Statement on housing neglect in Mableton

Statement on Housing Neglect and Community Disruption in the Riverside Community ( City of Mableton)

For years, corporate landlords have neglected the maintenance and well-being of multifamily properties in unincorporated Cobb County, particularly within the limited city limits and addresses of Mableton. These conditions have families over 1,000 residents across just three properties ( 575 Apartments, Residence of Riverside Row, Silver Creek Crossing Apartments living in unsafe, deteriorating environments. This is not a situation that will be fixed quickly, nor should it be approached as a temporary inconvenience. These residents deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

Too often, residents are afraid to speak up. The fear of retaliation is real, and the options to relocate are extremely limited especially for families trying to keep their children within the same school attendance zones and the price points of renting an apartment is out of budget for many households. Despite these challenges, I have been one of the most vocal advocates for this community. I’ve also taken action: creating resident leadership opportunities, organizing workshops, hosting family-friendly activities and partnering with law enforcement to host the Riverside community National night out against crime event , all while managing my own personal challenges raising my two children, maintaining my household, building a national recognized non profit and holding corporate landlords accountable in multiple courts in Cobb County. Through it all I’m still standing with residents who reside on these properties.

The Riverside community, within the Pebblebrook High School attendance zone, reflects a concerning reality. On paper, 55% of the area’s housing is renter-occupied. Of the multifamily apartment complexes, 40% are owned and operated by corporate entities with limited accountability to the people who live there. This contributes directly to housing instability and the disruption of neighborhood schools—issues that hurt not only individual families but the entire community.

My grassroots, ground zero 18 year research confirms what many already know: when housing becomes unstable, our schools suffer. When corporate landlords refuse to engage in meaningful community partnership, everyone loses.

Game time is over.
This is a call to action.

To the City of Mableton, I say: Rise up.
Support policies that hold corporate landlords accountable. Strengthen renter protections. Partner with schools, local leaders, and families to build a stronger, more stable community.

We owe it to the children. We owe it to the residents.
We owe it to the future of Mableton.

Moving forward
with the partnerships of Cobb County SCLC, Lease Wisely, Cobb Faith partnership we are creating Riverside Community Benefits Agreement.
Join us June 19th zoom meeting please email Monica DeLancy for zoom link monicadelancy@hotmail.com