Free-For-All Friday 8/19/16

Feel free to use this post to make comments and ask questions about local topics not yet discussed here over the past week.

61 thoughts on “Free-For-All Friday 8/19/16”


  4. I am sure Dude’s inability to find a home in Decatur (despite $200k+ in compensation) was discussed already, but I still cannot get over this. I assume Dude is still going to ask us to vote for a school tax increase for those of us that are under 65. Does anyone know what percent of students in COD do not reside inside the City and how much that costs the school system?

    http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local/decatur-schools-chief-finds-a-home-outside-the-cit/nsFMH/

    1. The school tax increase will be for everyone including those over 65. While I would prefer he live in COD Dude did what was best for him and his family and I do not fault him for this.

    2. I believe the tax increase you speak of is actually the “homestead tax” exemption expansion and that was being discussed well before David Dude came on board.

      1. I didn’t say the homestead tax increase was his brainchild – I said he will ask us to support it (even though it will not impact him personally).

        1. I really have a hard time with the personal attack against a COD employee by someone who hides behind the anonymity of this message board. If you have an issue, raise it in person at the next School Board meeting. But to your silly argument – where in the Dude’s contract was it stipulated that he had to live in COD. Oh that’s right, it wasn’t. So he made a decision that he felt was right for his family. As to the Homestead Exemption, he’s supporting a tax matter that he believes is right for the school district. I don’t see anything hypocritical or underhanded about these two decisions.

          1. DM – My appologies, I do not intend my posts to ever be attacks, personal or otherwise. The earlier post was admitedly poorly written (I am reading through it carefully now) and did not convey my opinion well, but I would not categorize it as any kind of attack.

            To phrase my opinion a different way, I felt that it was important for a Superintendent of CDS to live in the distirct. It is my opinion that this would allow our Superintendent to better understand and consider decisions like the impact of annual budgets (and millage rates) as well as redistricting. I understand that it is the Superintendent’s job to make those decisions thoughtfully, and I do not doubt that Dude will make good and thoughtful decisions, but it is my opinion that those decisions could be better considered and thought through when they impact a person directly. I also believe – and this is again just my opinion – that many residents will view a Superintendent’s decisions in a different light as a non-resident vs. resident.

            All of that said, you are entirely correct, there was no requirement to live in the City of Decatur and I do not think there should be for that matter. There are no complaints that could be raised to the School Board on this issue. If I were in Dude’s situation I would likely do the same thing, though I would be concerned about how that is perceived by residents. That said, I would personally much rather pay less per square foot for a home, pay lower taxes, and still send my kids to a great school system like CDS.

            1. Thanks Mac for your kind follow up. BtW…not sure you are so anonymous to many of us old school decaturites 🙂
              So you know folks…MAC is amongst the most decent among us…just gets a little grumpy sometimes. I do too. Let’s try and give each other the benefit of the doubt, regarding our postings shall we? Let’s continue to distinguish ourselves as above the standard fray in this awful post apocalyptic posting world.

            2. As a government employee, putting up with civicly obsessed residents five+ days a week is enough. I should at least be able to go to the grocery store on the weekends and not be bombarded with questions from needy parents. I think he is earning that salary regardless of where he lives. Kudos to him for not wanting to spend all of his money on his house so he can save and/or spend money on his family.

        2. Well, the superintendent is an employee of the School Board and they support it. It’d be a little strange for him to advocate against something that his bosses are actively supporting. It’d make for an interesting story if he did advocate against it.

          1. Well I say “actively,” but I don’t think anyone – either the school board or the super – can campaign for or against the approval of a referendum. I believe there’s an AG opinion on that topic. (This came up during the bond referendum as well.) But they did push to have the legislation introduced and passed so the question could be placed on the ballot. This was done at the request of senior citizens who are trying to stay in their homes in Decatur. They are on a fixed income and additional taxes make it harder for some of them to live here. The most the school board and super has done is respond to residents’ concerns by working to put the question before voters.

    4. Re courtesy students: it is standard for school districts to offer this to educators who work there. CSD would lose a ton of great teachers and staff if we curtailed it. As it is, there’s been a bunch in the press lately about how teacher salaries have been declining in inflation-adjusted dollars in comparison to almost every other white collar position in Georgia for which inflation-adjusted salaries have been increasing at least modestly if not greatly. If we want teachers with intelligence, skill, experience, and dedication, we have to compensate them at least commensurate with other school systems. Yes, CSD is a nice place to teach but it’s not so nice that we can afford to short our educators, especially now that we are bigger, busier, and undergoing growing pains.

  6. I’m surprised no one has commented on the approved 64 unit development at the corner of Katie Kerr and Columbia. I think it was snuck in quietly. It’s a property that the city annexed recently and is patting themselves on the back for approving a project that is low-density than what could have gone there.

