Forest Cove Relocation Press Event

HUD Georgia Field Office Director, Shea Johnson, gave remarks at the Forest Cove Press Event.

Atlanta Mayor, Andre Dickens, gave remarks at the event in front of the vacant Forest Cove property site.

On November 14, 2022, Mayor Andre Dickens held a press conference with the public, federal and local officials, and stakeholders about the Forest Cove Relocation and his Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy to create safe, healthy, and connected communities. The event was at the vacant Forest Cove apartment site outside the property. Forest Cove and its residents have a troubled history with numerous complaints concerning maintenance and crime in the area, but as of October 2022, every resident has been relocated out of the Forest Cove Apartment complex. The Southeast property's relocation efforts were prompted after the City of Atlanta prioritized its dedication to providing a safe and sustainable living environment to all residents who lived at Forest Cove Apartments.

At the event, Mayor Dickens mentioned, "800 lives have been changed; they're in safe and dry rat-free environments, trash- and debris-free environments." In addition to Mayor Dickens, Shea Johnson, HUD's Georgia Field Office Director, along with Jason Winston, Atlanta's District 1 Councilman; Frank Fernandez, President/CEO of Community Foundation; Ms. Felicia Morris, former Forest Cove resident; Stephen Davis, Director of Government Affairs at Atlanta Apartment Association; and Jocelyn Moore, Senior Managing Director at Pretium gave remarks.

Forest Cove Residents will continue to pay no more than 30% of adjusted income for rent. The City will supplement the HUD subsidy and actual rent amounts to ensure resident rents are paid. The future of Forest Cove is aligned with Millennia and the City's plans for revitalization so the residents can return to the property, which will lead toward the City's master plan for the 120-acre Thomasville neighborhood. HUD will continue to support the City's dedication to Forest Cove's community development and neighborhood revitalization efforts.

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