Campus Edge tenants urge council to pressure new owner to honor leases, warn of possible homelessness

Dozens of speakers asked the City Council on Wednesday to intervene after tenants at Campus Edge apartments said they learned only weeks ago that the property is slated for redevelopment and that a new owner has indicated it will not honor current leases past July.

‘‘This was dumped on us at the absolute last minute,’’ said Raven McGuire, a resident who lives near the Marietta‑Kennesaw campus. ‘‘We were told yes, and then later told no. I have to find new housing, work and school in a matter of weeks.’’

Residents described a mix of full‑time workers, students and people without family support. They said the management company and the prospective buyer, Campus Realty Advisors, had not properly notified tenants, that some alternatives cited by the buyer were unaffordable and that many tenants could face homelessness if forced to move in 30–60 days. Speakers asked council members to press the buyer to honor existing 2025‑26 leases until tenants can find and afford new housing.

What tenants said

- Tenants reported they were not told about the rezoning and said a single sign at a mixed‑use entrance was insufficient notice. Several residents said they only learned of the plans within the last few weeks, after the buyer had already negotiated.

- Multiple speakers said the alternative properties listed by the buyer (including other complexes the buyer owns or manages) either had no arrangements in place or charged significantly higher rents and application fees that tenants cannot afford.

- Speakers described the complex as long‑standing, affordable local housing and said most residents have limited means. Several described prior experiences with housing instability and said sudden displacement would cause serious hardship.

Public records and organizer statements

Tenants said they have formed a Campus Edge Tenants’ Rights Association and submitted a demand letter to the city and property owner. Tenants and supporters asked the council to insist that the new owner honor current leases while relocation plans are negotiated and to require better tenant notice and relocation assistance if demolition proceeds.

How council responded

Council members heard the comments during the public‑comments portion of the meeting; no zoning vote for Campus Edge was recorded that night. Members acknowledged the speakers and said staff would review the tenant concerns. Several council members emphasized the importance of affordable housing and said they would take the statements under advisement as staff coordinates next steps.

Ending

Tenants said they will continue to press the matter with the city and the prospective owner and asked for a public commitment that existing leases be honored until tenants can secure alternative housing or the 2025‑26 lease term ends.