There are a ton of events going on this coming weekend Sept 27th and 28th.  Here’s the first of many: The ever-popular annual Madison Avenue Soapbox Derby on Saturday Sept. 27th!  Now in its fourth year, here’s a brief summary from Patti Garrett’s blog…

10am-3pm

This unique non-motorized racing event challenges amateur racers to design and build gravity-powered soapbox cars to compete against the clock in a downhill race. Not to be confused with the National All-American Soapbox Derby, The Madison Ave. Soapbox Derby is a race for amateur drivers, which is fueled by creativity and family fun.  The Rules and Regulations are not intended to hinder any creativity but rather allow for a safe race for both the drivers and spectators.

http://madisonavesoapboxderby.org/

And here’s the schedule for this year’s event…

10:00am Registration OPENS: Teams arrive, sign in and park cars

11:00am Donation Station opens

11:30am Judging starts

12:00 6 years old and under starts

1:00 7 to 17 year old race starts

2:00 18 and up race starts

3:00 Music

3:00 Trophies awarded

Our report last week that Decatur had posted new annexation maps on its website, seems to have kicked off renewed reporting/discussion on one of our favorite topics of all-time: annexation!  Here’s some morning linkage for you:

• Last week, WABE spoke to City Manager Peggy Merriss about the Decatur’s Annexation Master Plan and got reaction from head of the Briarcliff Initiative.
• Decaturish reported in-depth on the foggy world of city annexation negotiations, with a focus on the Forrest Hills neighborhood

And in related news: pieces of a Q&A with Atlanta Councilman Alex Wan on the Medlock Area Neighborhood Association site could portend an annexation conflict that could arise between Atlanta and Decatur.

Q: What are more remote scenarios? City of Decatur annexation map that seeks commercial properties could interfere with Atlanta’s ability to annex.
A: In a clash between a new city vs annexation , the state legislature would step in. Residents need to coalesce around a choice or to fight decisions being pushed. It is very important to establish what the community wants. Proposal leaders will want to exclude areas that are likely to oppose their proposals.

Q: (from a CHCA resident) Clairmont Heights could be in the way for MANA to be annexed into Atlanta
A: Yes, you need to be contiguous to be annexed.