DeKalb HOA says it lacks funds to fix years-old 'money pit'

Dekalb County sinkhole and the money pit

A DeKalb County condo community is stuck with a five-foot-deep sinkhole as the HOA board reveals it lacks the full funding for repairs.

DEAKLB COUNTY, Ga. - A years-long battle over a growing sinkhole at a DeKalb County condo complex has left homeowners frustrated as property values drop and repair costs mount.

Residents demand fix for 'money pit'

What we know:

The sinkhole is located at a condominium complex off Columbia Drive, where some residents have lived since 1987. 

Palace Battle, a longtime homeowner, says the issue has persisted for more than five years. 

In 2018, residents were hit with a special $200 assessment specifically intended to fund the repair, yet the hole remains. 

SKYFOX Drone video shows the crater has grown to an estimated depth of five to six feet. 

While the HOA board initially claimed DeKalb County was responsible, county officials have confirmed the sinkhole is on private property. 

The HOA board now admits responsibility but states they lack 60% of the necessary funding to complete the work.

What we don't know:

It is currently unclear when the HOA expects to secure the remaining 60% of the funding or if another special assessment will be charged to the homeowners. A specific start date for the construction and landscaping has not been announced.

Massive Decatur sinkhole sparks debate with county

Decatur residents are in an uproar over a large sinkhole nearby a residential condominium. The residents believe the hole is on county property while the county believes the hole is on private property, so neither party is sure who is responsible for paying for repairs.

Longtime homeowners fight for safety

What they're saying:

"I can't tell you how deep it is but it's really deep," Palace Battle said while looking at the hole. "The value of my property is going down. Not up." Battle noted the area has become a safety concern and a blight on the neighborhood. "It’s an eyesore. What I hope to happen is that we can fix that problem, replant grass, make this area more vibrant so kids and us as a community can come here and celebrate being in our own neighborhood."

By the numbers:

• 2018: When the first special assessment was issued to residents.
• $200: The amount each resident paid in that assessment to fix the hole.
• 5-6: The estimated depth in feet of the current sinkhole.
• 40%: The amount of total repair funding the HOA currently possesses.

Future of the Columbia Drive condos

What's next:

FOX 5 will continue to monitor the communication between the HOA board and the residents to see when the remaining funds are secured. Neighbors are waiting for a timeline on when the "eyesore" will finally be filled and the grass replanted.