I have voluntarily decided to dismiss my case against the City of Atlanta.

Despite my best efforts and hopes, I cannot repair through litigation the problems for our city caused by an apathetic Mayor, City Council, and City Attorney. It became evident upon further diligence surrounding the facts of the 152 Nassau Street and 141 Walton Street properties that the judicial system was not a way for myself or any other citizen to force our public officials to care about our city and their obligations to its citizens, including the right of the people to the protection of our city’s history.

A court cannot force elected officials to care, only we – the people – can do that by our votes.

After these properties were first proposed for landmark designation, our City Council, instead of taking swift and decisive action to ensure their protection, were indolent and decided to take a submissive approach towards bad actors intent on destruction rather than preservation. Because of that, these buildings will be lost forever.

I remain committed to this task, but just as much as I place the burden on our government to observe proper and just process, I must do the same.

– Kyle Kessler