Atlanta, GA

Atlanta threatens citations for woman who found home was demolished during vacation

Published

7 months ago

December 1, 2023

Atlanta threatens citations for woman who found home was demolished during vacation

Woman’s home mistakenly gets demolished, she gets cited

New troubles for an Atlanta woman whose home was demolished without her permission. FOX 5 first reported this story in October when the woman returned from vacation to find the older home on her property had been demolished by a construction company. Now, she says the city of Atlanta has threatened to issue citations because of the mess and for not filing the proper licenses.

ATLANTA – The Atlanta woman who came home from vacation to find an older home on her property demolished without her permission is facing new troubles.

FOX 5 first reported on Susan Hodgson, who found that her home was demolished accidentally by a construction company in early October.

Hodgson recently visited the property to find a notice from the city of Atlanta threatening to issue citations because of the mess and for not filing the proper permits for the structure’s demolition.

“Anybody I can think of I have just been reaching out. Everyone wants to play ball, but nobody wants to show up,” Susan Hodgson said.

Hodgson says the company that tore down the home claimed they had the wrong address.

The story made headlines across the country, and some criticized her because the house was older.

“I get what they are saying. I get that the house was boarded up and people probably would love to have it down. That’s fine, but he didn’t have permission to do it. That’s the problem,” Hodgson said.

A new problem emerges from the ruins.

“Usually, on trash day, I walk around the lot and clean up the yard ,and this bright yellow sign was in the middle of my backyard, and I noticed it said ‘Stop Work Order, ‘” Hodgson said. “It said I had until the 16th to fix it, clean it up, and get it all done, and have the proper permits.”

Hodgson says she’s been trying to get in contact with the city to explain.

“The house, it was a fun place. We always had a lot of good times here,” Hodgson said.

Woman returns from vacation to find house bulldozed

It’s an unforgivable accident. That’s how one woman describes coming back from vacation to find a company accidentally leveled a home she owned. FOX 5’s Eric Perry has the story.

Emotions flood in as it’s a reminder of her husband who died years ago.

“It does very much so because he’s gone and none this is gone,” Hodgson said.

She’s stuck with a mess.

“It’s still just like, ‘Yes, they tore it down’ and they ‘did me a favor,’ but this is what I got. This is what I got. This is the ‘favor’ that they gave me,” Hodgson said.

FOX 5 has reached out to Atlanta’s Department of City Planning. Officials issued the following statement:

“The Department of City Planning, Office of Buildings issued a Notice of Correction on the property on November 2, 2023, with a correction end date of November 16, 2023. The correction notice affords the property owner the opportunity to bring the property into compliance. No citation has been issued to date. The structure on the property was demolished without a permit which is a violation of city code. The property owner is responsible for their property and for any violations that occur pertaining to that property.

“The demolition of the property without the owner’s consent or knowledge is not a matter for the City of Atlanta. This is considered a civil matter between the property owner and the alleged responsible party.”

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Atlanta, GA

Atlanta Black business owner blindsided by Trump campaign event held at his barbershop

Published

15 mins ago

June 28, 2024

Press Room

Atlanta Black business owner blindsided by Trump campaign event held at his barbershop

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – A Black business owner in Atlanta said he feels betrayed and blindsided.

The Trump campaign held an event at Rocky’s Barbershop on Wednesday, the day before the highly anticipated presidential debate.

Owner Rocky Jones said that’s not what he signed up for and now he’s speaking out.

“I really take pride in my business,” Jones said.

Jones said he welcomes customers from all backgrounds and walks of life.

“Mind my business and serve and give haircuts back to the community and have good conversations; it’s never been about politics,” said Jones.

He said his business has never been the site of a political event until Wednesday when prominent Republicans packed inside the day before the presidential debate in Atlanta.

Former President Trump called in at one point during Wednesday’s event.

“I feel like I have been betrayed,” said Jones.

Days before the debate, Jones said someone he considered a friend reached out to him about being the host site for a small Black business roundtable.

Jones said there was never any mention this was a political event.

Jones added he never heard from a Trump campaign representative either.

Jones said the timing of the event didn’t raise any flags that the event would be political.

“I honestly didn’t think about it. It was just once you say Black small business give back to the community, it’s like, ‘Okay, I’m doing it,’” said Jones. “Just be aware that it is election season, and the timing seems a little suspect.”

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Jones is warning other business owners to have a healthy dose of skepticism.

“Even though I trusted that person, I didn’t do the research I should’ve done. Now, I’m letting everyone else know you need to be aware of these calls,” Jones said.

Atlanta News First did make contact with the Trump campaign. They acknowledged our request but were not able to get us a response by airtime.

Jones said he was compensated for the two hours he had to close his business for the event but adds he’s now willing to give the money back.

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Atlanta, GA

Killer Mike, Billboard rank their top 'Get Up' Atlanta anthems

Published

7 hours ago

June 28, 2024

Press Room

Killer Mike, Billboard rank their top 'Get Up' Atlanta anthems

Billboard ranks Get Up Anthems

Billboard ranks the best Get Up anthems of Atlanta — songs that energize and inspire the city.

ATLANTA – Atlanta native and musician Killer Mike recently teamed up with Billboard to compile a list of the best “Get Up” anthems of Atlanta—the songs that energize and inspire the city. Here’s a look at the top five:

“Player’s Ball” by Outkast, T.I., and Rubber Band Man: Leading the list, this anthem is celebrated for its iconic beat and motivational lyrics.
“March Madness” by Future: This song comes in second, known for its high-energy delivery and popularity in the city.
“Cell Therapy” by Goodie Mob: Ranking third, this track is praised for its deep lyrical content and impact on Atlanta’s music scene.
“Knuck If You Buck” by Crime Mob: In fourth place, this song is a staple at Atlanta events, known for its hype and rowdy energy.
“No Mo Play in Georgia” by Pastor Troy: Closing the top five, Killer Mike highlights this anthem as an important piece for the city’s spirit and culture.

These selections showcase the diverse and influential music that has shaped Atlanta’s vibrant culture.

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Atlanta, GA

Suspect on the run after shooting woman during argument, Atlanta police say

Published

15 hours ago

June 28, 2024

Press Room

Suspect on the run after shooting woman during argument, Atlanta police say

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Police are investigating an argument that turned violent overnight in northwest Atlanta.

Officers say two women were fighting on the 100 block of 26th Street NW when one shot at the other.

The victim was hit with fragments of gunfire and taken to Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment. Officers say she is expected to make a full recovery.

Police are still searching for the suspect.

If you have any information, contact the Atlanta Police Department at 404-658-6666. To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com. Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.

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