City of Atlanta Demolishes Man’s Home by Mistake, Sues Him for the Costs

Just in case you’re ever tempted to believe that corruption only exists at the highest levels of government, let me tell you about Everett Tripodis.

Everett Tripodis lived on Lawton Street. A mile and a half away, on Lawton Avenue, was a building unfit for habitation. The city had a demolition hearing notice for the Lawton Avenue home. 

They demolished Tripodis’s instead. 

This isn’t the corruption yet– this is just evidence of the absolute incompetence of government that also exists on every level. They tore down THE WRONG EFFING HOUSE. A MILE. AND A HALF. AWAY.

Now Everett Tripodis doesn’t have a house, because the city tore his down. By mistake. So you can imagine his surprise and fury when he got a letter from the city of Atlanta. . . 

. . . suing him for $68,000in demolition costs.

“When I saw that came from the city, I was quite excited,” Tripodis said. “Maybe it was a letter of apology. Maybe it was a check. Maybe they’re going to justly compensate me. I opened it up and realized that they were suing me.”

Tripodis has already filed a lawsuit against the city, but it is conveniently tied up in the court system. Meanwhile, he only has a matter of weeks to respond to the city’s lawsuit against him. Again, this being a lawsuit DEMANDING HE PAY THE $68,000 THEY SPENT TO ACCIDENTALLY DEMOLISH HIS HOME. 

Luckily for the city of Atlanta, Tripodis is a more level-headed and less reactive person than I am. NO, I’m not saying I would commit or encourage others to commit violence. I’m just saying that paper bags, poop, matches, and doorsteps exist.

I desperately hope Mr. Tripodis gets the restitution he deserves, but I’m not holding my breath.