Judge Grants Order For Sandy Springs To Evaluate Dilapidated House

SANDY SPRINGS, GA -- The city of Sandy Springs has been granted the ability to take action on a house that's become a long-standing eyesore for its neighbors.

The city's Municipal Court Judge approved an order to allow the city to address various code enforcement issues at a home in the 300 block of Hilderbrand Drive.

The hearing was held Friday, Jan. 6.

City Attorney Wendell Willard said an attorney was present for the security deed holder for the property, and he "agreed to our obtaining a court order grant the immediate relief the city was seeking."

In other words, Sandy Springs officials will have the right to examine the property's structure to determine its "integrity," any code violations and what danger it poses to public health and safety, Willard stated.

"This will be done at the direction of the city, with the expectation for (the) city to be reimbursed (for) its expenses," he added.

If a clear and danger to the public is present, the city will be able to do any work needed to correct those hazards as well as secure the property so people will not be able to enter.

The house has been a frequent point of frustration for resident Charles Roberts, who lives next door to the home. Roberts has spoken to the City Council several times in the recent past about the state of the structure.

At the Dec. 20 City Council meeting, Roberts begged the city to take some action against the property owner. He also said he feared for the safety of a single mother and her child who lived near the house, as "homeless people" were using the property while its legal status remain in limbo.

During that meeting, Willard, which noted the house has been the site of a fire, said the city's hands were tied until a court granted relief to Sandy Springs.

Image via city of Sandy Springs