    1. Wow – I did not realize it was recently annexed. That is simply insane! It runs completely counter to their other policies.

      1. I believe that property was annexed in 2008 when Friends School of Atlanta and East Decatur Station purchased it from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. That’s not all that recent.

    2. I have a comment, not a particularly productive one but anyway…
      I understand Decatur needs to grow it’s tax base (at least I think it needs to, seems like it already has grown tremendously) but cannot help but lament the loss of wildlife habitat and greenspace resulting from this and other building projects. Few I meet seem to care or talk about this as we continue to decimate the tree canopy and pockets of greenery which have made Decatur so lovely and attractive. It’s goodbye, shade, habitat and wildlife and hello, minivans, media rooms and heat islands. At a certain stage we will reach a point of diminishing returns with unfettered densification. Have we already? I think we need to ask ourselves these questions and consider the long term and likely permanent ramifications as development continues. Decatur has had a long history of NOT acting like our big City neighbor when it comes to growth…is this still the case? No response needed…just want to keep the idea of the value of wildlife and wild spaces in our collective thoughts. Maybe we need to form a land conservancy or something along those lines.

      1. I understand lamenting some of the development tearing down forest, but I think you’re being more than a bit dramatic. Surfing around google earth there are a few developments that took out woods for single family homes, in the last 10 years or so, down off South Candler and one off Clairemont by the YMCA. But the large scale removal of woods for homes isn’t that much. Frankly in my time here I’ve probably seen mother nature take out more trees than the bulldozer!..I’m being facetious there.. 😉

        Other developments (315 Ponce, Arlo, the apts at the turn of Commerce drive, the future development by the high school etc) all replaced parking lots…there is nothing environmentally redeeming about a parking lot. All the oil, trash and other contaminants go directly into our waterways. With the new developments they are required to mitigate the stormwater and clean it before it enters our streams, they are required to place a large amount of trees on site per development guidelines. These are rules that did not exist when the parking lots were developed decades ago. Due to these developments our waterways are becoming cleaner. it just is what it is, the power that be decades ago did not care or did not know about water quality and the benefits of having a strong tree canopy etc.

        Another thing to keep in mind…the USofA, and Atlanta in particular is not getting smaller. We are a growing country and city. 10 years from now metro Atlanta will have a million more people in it. Where are they to live? Forsyth? Pickens? What does that do to our environment? More tearing out woods in those counties to build bigger roads, bigger sewer lines where trees cant grow, more power easements taking out woods, typically bigger homes creating larger impervious footprints, away from mass transit so everyone drives, more supercenters with ginormous surface parking lots.

        Decatur has this existing infrastructure in place.

        Frankly, looking holistically, density = a better ecology.

        The reality is, we live in the city. We are a stones throw from the largest employment center in Georgia. The denser we become the better it is for the greater Georgia environment and ecosystem.

        Where would you place the next Million metro Atlanta inhabitants in 10 years?..2 million in 20 years…3 million in 30 years…and on and on.

        1. Well, I suppose I am being more than a bit dramatic. As a matter of fact, I am being extremely dramatic…and will continue to be. You are missing my point. I agree with much of what you are saying about density although when pushed to it’s logical climax the supposition that density = good ecology is being increasingly questioned i.e. in the case of large cities:
          http://www.nature.com/articles/srep04235
          I am not talking about any of the downtown developments or parking lot conversions. (Oh yeah, is The Arlo done yet?…that name is forever ruined for me) What I am trying to put forth is the thought that wild spaces and wildlife, here…in Decatur, has value. That some places, some trees, some rocks, some streams, some holes in the ground, are actually providing habitat for living things other than humans. And that maintaining some of that habitat here locally is important and has value. Just as important as large scale development is for, “The Larger Georgia Ecosystem” of which, Decatur is also part. I might suggest that rather than browsing Google Earth for evidence of large scale devastation, that next time a house is torn down nearby and the lot clear cut to make way for another featureless McCraftsman that you watch as one of the older, mature trees is taken down and notice the diverse number of animals who lose their lives and/or whose homes are destroyed. Some places within our city should remain undeveloped wildlife habitat.

          1. Conversely, I’ve seen more wild animals in Decatur in the last few years than that previous 20.

            For a residential area, Great Lakes neighborhood is abundant with owls, hawks, cranes, rabbits, chippies, squirrels, raccoons, possums, snakes, and even coyotes. I even saw some hipsters last week.

            I think we’re doing just fine.

