College Avenue Annexation Sign Vandalized
Decatur Metro | February 3, 2010
As you can see from the picture above, a couple days ago, someone threw a large rock through the Finders Keepers sign which currently reads “Yes Annexation”. Real classy.
According to a report, the Finders Keepers folks have since ” taped [the sign] back together as a sign of support so the “Yes Annexation” is still proudly showing.”
Finders Keepers is one of two property owners in the annexation area along College Avenue who support the legislative effort.
Latest from Decaturish
Avondale, are you sure you want these people in your city?
Vandalism is wrong no matter what. But, what makes you sure that this is related.
To you, BJ and Mike: timing (and the text on the sign) sure makes it seem related to annexation. That sign has been there for a while and now someone, just out of blue, nails it with a rock for fun. Don’t you think it seems more likely than not that it’s related? Would anyone say the same thing if pro-annexation folks vandalized the anti-annexation sign that has also been there for a while?
Mindless vandalism is just wrong. I bought my lovely desk from Finders Keepers and they were so nice and helpful.
Some people just can’t live with freedom of speech.
Finders Keepers is one of the few businesses along that corridor that made a nice storefront.
Vandalism is always low-class, no matter what prompted it.
Nothing says “my side has the most reasoned, sensible argument” like a little violence.
Aw, not cool. And no, Naaman, I’m pretty sure I don’t want these people in my city
I suggest you talk with your elected officials, if you are in Decatur or Avondale and express your opinion. I am sure the property owners along College would not object to staying in DeKalb county. Now everyone could go their separate way. But you are assuming it had something to do with annexation. It could just be random, and have nothing to do with it at all. Nothing like jumping to conclusions.
Seriously, the “Annexation is Stealing” sign would be a much easier target than Finders Keepers’ sign. A random event indeed.
I understand that you are a mind reader and know why everything happens. I am sure from you comments you can ascribe motives to all actions you see. You have no idea who or why that happened. You suspect something but that and $2 will get you a cup of coffee.
Me? I wasn’t assuming anything. Is that what you got from my “not cool” comment? And I didn’t even take a stand one way or another about the annexation. I simply stated I would rather not have these vandals in my town. If I were for the annexation, should I still talk to my elected officials?
Geez – I usually try and stay out of arguments like these online, and I didn’t even make a peep when all the Avondale bashing was going on. I just hate that this happened to one of my favorite stores.
It COULD have been a random event Mike, but it sure smells fishy.
And I can’t resist the potential of such delicious irony as someone yelling about property freedoms and then turning around and smashing someone’s freedom of speech.
More like freedom to be a raging narcissist…IF it is indeed connected.
My point is that everyone assumes it is related, and makes comments on that basis. It may or may not be related. You sure do not know the truth. I suppose putting that picture on your site might garner some support, hell if they are for annexation, they might have broken it themselves to get sympathy. It sure the hell seems to have worked. I guess I know where your editorial leanings are. Did you report or are you involved??
Supporters of annexation smash their own sign in an effort to garner sympathy from the community?
That’s as confusing as last night’s premiere of LOST.
Laughing, It makes almost as much sense as the assumptions that everyone has made regarding the sign. Hell, know what ? If that property was in Avondale, they could NOT put that sign up any way… So it would be moot in AVONDALE. I guess they are lucky to be in unincorporated DeKalb. Irony, right?
So I concede your point and your reaction is to get personal? OK yes, let’s get personal.
To answer your question, I’m not involved in this annexation issue beyond this site. In terms of my position, I’ve said before that I’m up-in-the-air on it.
What is your involvement?
First, I do not own property in the affected area. But I know the people who do and I also know how the city of Avondale is run. I support the opposition in more ways than here. Unfortunately, I know more about this subject than I really ever wanted to. I am a commercial property owner and I live in the city of Decatur. I like enlightened oversight, but not inane oversight.
That is all I want to disclose in this forum but I have been in public and voiced the same thing…. So I am not afraid of controversy.
OK. Well I certainly appreciate you going into a bit more detail on your background.
But I would ask you to please resist the pull to go from making reasoned arguments to turning yourself into what many of us here would call a “blog troll” who jumps on every statement he/she is opposed to, doesn’t care to hear or consider any other opinion, and hijacks the conversation with incendiary remarks.
Thanks.
I was wondering what my wife did with all of our extra nexation.
+1
That is so true.
Maybe she gave it to the coyotes.
I am so sorry that Finders Keepers was vandalize, truly they are one of the few properties in that stretch of College that is not trashy.
I find it entertaining that the guy who has been trying to sell the NE corner of Sams Crossing and College for several years now, has an anti annexation sign on his for sale sign…Now there’s a real brain trust…
It is very sad that people who take a stand of any kind are subject to retribution for their views. I thought this was America………..
There are a lot of sad things, but a broken sign is not in the top 1,000 on a SAD meter.
It’s also lousy vandalism. You can still read the sign. So it sucks from every standpoint. Hope they catch the vandals.
Perhaps this is another example of a crime in lawless unincorporated Dekalb county that would have been prevented in the heavily policed city of Avondale Estates.
