframes for realistically and timely correcting the deficiencies at the properties. The Owner was notified of the determinations on March 11, 2024. HUD is beginning the process of abating the Section 8 HAP Contracts at Fairburn Gordon I and II. As part of the abatement process, HUD will issue Tenant Protection Vouchers for the tenants to use at other properties. In addition, a HUD relocation contractor will assist the tenants in finding replacement housing.
The Fairburn Gordon I and II property owner, A & B Apartments LLC (“Property Owner”), was provided a February 28, 2024 deadline to resolve the serious deficiencies affecting the Fairburn Gordon properties and tenants. HUD requested Owner conduct an exterior survey of all buildings and of 100% of the units to identify deficiencies and develop a relocation and repair timeline in order to bring the properties back into compliance with federal requirements.
Last week, HUD denied Property Owner’s proposed corrective action plans, due to insufficient details and failure to provide timeframes for realistically and timely repairing the properties.
