Comments on: What Will Decatur Look Like in 10 Years?

By: MrBlonde

MrBlonde — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 18:07:53 +0000

I’d like to push for the closing of the portions of Ponce de Leon Ave and Clairmont that are inside Commerce Avenue to expand the pedestrian friendly town square. Anyone else think that A) this is a good idea; and B) there’s a chance it might pass?

By: Scott

Scott — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 03:13:56 +0000

Chris, given that, ten years later, Decatur has favorable tax policies tied to income only as it relates to age, and no policies tied to race, it would seem the position held by you and the majority at the meeting was the position that won out. Granted it’s unfortunate the way your fellow participant behaved, but I’d consider that an indictment of him, rather than an indictment of the process.

The process is only as good as those who take part. But I’m unclear who the elites are. Was it the loudmouths who didn’t get their way or was it the folks who did?

By: Chris Billingsley

Chris Billingsley — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 02:25:49 +0000

I attended only one round table session ten years ago. I thought then as I do today that this process allowed the elites of Decatur to manipulate public opinion to produce the results they want. In the event I attended, I was in a group where the facilitator tried to convince us that Decatur should adopt tax policies to encourage “diversity” in the neighborhoods. Too many rich people were buying homes in Decatur and forcing poor people out. One person in particular vigorously used the “F” word to try to intimidate the majority of us who opposed the use of tax policy for this purpose. I remember thinking, am I in some sort of soviet twilight zone? It was a very strange meeting. It has been my policy since then to attend meetings where I can give my opinion, listen to others, and leave in time to catch the elimination episode of American Idol. The SP meetings sound like way too much work and not much fun.
Oh, one more thing. No Decatur zombies. Let Atlanta become Zombieland. Maybe it already is.

By: Allison

Allison — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:09:19 +0000

And that, good citizens of Decatur, is what our city will look like in ten years . . .

By: Decatur Metro

Decatur Metro — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:32:24 +0000

I’ll be there to live-blog the event.

“Allison is circling Billy Jack
…she’s got a crazy look in her eye!
Billy Jack continues to ignore her and continues to peck at the ground.
Allison lunges!
No wait…she was just pouring herself another beer from the keg. She’s mumbling something about liquid courage.”