Atlanta Ends Public Housing with Razing of Bowen Homes

By Jim Burress

Atlanta, GA – A demolition crew starts at the top corner of this two story, yellow brick structure, the crane's claw tearing down the outer wall.

This is the first building at Bowen Homes to come down. The remaining 100 will be raised within the next several weeks.

The demolition marks the end of this 45-year-old housing project's history. Bowen started as a model development, but later become an enclave of poverty, drugs and crime.

Renee Glover is president of the Atlanta Housing Authority.

"On reflection, there's no question that this is the right direction, and Atlanta, the families will be the better for it."

Glover says Bowen's 900 former residents have found new housing. Most use a voucher system where they pay the same as they did when they lived here.

Jim Burress, WABE News.