            1. Love it G Buck. Great Lakes is a lovely area and yes we also have abundant wildlife and great birds here in Winnona Park…just want to keep it that way. We have had a rash of tear-downs here as of late and the Katie Kerr development is just another loss of , “New Growth Forest”. Maybe that is why I’m a bit sensitive. We left Oakhurst after having all of the wooded lots torn down around our house, thinking we could escape tear down mania but were mistaken about that. In any case, I think I have found excellent bait for the Hipster have-a heart- trap…it’s the artisanal gourmet burger with craft cocktail…gets ’em everytime!

          2. http://www.care2.com/causes/6-ways-dense-cities-are-better-for-the-environment.html

            http://e360.yale.edu/feature/greenest_place_in_the_us_its_not_where_you_think/2203/

            https://psmag.com/why-denser-cities-are-better-for-people-and-the-environment-c5cadce92304#.stkll89g2

            we can go tit for tat on articles, its like arguing about global warming… 😉

            I do not think anyone will argue with you that wild places dont have value. Of course they do. but your original argument was ” At a certain stage we will reach a point of diminishing returns with unfettered densification”

            I would not describe taring down a single family home for a bigger single family home as “unfettered dinsification”…which is your new argument.

            ” that next time a house is torn down nearby and the lot clear cut to make way for another featureless McCraftsman that you watch as one of the older, mature trees is taken down and notice the diverse number of animals who lose their lives and/or whose homes are destroyed. Some places within our city should remain undeveloped wildlife habitat.”

            Now you’ve created a conversation about personal property rights, a whole different bag of worms. We’ve already had a huge debate about that when Decatur was revamping the tree ordnance. If someone is redeveloping their home they have to have 45% tree canopy if memory serves. If a tree needs to come down then it sounds like they must replace it in some way shape or form. Now you are lamenting the loss of trees when someone tears down their house for something bigger…a “featureless Mccraftsman” which frankly is a matter of opinion.

            I really do not see the whole sale slaughter of trees in Decatur. Yes, it sucks when someone tears down big old oaks (most oaks in decatur seem to be water oaks anyway…which a weak wooded and short lived anyway), but I’m certainly not going to tell someone what they can and cant do with their own property.

            Going back to the original argument against densification in Decatur…where do we put the next million folks in 10 years? Further out if we don’t allow them here? Someone else’s problem I guess right?

            as far as tree canopy, thus wildlife habitat, I think we’re doing pretty good.

            check this out:

            http://www.historicaerials.com/

            use the slide toolbar and compare 1955 to 2013. Lot more tree now than then, especially around Oakhurst. Kinda just neat to see how Decatur and Atlanta in general has changed too.

  8. Great news — a new Cajun/Creole restaurant is opening in Decatur!!
    http://atlantarestaurants.blog.ajc.com/2016/08/12/louisiana-bistreaux-set-to-open-in-decatur-this-month/

    We recently discovered their East Point location after an airport run and loved it. The servings are ginormous and service is great, not unlike the Pappadeux chain.

      1. It is on the pricey side… think of it as an independent Pappadeux. Well-prepared seafood doesn’t normally come cheap.

    2. I certainly want this to be great, as NOLa is my favorite food city on the the planet. But 90% of the would be “Cajun/creole” places in ATL are poor imitations (and Pappadeaux’s is a prime offender, IMO). The only places here that truly know what they’re doing are Crawfish Shack on BuHi and Gumbeaux’s way out in Douglasville. So my expectations are set to “low, but eager to be proved wrong.”

      1. It’s the best we can hope for, short of driving out yonder or way south into flood waters.

    3. I wish someone would resist the temptation to use “eaux” in the name of their cajun restaurant.

  10. Hello Decatur! Great news – my wife is pregnant and we are expecting this coming December. Very excited!

    With that being said, I am now available again for freelance web design and development for my future child’s diaper fund! I’ve had two very successful websites launched recently that came from Decatur Metro.

    Does your company need a new or redesigned website? your side business need some actual leads? your aunt’s pictures need a place for us to see them? If so, please reach out here https://goo.gl/forms/AYtYjm386xDCzpPA2 and I will try to help you!

  12. I am looking for recommendations for a reliable, affordable and knowledgeable lawn service/care provider. Thanks.

    1. I use Top Turf for lawn care – by this I mean to manage weed control and fertilizing as that is the biggest battle. I would recommend them for that part.

    2. I have found that any one of those qualities is possible as a standalone – but never a combination of two or more.

  14. How about those storms yesterday, early evening?! I was trying to drive from Brookhaven area to Tucker area right in the middle of them and could not believe the flooding and lightning. I was sure that there was a tornado somewhere. And my restaurant destination lost power. I guess City of Decatur was less hard hit?

    1. It was pretty intense in Oakhurst. Lots of lightening, thunder, sideways rain and tons of sirens. Most of the streets in our immediate area were 4-6 inches deep with running water and our power went out and stayed off for about 2 hours. Really glad it didn’t last long and everything drained quickly!

