I think this is at the corner of Sam’s Crossing and College/Howard. I was driving by this weekend and wondered how this sign could be permitted. Not that it bothers me all that much but with kids in the car – it’s only a matter of time before I get questions about what exactly that means.
I was actually going to post on Free for All Friday to ask if DeKalb County has some type of ” lewdness” ordinance.
Amazing how being a parent can turn someone into such a prude. I wouldn’t have thought twice about this a few years ago.
And I certainly am no Saint when it comes to language or adult humor, but the phrase “Bend Over” has always been in poor taste, no matter where it used. IMHO
I think you are missing the point of this blog, which is not only to convey information, but to get the community members talking with each other about what is happening in the area. Signs happen.
Excellent idea about the spanking explanation. Shall use that next time I’m driving in that area with my children in the car. Have to say, with some exceptions, the sign sort of fits the aesthetic of that section of College/Howard.
I think it’s bad that Avondale is trying to annex that man’s property, along with the rest of the properties in the “dead zone” into the city limits. It’s going to cause him and the rest of the property owners over there to pay a city tax bill in addition to their Dekalb County tax bill. I think the signs he puts up there are funny and it’s his own property and he should be able to do what he wants to on it.
I tend to agree with his position on unwanted annexation. But I also agree it’s a touch juvenile to put suggestive signs up.
So I ask, why the signs? Does he feel as though other avenues to express his opinion, other forms of expression, are not effective? Is this desperation, a last resort?
I don’t know this guy or his situation, but if I owned similar property, and felt I was being forced into the city limits against my wishes, I might resort to similar means to get my point across and raise awareness. What are his other options?
Yes, he’s [edited: no name-calling] who unfortunately owns many of the buildings between Sam’s Crossing and Avondale Estates proper. We can thank him for the beautiful properties such as the liquidation store next to the wonderful sign in the photo above. This area should be annexed for a variety of reasons – it is a no mans land currently, considering police patrols and zoning laws.
Also, very funny Paula – I guess you called him out!
I’m glad you called him out. He is pretty much a commercial slum lord who has forced the hand of Avondale because he refuses to upgrade his property to even remotely resemble a corridor that borders an area seeking revitalization. His annexation sign is so incredibly self-serving. They are annexing him to force him to upgrade his property because it’s the gateway to their city and to be honest a fair annexation candidate given its proximity to downtown Avondale.
Although I’d like to see that area around Sams Crossing cleaned up, it’s not apparent to me how annexation would force the property owners in that area to upgrade their properties. Other than attracting new development to that area, I don’t see how the city expects those properties to be improved. There are several areas along that stretch of College Avenue both in the City of Decatur and Avondale Estates that don’t look much different from the areas that are targeted for annexation. Unfortunately, I just don’t think there’s much of a market to attract new, more desirable business there in this economy, and the increased city taxes wouldn’t more those properties more attractive to potential business owners.
If the City of Avondale annexes the property, they can then exercise their right to use the state laws permitting condemnation of a blighted area. That’s how it will get cleaned up– once it’s been condemned, it’s pretty much out of the original owner’s hands as to what happens to it.
I, too, am a private property-rights adherent (for the most part), but if you’re going to own property that’s bordered by two municipalities that want things bright & shiny on those borders, then you’d best be smart enough not to allow your property to look like a slum. It’s not fair that one’s property can be taken to address “blight”, but that’s the reality.
Wrong, by a long shot. Many moons ago, my firm represented the City of Fayetteville, and I personally know of properties that were in far better condition that were condemned using those laws. And after Kelo v. New London, “blight” is whatever the condemning authority says it is.
Based on your above comment, I’m assuming you’re a lawyer, so I’ll trust your interpretation of the code and caselaw over my own, but if you haven’t looked at O.C.G.A. sections that define blight in “many moons,” some changes have been made specifically in response to the Kelo ruling.
That may be true, and I haven’t looked at those Code sections for some time. However, the sad fact is this: if a governing body wants your property, not even beefed-up definitions of blight in the redevelopment laws are going to stop it– it might present another hurdle for them to get across, but it will simply prolong the process, not keep it from happening. Eminent domain law always has and (barring some fundamental change to the Constitution) always will favor the condemnor, period. Do I think it’s fair? Hell no (especially partial takings, where they only have to pay you for the immediate FMV for the portion of your property they take, and don’t have to take into account any diminution of value that results from the taking). But that’s the way it is.
Well, this busy mom appreciates being able to have her hair braided while eating her teriyaki hot wings with her right hand while having her left arm tattooed – all while her vacuum is being repaired and old tires replaced. Where else but this little Stretch of Heaven?
If you really want to see juvenile behavior go to a AE city council meeting.
Rep Benefield has already suggested that they are coming back with annexation again this year.
95% of the property owners in the affected area do not want to be part of AE. Why do I, a property owner in their sights, have to spend my time and money defending myself against their advances each year. No means No!
they are a notoriously difficult and petty bureaucracy to deal with. Their zoning will reduce the value of my property. I get all that and have to pay for it with increased property tax in a time when commercial leasing rates are going down…. WHAT?
As far as AE is concerned it has nothing to do with blight. The “revenue” generated by that 2/10s of a mile strip of road is around $500K per year. They are in it for the money
Right now that small town of 2500 people has a budget of $3 Million a year. and, at last count, 48 employees.
I suggest they focus on their own existing blighted downtown and bloated city government and learn that they need to attract people to their city not force them kicking and screaming to come into AE.
