Neighborhood Fresh Start

Neighborhood Fresh Start is a newly fashioned, collaborative approach to crime prevention and intervention. It is an outgrowth of the Office’s Community Prosecution program that utilizes a two-pronged approach to the problem of illegal drugs and, specifically, crack houses. The first step is to close down known crack houses through forfeiture. The second step is to refurbish the property and, in so doing, revitalize the surrounding neighborhood.

A house becomes subject to forfeiture after a number of felony arrests are made in or on the property. The owner is formally notified that criminal activity on the property must cease and desist or the property will be subject to forfeiture. Once forfeiture is eminent, the community is notified and the forfeiture process is begun. Should the case be decided for the State, the Court orders that the title to the property be vested in the State

or the State’s designee. Once the forfeiture process is completed and the property is free and clear of all mortgages and existing debt, revitalization efforts on the house and the surrounding neighborhood can begin. Upon completion of renovation efforts, an Atlanta Police Department officer lives in the house for one year to fully discourage the return of illegal activity and increase a sense of safety in the community. After the year’s period, the house is sold to a low-to-moderate income buyer. Prior to sale, the family must agree to reside in the home for a minimum of five years before re-sale will be allowed. Having families return to the neighborhood creates a sense of a healthy, viable community and reenergizes resident commitment to improving the neighborhood