  16. We got it pretty hard here in Decatur. Much lightening and much sideways rain. Was glad to be inside!

    1. A friendly tip from your local grammar/spelling/syntax Nazi: there’s no “e” in lightning, except when you’re at the hair salon.

      1. http://www.slate.com/articles/life/the_good_word/2013/09/language_bullies_pedants_and_grammar_nerds_who_correct_people_all_the_time.html

        1. As a latent language bully, I am always stymied by the fact that American English just absorbs the common errors in usage and then the errors become kosher. It’s easier to be a language bully in French which has a whole Academy to preserve the status quo and bully those who make errors.

          1. Se mettre d’accord. I will ponder this and other etymological matters while at the hair salon, having my hair lightened, during a lightning storm.

  18. Take your turn at the four-way Stop.

    I find it kind of creepy and definitely unsafe for drivers to follow me through four-way stop signs when I’m cycling.

    A honking horn this week confirmed that one driver-to-my-left felt slightly annoyed by this dangerous behavior.

  20. Join Decatur Active Living tonight at 6:30pm for the Third Friday FUN Bike Ride. We go about 5-6 miles around Decatur. Hoping we don’t get another storm this evening! More info at decaturga.com/biking. It’s free!

  22. I need help with completely non-inflammatory request: could y’all please please please recommend someone who might successfully cut my uncooperative toddler’s hair?? She will not let me touch her head long enough to get it out of her face with a barrette, a claw clip, a soft ponytail elastic… Is there anybody out there, in your experience, with skills mad enough to manage her mane???

    1. It’s been years but I remember that dilemma well. There used to be some kid’s hair salons that had fire truck and unicorn seats but they were always in the outer beyond-the-perimeter-sphere. The best I ever did was find a cheap salon that had a DVD player that you could put favorite movies in. More recently, there was something like Lisa’s Cuts for Kids in Downtown Decatur–not sure if it’s still here. Salon Red for Kids looks promising.

    3. Ms. Lisa is in downtown Decatur. My son would scream, cry, and move all around during haircuts. She was always able to successfully cut his hair. They may be booked out for the next 7-10 days, but you can look at appointments online. They also play cartoons and give lollipops at the end (a big selling point for my son).

    4. Marie,

      Ms. Lisa was able to cut my child’s hair. It was a freaking miracle. Highly recommend. Also, she is so sweet and didn’t make me feel bad about the things that happened. Unspeakable things.

  24. Why can’t people understand the economics of the old folks homestead exemption. It takes more than 2 households to support one household with school children. If the people with no childen leave and are replaced with families with children ( which is what is happening) there will be no end to escalating costs. We will drown in education taxes. Yes we need to supplement the lost taxes and we should. There are some great ideas being circulated to do that. But we have to look to the future and find a way to stop the explosion of our education budget

  26. Two sidewalk reminders to my neighbors: First, please remember to not park your car across the sidewalk. It’s against the law. Second, the law requires us to stop when we exit a driveway, and look for pedestrians before proceeding. In downtown Decatur, it seems like most drivers cross the sidewalk without stopping, and some without even looking. There’s a good reason for the law–it protects us and our kids. Thank you!

    1. Seconded! Most drivers look left if they’re turning right and do not see the pedestrian walking to their right. Happens every time I go walking.

      1. Ok…I think we can solve many of these issues all at the same time. People: Just back out of your driveways strategically and with blinding and raucous speed and also blow through stop signs only to take out adults of child bearing age. Yeah, I know…it’s a little severe but hey…we need to reduce school enrollent (btw, this is a joke, for those who are completely offended, lighten up).

    2. Good reminders. If I may, I’d like to add NOT stopping in the crosswalk. The woman in the minivan near F.Ave this morning, you know who you are and what you did that very nearly caused a tragedy.

  28. I know this topic was discussed a few years ago on DecaturMetro, but the information was very dated, so I’m going to start it again. Can anyone add to the list of Decatur or nearby restaurants where kids eat free? I’ll start:

    Wahoo Grill – M-F from 5-7pm – 1 kid from the kids menu per adult

  30. Anyone know when the Dairy Queen @ Arlo is set to open? Last mention in the AJC suggested that it would be in the space immediately to the left of the car park entrance. Also, I guess Guy Wong’s Chinese Restaurant, “Big Boss” isn’t going to happen?

    1. I don’t think they’ve announced an opening date but I just walked by there this morning and they’re definitely in the midst of building out the space. Looked to be maybe halfway there.

      1. Glad to hear this! I was worried that the Dairy Queen folks just couldn’t wait it out or had been pushed out somehow…

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