Forest Park City Council Adopts New Municipal Blight Tax Ordinance

FOREST PARK, Ga. — March 8, 2024 — This week, Mayor Angelyne Butler, MPA, and members of the Forest Park City Council adopted a municipal blight tax ordinance as part of the city's ongoing effort to improve neighborhood sustainability, while also focusing on maintaining a clean, vibrant environment for residents and visitors alike.

The new legislation increases ad valorem taxes by 10.0 mills on residential and commercial properties deemed blighted, abandoned or unsafe and subsequently decreases the millage rate for a period of time once the property is remediated or redeveloped. Once an inspection has been completed by the city, a determination shall be provided to the respective property owner, in writing, confirming that the property – per ordinance standards – is in a blighted condition.

Tax-exempt properties, such as churches, cemeteries and land owned or operated by charitable organizations, would not be impacted by the ordinance. City officials also plan to work directly with residents and business owners who may face additional financial burdens due to the new adopted ordinance.

“As we work tirelessly to attract significant investments in economic development, quality housing and neighborhood revitalization, I decided it was critical to sponsor much-needed legislation that would aid in the elimination of blight seen throughout Clayton County's largest municipality," said Mayor Butler. "This ordinance is in no way an attempt to add extra financial hardships on our constituents. However, we will no longer allow ill-principled property owners to negate their responsibilities. Comprehensive legislation like this sends a clear message that it is a new day in Forest Park, and I would especially like to thank our governing body for realizing the importance of building upon the monumental progress we have achieved over these past several years."

Last December, the city's Code Enforcement Department officially rolled out its Beautification Plan in an effort to beautify and unify the city through place-based, public-facing improvements. Key highlights of the plan include the creation of a beautification committee, neighborhood enhancements, litter control program and the demolition of dilapidated structures.

The city also launched its Homeowner Maintenance Enhancements Program (H.O.M.E.) to assist legacy residents with essential home repairs or modifications. The H.O.M.E. initiative allocates $1.3 million in grant funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to help cover the cost of eligible repair work, including exterior painting, minor electrical work, ADA improvements and more.

"Often times, deteriorating properties end up costing the city additional resources, whether it be through more services required from our Code Enforcement Department or even our public safety entities," said City Manager Ricky L. Clark, Jr. "We have several major development projects slated for our community, so it is imperative that we continue to improve the standard of what living and doing business in Forest Park is truly all about."

A copy of the city's blight tax ordinance can be found below (PDF format). For additional information about the city's Beautification Plan or to speak with a member of the Code Enforcement Department, call (404) 366-4720.