STONE MOUNTAIN, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -
Residents who live near an abandoned apartment complex in Stone Mountain say the property is dangerous and they want it cleaned up.
The Colony at Stone Mountain sits along North Hairston Road and has been abandoned for some time.
"When I look at these apartments every day, I'm angry," said neighbor Silky Samuel. "I'm mad. I'm frustrated."
The complex is only several hundred feet from a nearby elementary school, which concerns parents who said it is a haven for crime.
"Drugs, a hangout for people going in there destroying the property," said neighbor Dollie Chrocken. "Before they closed off the fence, the kids were cutting through as a shortcut."
Several fires have recently broken out at the complex and two children were nearly abducted.
Residents said they have tried to get the apartments torn down and the property cleaned up.
CBS Atlanta Reporter Renee Starzyk had Tough Questions for DeKalb County.
"Why can't the county force the property owner to clean this place up?" Starzyk asked.
"We're trying to force the property owner to clean it up," said spokesman Burke Brennan. "We're citing them regularly, as many and as often as the law allows."
Brennan said the county slapped 51 citations on the owner but he failed to show up in court this week.
"Why doesn't the county condemn the property and take it over?" Starzyk asked.
"That remains an option," said Brennan. "It does remain an option and I think that's still on the table. It's usually a last resort but I don't' think it's that unfair to say that we're getting to the last resort as it pertains to this property."
Watch the full story tonight at 6 p.m.
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