Many inner-city neighborhoods bring together a multitude of people with different values however, one thing that they all equivocally share and it surely can’t be hidden is their zip code. Atlanta, Georgia is known as the city of many hills with many neighborhoods. In the Southwest side of the city just beyond the trees and the tall buildings you’ll find communities striving to stick together in the midst of the hustle and bustle, that every major city can attest to.
Cleveland Ave. is a pillar community in Southwest Atlanta. The west side of Cleveland Ave. is occupied by developed neighborhoods, storefronts, and fancy plazas however, when travelling east a more desolate look starts to fill the avenue. Fewer storefronts, abandoned buildings and homeless citizens is life for this side of the avenue. Old Hapeville Rd. sits on the corner of Cleveland Ave. This corner attracts very few businesses however, the few that do exist are known for bringing in tremendous support to the community. The traffic that flows to and from the two major interstate highways on Cleveland Ave. brings life to this corner as cars pile up on the 2-lane road awaiting for a green light.
The McDonald’s, Cleveland Coin Laundry, MARTA bus stop and the BP Gas Station with the missing BP sign is what brings life to this corner. Walking and hanging out in the bus stop shelter or sitting on the guard rails at the local McDonald’s or standing in front of the BP gas station is how some people in the community spend their day.
This neighborhood is among the lowest income neighborhoods in America and vacant homes and apartments are a major fact of life in this community, according to Neighborhood Scout.
Crime is not unknown to the citizens of this neighborhood. This past July, there was a shooting near the corner where an innocent bystander was injured and later died from her injuries, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Southwest Atlanta resident Sophia Steward has lived near the corner for over a year. She recalls the community being known as “Bleeding Ave” for the many killings that has occurred throughout the years.
“This is an urban black neighborhood and we bring our own neighborhoods down because we don’t take pride in where we live,” said Steward.
The zone 3 Atlanta Police Department is responsible for keeping the crime down in this area. The increase of police presence on this corner has helped to minimize loitering, drug deals and potential crime. This Southwest Atlanta corner is no ordinary corner. This is the Old Hapeville corner.
