Cobb Apartments Face Demolition, Families Must Move

COBB COUNTY, Ga. - Protestors held signs on the Marietta Square Sunday afternoon to bring awareness to the plight of several Cobb County families.

About 30 tenants of the Magnolia Crossing Apartments must still find new housing after the South Cobb Redevelopment Authority bought the property in October in order to demolish it. 

"This is humiliating.  They are stripping these people of their dignity in the absolute worst of ways," said Amy Barnes, who organized the demonstration.  "This isn't just a problem; this is a human crisis."

According to a news release about the purchase, the SCRA chose the property because it was in "disrepair," had a vacancy rate of 35 percent and accounted for 33 percent of all public safety responses on Six Flags Drive. 

After the apartments are torn down, the SCRA plans to market the property for new development, which they say will create economic growth in the area. 

Some who still live at Magnolia Crossing, however, said they are having a difficult time finding affordable housing in the area.

"I've been looking," explained Jan Marie, who has lived in the complex since last spring.  "[I'm] definitely searching for some place that's, you know, is good for the schools for my two sons that still live here.  We're just trying to make sure we can stay in a good neighborhood." 

The SCRA and the Marietta Housing Authority have offered some assistance to those who relocate.  They waived any past-due rent prior to November 1, 2015.  Officials also offered up to $1,000 in relocation assistance to those who find new housing, as well as security deposit refunds to smooth the transition, as long as the tenants do not owe any rent. 

"So far, over 40 residents, in good standing, have been provided over $40,000.00, along with their refunded security deposits, which they have used for moving expenses, deposits, and other expenses in relocating," said SCRA Chairman Doug Stoner, in a statement to FOX 5. 

For Marie and others, though, the cost of simply applying at another complex is prohibitive when living paycheck to paycheck. 

"There is some help out there, but as far as like paying for application fees and whatnot, that's not happening," she said. 

Stoner encouraged residents to reach out to community organizations that have shown an interest in assisting tenants. 

"Beyond our financial incentives, the SCRA has reached out to area agencies and non-profits, such as; Marietta Housing Authority, Cobb County School System, Cobb Works, Ser Familia, Sweetwater Mission, United Way, and Family Life Restoration Center for additional resources that the residents can receive," said Stoner. 

Cobb County Commissioner Lisa Cupid has also announced efforts to help those in need.