Some people are upset about spikes installed on the steps of a downtown building.
"I see spikes on the stairs, and I'm guessing that's because homeless people, they don't want them to sleep there, which isn't very kind," Kayla Moore said. "I don't feel like that's what our city's about."
Not a sign of southern hospitality, that's how some people feel about the spikes posted on the stairs at the old Banner newspaper building.
"In a typically hospitable city, seems kind of odd," Chris Salvadri said.
The historic building has been in the 300 block of Church Street since the 1800s. It has been redeveloped and turned into apartments and lofts.
"Looks like a bunch of fleur-de-lis, kinda spikey things to keep people off their steps," Salvadri said.
Salvadri was visiting Nashville for work.
"As somebody visiting the city, I've not seen that in Atlanta for sure. Seems kind of odd," Salvadri said.
Some people passing by felt the spikes were dangerous, too.
"Like, if there's a lot of drunk people walking around here, and it's right next to Printers Alley, if someone falls, they're going to, like, hurt themselves really bad," Moore said.
The Lofts at the Exchange are privately owned.
"I could see how they wouldn't want people to, like, sit there when they're drunk or whatever, but they chose to live next to Printer's Alley," Moore said.
Not everyone is upset about the spikes though.
"People have a right to protect their business where they pay taxes and things like that," Moore said. "There's shelters and things to help people."
Deshaun Lymon works in downtown. He sees the spikes as a safety measure.
"I see a lot of things that is going on around here, a lot of homeless people, but I've never seen nothing like this, it's kind of strange, kind of scary," Lymon said.
He understands that renters and homeowners want to feel safe in their own homes.
"I think they have a right to do that," Lymon said.
We reached out to the lofts and the property management company for comment. We are waiting on a response.
The Metro Codes Department is looking into whether the doorstep spikes are a code violation. They are investigating whether or not the spikes are located at a fire exit.
