ATLANTA — Residents of Bolden Townhomes are urging the City of Atlanta to step in as they face allegations of illegal evictions from a property they describe as unsafe and uninhabitable.
At a press conference held on Friday morning, tenants voiced their grievances, detailing severe issues including mold, caved-in ceilings, and prolonged periods without working utilities. Many residents report being pressured to vacate despite living in dire conditions.
Local resident Treauanna Griffin, a mother of two who has lived in the complex for over a year, expressed her frustration.
“We’ve been out of lights for the last three or four days,” Griffin stated.
According to her, despite having paid the electricity bill, issues persist with the power box, forcing her family to rely on a grill for cooking.
“I don’t really have nowhere else to go either… That’s all,” she added, highlighting the precarious situation many tenants find themselves in.
In response, Georgia Power acknowledged the residents’ claims, indicating that they are working with Bolden Townhomes to resolve the reported issues but cannot disclose specific details at this time.
“Georgia Power continues to work with Bolden Townhomes to address various connection and account issues for their residents,” the utility company wrote in a statement.
While many tenants assert they have been paying rent, they have struggled to contact property management. Reports indicate that the leasing office has remained locked and phone calls have gone unanswered, leaving residents unable to prove their payments or sign formal leases.
Many residents, while still holding keys to their units, reported feeling increasingly abandoned.
Mercedes McGregor, another resident and college student, shared her experience of having her belongings removed despite holding a document from the sheriff that indicated she had more time.
“Here in bold letters it says that I had three business days,” McGregor recounted.
She described receiving eviction notices only to be forced out before the stipulated time in her document.
Bolden Townhomes, a property managed by Bolden Capital, a commercial real estate company based in Atlanta, is now under scrutiny.
While the company’s founder, Ed Bolden, has touted the complex as a premier residence, with a recent refinance deal valued at over $8 million, residents and representatives from local organizations claim the reality is much different.
Matthew Nursey, a policy advocate with Housing Justice League, stated, “This isn’t a first-time offense. This seems to be a pattern of behavior by Bolden Capital.”
He noted that many tenants allege they have never received leases or have been provided documents with incorrect names.
Furthermore, issues such as mold, flooding, and unsafe living conditions have reportedly gone unaddressed by management.
In addition, tenants claim they have received vague or unsigned eviction notices and describe unsanitary conditions on the property, including trash and debris preventing children from playing outside safely.
Allison Johnson, executive director of the Housing Justice League, emphasized the urgent need for action.
“This is a situation that should never occur in the city of Atlanta,” she remarked.
Johnson pointed out that existing laws have not been enforced effectively, calling out the lack of accountability for property owners.
During the press conference, tenants outlined their demands, which include an immediate halt to all evictions, restoration of utilities and maintenance services, and a formal meeting with property owners to address their concerns.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, no representatives from Bolden Capital attended the press conference.
Local journalist 11Alive has reached out for comments but has yet to receive a response from the company.
In a statement, Atlanta City Councilmember Jason Dozier expressed his deep concern over the allegations raised by Bolden Townhomes residents.
“I am deeply concerned by the serious allegations raised by residents of Bolden Townhomes, who report being subjected to mass evictions despite paying rent and living under hazardous conditions,” Dozier remarked.
He committed to standing with the tenants, advocating for accountability, and calling for a coordinated response from the City of Atlanta’s various agencies.
“While these allegations are still pending, they reflect a troubling pattern previously associated with Bolden Capital Group. I stand with the tenants in calling for transparency, accountability, and a swift, coordinated response from the City of Atlanta, including our code enforcement agencies, housing officials, and legal partners,” Dozier added.
In their response, Bolden Capital acknowledged the concerns raised by the community, asserting their commitment to providing safe and stable housing.
“We recognize that this situation is deeply concerning for many, and we’re working actively to stabilize the property, improve conditions, and engage residents who meet our leasing requirements,” the company stated.
The unfolding situation at Bolden Townhomes raises significant questions about tenant rights and the responsibilities of property management firms in Atlanta as residents continue to seek justice and better living conditions.
image source from：https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/bolden-townhomes-evictions-atlanta-press-conference-tenants-speak-out-unsafe-living-west-end-apartments/85-530de78c-cf21-4aca-8096-58bddac4c14e
