VP of Decatur First Bank, Jack Regan, recently wrote in to let residents know that his bank now offers both CDARS (Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service) and Eco-Banking.

It took me a bit to get my head around the CDARS service, but I think I get it now.

If you’ve got a cool $50 million hanging around (or anything over $100,000) and want it in FDIC-insured CDs, you no longer need to run around to a hundred different banks depositing $100,000 at each (which used to be the case).  Instead, the CDARS service (pronounced ‘cedars’) allows one bank to distribute your money amongst a network of “well-managed banks”.  So you get only one statement, one tax document, etc…  If I’m not making any sense, this BankRate article does a good job of describing the service.

Also Jack DFB is now offering “Eco-Banking” which includes online banking, e-statements, remote deposit, and 10 free ATM withdraws a month at ANY ATM.  Additionally, new customers will receive a free “Decatur Shops Green” tote bag!

Jack, let me know if I got all that right…

In case you haven’t heard, Stan Watson has skipped another debate. This time leaving Burrell Ellis to debate himself.

So now he’s missed two debates and was late in filing his campaign contributions report! I don’t care if your campaign slogan is “Give that Decatur Metro guy $30 million dollars!”. Anyone that doesn’t have enough respect for their fellow citizens to show up for a public debate (twice!), has no business being in charge of ANYthing.

Vote Ellis…because we can’t actually prove that Stan Watson isn’t a cyborg.

Cherie has forwarded along a note from a landscape architect in the neighborhood who has contacted three separate arborists in regards to the four unique (and massive) Dawn Redwoods on the 315 W. Ponce property. The verdict seems to be that the 12 1/2 foot distance between the Redwoods and Building “B”, which fronts Ponce, isn’t enough and would eventually kill the trees.

Here’s the resident’s note followed by an arborist’s letter in the continuation….

Dear Commissioners,

In reviewing the documents for the proposed project located at 315 West Ponce de Leon Avenue, it has come to my attention that the 5 Dawn Redwood trees, located along the front plain of the existing Wachovia building, are in jeopardy as a result of the proposed nearby construction. As a Landscape Architect, I am familiar with basic protection measures which are recommended to insure long term survivability of trees in construction zones.

It is my understanding that the City is of the strong opinion that these 5 specimen trees are not to be damaged or killed. As recently as the July DDA meeting, the developer stated that the trees were safe. This is in doubt.My first hope is that the trees will be saved. Short of that goal, I want for the fate of the trees to be known up front.The proposed front building, Building “B”, is designed to be sited 12 1/2′ from the centerline of the tree trunks. My concern about this placement led me to meet with three certified arborists, all independent from one another, to learn their opinions about the survivability of these trees. The following report expresses the professional opinion of one of the arborists, saying that the trees will be severely compromised by construction and will not survive. Please read the report and let me know if you have any questions.Not included at this time are the other arborists’ analyses; however, their conclusions coincide with those of Mr. Morris.

Sincerely, [ed: Name has been withheld]

You’ll find the arborist’s letter after the jump…

Hmm…this is troubling…and it seems that at least one member of the city commission agrees. Commissioner Baskett replied to the landscape architect’s original note expressing his concern.

Personally I’ve never quite bought on to the idea of Building “B” anyway. While the rear building only covers a parking lot, building “B” replaces probably the best example of the modernist landscape in the town…and that includes those Redwoods.

Also, I still can’t picture building “B” not looking sort of cramped in front of the massive office building.

Should be interesting to see how this new wrench works its way thru the gears of the political system.

Stay tuned!

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