Atlanta City Councilmember on the complexities of removing homeless encampments; New program helps with tree removal

Finding a decent place to stay for Atlanta’s unhoused population is already a challenge with affordable housing shortages, poverty, and a lack of shelters. Without shelter, some of Atlanta’s unhoused population resides in a homeless encampment in a West End neighborhood that has raised some concern for other residents. But what makes this issue more complex is that the encampment is on private property. As Atlanta City Councilmember Jason Dozier explained on “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” the courts would have to get involved if they attempted to remove a homeless encampment from private property.   Also, Atlanta is often referred to as the city in a forest. Being surrounded by trees means it's important to be aware of how healthy they are and when they need to be removed. Decaying and dead trees can be a safety hazard or an environmental and climate issue, but they can also be very expensive to cut down. Some Georgia homeowners are increasingly given an ultimatum by their insurance company to remove trees deemed a risk or lose their homeowners’ insurance coverage. That's where a new program from the Georgia Arborist Association can provide assistance. We discuss the eligibility requirements and application process for the program with Georgia Arborist Association executive director Jessie McClellan. She also gives us a diagnosis on some of the trees outside the WABE Studios.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.