SOUTH FULTON, Ga. — The City of South Fulton officially has a new councilperson in District 5 after a swearing-in ceremony over the weekend.
Councilwoman Keosha Bell said one of her main focuses is cleaning up crime and blight along Old National Highway, including in the Camelot Condominiums.
“I’m ready to get my feet wet," Bell said.
It's been just two days since Bell was sworn into office, and she already knows what she wants to focus on.
“I know there are some buildings that are down. I know we’ve had some issues with buildings that are without power," Bell said. "My focus and my main concern are the residents who reside there, the residents who live in these privately-owned condominiums.”
Improving living conditions at the crime-ridden and rundown Camelot Condos is key for the councilwoman.
“One thing that has been a concern is the crime in Camelot and along the Old National Corridor," Bell said.
According to South Fulton Police, 15 homicides have occurred at Camelot since 2019, and at least six of them happened in 2023 alone.
Bell said her primary plan to reduce crime is working with police.
“They have a very strategic, aggressive plan," Bell said. "I want to make sure that our residents know that they are not sitting in their offices pushing papers. They are actually out here in Camelot, as well as the Old National Corridor.”
South Fulton Police have beefed up patrols along Old National Highway, and Bell said crime has gone down 20% since then.
Another concern for Councilwoman Bell is the arrests of two former Camelot HOA members, who are accused of stealing millions of dollars from residents.
“At this point, I want to allow the courts... handle the cases, but I also want to get out and make sure I can meet with the current HOA," Bell said.
Councilwoman Bell said economic development and revitalization along the Old National Highway Corridor are important to her. She wants to bring businesses to the area and the kind of businesses people who live in the city want.
“A lot of times, we get a lot of oversaturation in nail salons and places with chicken and things like that, but I want to focus on the needs and concerns of our residents," Bell said.
Finally, Bell said she's already had meetings with residents in District 5, and she wants to continue hearing the concerns of those whom she represents.
“They voted for change, and I’m here. I want to work closely making sure we amplify community engagement and making sure we work together as a community,"
Bell's first city council meeting is Tuesday, Jan. 9.
Some of her other priorities include helping seniors, youth, and those with disabilities. Bell said she wants the City of South Fulton to open a senior center.