Perhaps…. But consider that this sign would not be allowed in Avondale. Guess they are lucky to be in DeKalb……
As someone who dislikes vandalism, but supports nexation, I’m torn.
Methinks Mike doth protest too much.
I got a good laugh out of that. Protest, hell I protest inane politicians who do not have enough sense to come in out of the rain but KNOW what is best for everyone. Go to an Avondale open City meeting. Listen to them and watch what they do and have done. Turn your investments over to their purview. Harrumph Clean up your city before you get designs on anything else…..
Nexate Westchester!
that’s the ticket! let me make a sign !
Or start a blog!
For folks wanting more facts about the proposed annexation, here is a link to an information packet on the City of Avondale Estates web page: http://www.avondaleestates.org/resources/annexation/AE%20proposed%20annexation%202010%20Feb%201st%20REVISED.pdf
To those who are concerned about blight in downtown Avondale Estates, please know that at least 17 properties in our downtown are owned by a single developer: these parcels include the future Publix (near the Tudor Village) and the Maple Street Village (future home of Finders Keepers Fashions, the metal frame building on the corner of Maple Street). The developer has not secured funding to proceed with these projects so these buildings remain empty. In the meantime, the City has provided multiple extensions to the developer in light of current economic conditions.
At the same time, we are experiencing considerable organic small parcel redevelopment by small business owners. 23 new businesses opened in Avondale Estates in 2009 alone. Have you visited Savage Pizza? Pine Street Market? the Alcove? Over 100 artists are participating in an art exhibition in the Rail Arts District (RAD) on February 13 from 2 to 10 pm. The RAD extends from Avondale Estates through Scottdale to Ponce. We would love to see you there!
That is true, and I doubt the project will ever be constructed because they paid way to much for the land. It is a loser. Figure out that the city leaders have blinders on. Keep buying what they are selling at your own peril.
Yes, the developer paid far more for each parcel than the appraised value – in some cases they paid Buckhead prices! Dumbfounding, to say the least.
But Avondale Estates won’t be a loser in this proposition, we need only be patient and cooperative. The developer may secure funding and the projects will be completed as plan (win). The developer may sell the properties to another developer that is adequately capitalized (win). Or, the developer may lose the properties due to failure to pay DeKalb property taxes. In the last case, we may have an opportunity for more organic, small parcel, growth (another win). Maybe we get a Publix, maybe we get a Trader Joe’s – who knows?
DM — Incendiary remarks? Look most of the comments here are from people who post on just about every subject. I am sure they have an opinion on EVERYTHING and know it all to boot. Just be glad someone is reading our blog and it provokes comments, inane or not. Now, of course I am thinking mine are reasoned and totally appropriate. I do have a difficult time accepting a rehash of the politician’s assertion. Like I said I know more that I want to know and most of the replies are , it is sad, I am sorry the sign got broken. Well if Finders was in Avondale, it could not put that sign up. I suggest you look at their sign ordinance if you do not believe me. Irony!!!!
Mike — Respectfully, your information regarding the AE sign ordinance is old. With support from the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Community Choices Program, the City, along with the AE Downtown Development Authority and the Avondale Estates Business Association, has been revising the sign ordinance to be more business-friendly. That updated ordinance will be passed in the next few months.
Also, it is sad that the Finders Keepers sign was damaged – this small business owner put a good deal of design effort and money into that sign – signs cost money. No small business owner budgets for vandalism of their sign by the less lawful among us.
More business friendly? I suppose you are admitting they have NOT been business friendly. Otherwise how could it be more business friendly? You sound like the mayor and some of the city council. I heard that line in meetings. But let me say, asserting something does not make it so.
I shop at that store and the people there are lovely. The owners are for the annexation and they feel passionately about it. I also know several of the people in opposition to annexation and they are lovely and also feel passionately about the subject. I truly do not think anyone associated with this matter, on either side, would sink that low.
Although I never hope for random vandalism I do hope this is the case here.
Mike, kick back, light one up and enjoy what’s good in life! Then again, doing that might get you in that gray area, right DM?
Mike, “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”
Oh, wait… someone already did.
Wow… didn’t I tell you that this was going to get interesting.
That whole area needs to be annexed, it is a disaster.
I grew up in the forties and fifties very close to the area being discussed for annexation into either Decatur or Avondale, used to earn a quarter for helping unload truckloads of watermelons at Smith’s Grocery and have very fond memories of that area; however, it’s not what it used to be and as an oldtimer, I would support the annexation efforts. This area means nothing to DeKalb County. Decatur and Avondale, with their histories of revitalization could certainly make a difference. Go Bulldogs!!!!!
ps Mike, lighten up just a bit
Ahh lighten up… That was my light discussion. I could tell you what I really think! Just think what I would say if my property was involved…. Also, I remember Smith’s and the Burger King, even though I did not grow up here. I lived in the parking lot of the Avondale Marta Station. No, not as a homeless person, but before Marta. I believe the property owners should have a say in this. I do not accept that a couple of mayors should be able to pull this off. And as far as Avondale revitalization, ride through, take a look…. Avondale has had plenty of opportunity to come into the 20th century, even though they should be aiming for the 21st century. It is the town of NO. I just cannot share your confidence in Avondale…. I say PROVE IT first, before you start meddling with others.