the full Aldermanic Board, would bring the measure to a vote. 188 Mayor Ivan Allen stated that the Washington-Rawson urban renewal area, located south of the Georgia State Capital building, was his first choice for the project. 189 However, in November 1960, property owners in Buttermilk Bottom were notified that the Board of Aldermen had voted to include the area in the urban renewal plan. 190 This decision was part of a broader strategy to revitalize the city, despite opposition and concerns from local residents about the impact on their community. There was a mixed response to the urban renewal projects. Positive response was derived from the construction of public housing and high rises for seniors. 191 Mr. Hollingsworth, a former resident of Buttermilk Bottom was part of the Auburn Avenue Oral History Project, he shared his remembrances Black migration into Atlanta because of the boll weevil, urban renewal, and the changes he witnessed in Atlanta. He acknowledged that while property owners received compensation, they lacked the option to reject the government's offer, which resulted in their property being taken regardless. 192 Some individuals appealed the compensation they received in the courts. 193 Early on when the urban renewal announcement reached property owners, some property chose to sell their “dilapidated” properties without disclosing their condition. 194 Atlanta city leaders did not recreate the communication strategies used in other cities. 195 Instead of posting condemned signs, Colonel Malcom Jones, the Director of the Urban Renewal Department, decided to file a letter from the inspector along with the deed at the courthouse. 196 There was notable resistance to demolishing the remaining residential area east of the Civic Center. The Auburn Avenue business community demanded clear communication and the opportunity to discuss the urban renewal plan. L.D. Milton, president of Citizens Trust Bank and co-owner for Milton and Yates, insisted at a meeting of the Citizens Committee on Slum Clearance and Redevelopment, that everyone affected by urban renewal had a right to be informed about the plan and to provide feedback. 197 Milton proposed a strategy for residents to act both individually and collectively. He criticized city leaders for not providing a redevelopment plan and urged Black residents to pressure city officials 188 “New Auditorium.” 189 “New Auditorium.” 190 "Buttermilk Bottom Property Owners Get Urban Notice." Atlanta Daily World , Nov 09, 1960. 191 Mr. Hollingsworth, “Oral History Interview with Mr. Hollingsworth,” interviewer by Sabrina Tucker. Auburn Avenue Research Library, June 6, 1978. #33, Tape #3.
192 Mr. Hollingsworth, interview.
193 Ms. Miller, “Oral History Interview with Ms. Miller,” Interviewed Melinda Pat. Auburn Avenue Research Library, May 16, 1978, Tape #27. 194 "Urban Renewal Unit Assails Slum Sales." Atlanta Daily World , November 13, 1959. 195 "Urban Renewal Slum Sales." 196 "Urban Renewal Slum Sales." 197 “ ‘Silent Tactics’ Used in Urban Renewal Plan’s Effect on Negro Community Under Attack”, Atlanta Daily World, October 15, 1958.
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