Mayor Floyd gives us an update on the GDOT’s plan to eliminate funding on Scott Boulevard sidewalks, which I mentioned last week and reports that the GDOT is willing to do “some work” along Scott.

However, residents and city officials will have to choose: either new sidewalks on the “south side of Scott across from Westchester, Lamont to Clairemont” or repairs to existing sidewalks.

The mayor asks for comments, but like a commenter mentioned in a previous post, I can’t figure out how to submit something on the mayor’s blog. Perhaps comments are turned off? If so, to turn them back on, click on options and then make sure that “Allow people to post comments on the article” is checked off.

I can’t imagine that if given the opportunity there would still be “no comments” on the mayor’s site. Personally, I’m seeing many of my readers jumping over to his site from this one.

In regards to the sidewalks choice, I guess I would prefer that money be spent on repairs. No one walks down that road by choice, only out of necessity to get from point A to point B. Might as well have a smooth, uncracked surface to do it on.

Brad sends in this note from the Decatur PD regarding ongoing snail mail theft in Oakhurst.

Oakhurst Residents,
Please be advised we are currently experiencing mail thefts in the Oakhurst area. Suspects are taking outgoing mail from mailboxes prior to the mail carrier picking it up. They are also taking mail that has been delivered and not yet picked up by residents. Please DO NOT place outgoing mail, especially that containing checks and bill payment slips with account numbers, in your mailboxes. Take it to the post office or give it directly to the mail carrier if possible.

Also, call 911 IMMEDIATELY if you see anyone hovering/loitering/tampering in or around your or your neighbor’s mailboxes if you do not recognize them. Please get a physical description of the suspect, a description of what they are wearing and description of a vehicle, if they are using one, and which direction they are walking or driving. Read the rest of this entry »

The neighborhood group is holding a informational meeting this evening at 220 Fairview Ave at 7:30p regarding the potential development at 315 W. Ponce.

A note from organizer Cherie Long gives details…

The meeting is in the backyard where there will be a projector and laptop as well as handouts.  There are many tables and plenty of room. If you have a folding sport chair please bring it if you can.

the intent of tonight’s meeting is multifold:

1. to share information and research which has been gathered by individuals in the neighborhood

2. to discuss issues with the development which include shared parking, density and mass, impact etc.

3. to propose a decision making process for presenting information to residents and city officials

In an effort to combat bullying, DeKalb County Schools, showing no ability in understanding the mindset of bullies, have implemented a guffaw-inducing anti-bullying campaign throughout the county.

Some of the more LMAO items include…

• Establishing a “No Place to Hate” committee (I’m sure if you asked a child what would help prevent bullying in schools the first thing they would say would be “let’s start a committee!”)
• Sign a resolution to reject bullying (what is this? an international trade agreement?!)
• Complete at least three schoolwide anti-bias projects that promote respect and diversity
• Giving schools large banners that exclaim they are “No Place to Hate”

But the absolute best example given by the AJC were the poor students at Murphey Candler Elementary, who had to give their school a hug by literally joining hands and circling the building.

I’m sure there are many that might argue that, at a minimum, this campaign brings the issue of bullying into the spotlight. But as someone that has extensive, first-hand experience in having been bullied in public schools, I would strongly assert that these sorts of initiatives won’t change a thing, except maybe to give parents the false impression that they have some control over their child’s torment.

As a certified dork speaking unofficially for other, younger dorks, I would say thanks but no thanks DeKalb County. Declaring “Hate-free zones” with large banners is like declaring “drug-free zones” with municipal signs. They both just sound like unachievable ad campaigns that serve as nothing more than public band-aids.

Fox5 (video) reports that the infamous metro area “blue jean bandits” broke into Boogaloos sometime last night and stole a lot of expensive jeans.

Let’s hope insurance will cover their loss.

Thanks to Rus for the tip.

UPDATE: The AJC reports that a jogger heard glass shatter and quickly notified the police.  According to the report, it is still unclear whether anything was taken.