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Resident: Vine City Chick-fil-A robbery won't be hiccup in effort to clean up crime

Vine City and English Avenue have long histories of heavy crime and poverty. But this neighborhood sits in the shadows of the city's newest crown jewel – Mercedes-Benz Stadium. And there's been a big effort over the last two years to improve the neighborhood.

ATLANTA — It’s a sight often not seen in Atlanta: An empty Chick-fil-A on a Monday afternoon.

But customers had to be turned away by security at the Vine City restaurant, closed only four months after a late-morning robbery.

Police said at around 11 Monday morning, a man went into the west Atlanta Chick-fil-A, flashed a gun and demanded money. He made off with an undetermined amount of cash from a cashier and left in a dark colored sedan.

PREVIOUS | Chick-fil-A in Vine City robbed at gunpoint

Vine City and English Avenue have long histories of heavy crime and poverty. Riding through these streets nearby, it's not uncommon to see empty lots and boarded up homes. So, a robbery at a fast food joint may not seem like such a big deal. But this neighborhood sits in the shadows of the city's newest crown jewel – Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The new stadium is set to host Super Bowl LIII in February 2019, and there’s been a big effort over the last two years by the Arthur Blank Foundation, the Westside Future Fund and the Atlanta Police Foundation to improve the neighborhood.

It got 11Alive’s Natisha Lance wondering how much progress is being made to revitalize one of the poorest communities in the metro ahead of the big game. Long-time resident, Rosalyn thinks the neighborhood will be ready.

“Part of the development is because the Super Bowl is coming. Do you think it will be ready for that, Lance asked.

“I have a funny feeling it will, some of it will be ready,” Rosalyn answered.

She has lived in the neighborhood for six years, and is happy with the development. But she said some people are trying to interfere with the progress.

Atlanta Police told 11Alive crime is up in Vine City, specifically larceny. However, crime overall is down in the area.

The Atlanta Police Foundation, part of the revitalization project, called Monday’s robbery an isolated event and they are confident the Westside and the entire city will be exemplary hosts for a safe and celebratory Super Bowl.

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