They could focus on beer, sausage and the arts and have an amazing, vibrant artists community………
Franklin Street is where AE should concentrate on development. The pieces are in place (yeah, beer, sausage, and arts, primarily, but don’t forget the occasional burlesque show) and the promotion of that area as an entertainment destination could go far to spurring good things for downtown. Bart and Bob are doing their part with the spring street festival and other events around the studios. It’s a shame Chris Warner shut down Alcove; the openings there were always crowded and fun.
I think HDog nailed it. The notion that this is all about “cleaning up” the Sams Crossing area is transparently false — it is about money. If AE wants to erase blight, it could start within its own city limits. The tudor-style downtown has many deserted store fronts and the buildings are pretty worn down.
Doh! I know that! Sorry- working on little sleep. Haven’t had my coffee, but, it is my understanding that the ultimate goal is to get the properties redeveloped to something more useful and attractive, right? Maybe by indirectly forcing them out via higher taxes, right- isn’t that the hope/goal? Otherwise, what’s the point other than revenue? The big problem to most here is the fact that it is such an eyesore and offers little services that alot of use (although others obviously do).
Of course it’s about money, which would be the currency upon which communities rise and fall. But if you accept that, you have to accept that, while annexation adds some money, the subsequent cleaning up and proactive redevelopment would add more. So I disagree that any profit-driven strategy would stop with annexation. It’s leaving money on the table (disregarding the issue of *whose* money it is and the legitimacy or illegitimacy of the effort).
As ridiculous as I think the signs are, he does have the right to post them, as long as they don’t violate obscenity, etc. (which I really don’t think they do in this case). As a resident of nearby Forrest Hills, I would LOVE to see that intersection cleaned up. I hate driving by the run down buildings and used car lots. If Avondale can annex and revitalize that land along with the entire Avondale/College Drive corridor, which is badly in need of some help, I am all for it. Unfortunately, based on the state of the land along that stretch that is already in Avondale Estates City limits, I am not hopeful they will do much beyond regulate the signs.
Also, since we are on the topic of annexation, I don’t want my currently unincorporated neighborhood to be annexed by the adjacent Avondale Estates either. I have no desire to pay increased property taxes without the benefit of a better school system. If the City of Decatur wants to come and get us, most residents of my neighborhood would welcome that annexation with open arms. In fact, please City of Decatur! Come and swallow our little 5 street Forrest Hills neighborhood right up!
While not perfectly analogous, this reminds me of the Supreme Court case Kelo vs. City of New London. I would imagine that this stretch would be sold by AE to private developers. If you have time, you should read the case, or an unbiased synopsis, and maybe give some food for thought.
Other thing: alot of old, industrial-type property is worth nada, and I’ll bet you anything that this is why no developer(s) have stepped in, especially during the boom several years ago. Old tanks under gas stations make it, and adjacent properties, “radioactive” to developers. Cost to rehabilitate isn’t worth it. Only due diligence will tell, but, old tire place, old gas station, old car repair (oil, car fluids and substandard disposal years ago…..There has to be a reason why the free market hasn’t taken care of this.
Doh! I know that! Sorry- working on little sleep. Haven’t had my coffee, but, it is my understanding that the ultimate goal is to get the properties redeveloped to something more useful and attractive, right? Maybe by indirectly forcing them out via higher taxes, right- isn’t that the hope/goal? Otherwise, what’s the point other than revenue? The big problem to most here is the fact that it is such an eyesore and offers little services that alot of use (although others obviously do).
Yes, they are different– but the one nearly always leads to the otherm especially in cases like this one. I can’t see AE annexing these properties because they think it will increase their coffers with the existing businesses. Fortunately for these property owners, annexation is quite a bit more difficult than exercising eminent domain. If AE can’t annex, then of course there’s no chance it could condemn the properties.
NotSuze– it’s a better analogy than you might think. Like I pointed out above, areas don’t even have to be slummy for a condemning authority to take the property. Kelo actually made it easier for municipalities and states to use their blight laws…NOT a good thing, IMHO.
The revisions/amendment to state law after the Kelso (sp) on subject was presented to the pubic as a way to protect private property rights. I agree (from what little I know, as an observer not an attorney) that the changes actually make it easier to condemn and take. Funny how politics seems to (not) work.
If AE is familiar with Kelo they certainly wouldn’t buy the property. The City of New London and the State are out $78 million in relocation costs and demo and the developer couldn’t finance the deal because there was no market for it, just like here. Apparently, the property in New London is an empty lot. That’s what the city deserves for flexing it’s power.
What I don’t understand about this shortsighted landowner is that he has been sitting on this property for years, not developing it to its potential and not really generating any income on it, which is, by the way, his right. But that doesn’t mean it makes good business sense.
It seems to me that annexation of the property – which may result in an increase in the property taxes, but would also make the property so much more valuable, particularly if it were in the City of Decatur, in the event he would sell it. All you have to do is look at what a house in Winnona or Oakhurst within the city limits is going for vs. in just across the line unincorporated Dekalb or City of Atlanta. In some cases the same house might be selling for 50% more just because of the jurisdiction.
But don’t you think the reason why the value of houses are higher across the city line because of city is because of the City of Decatur schools vs. DeKalb County Schools? To businesses, this wouldn’t matter (except Apartment complex). The business would pay for schools it doesn’t use and presumabley wouldn’t care if it was inside the city limits.
Yes! The higher value in City of Decatur limits is absolutely linked to the schools. Although a better school district helps all the residents and landowners in a municipality by increasing value and in turn rent, home sales, and increased consumer traffic, I think this particular land owner is waaaay to short sighted to see any benefit. He is perfectly happy not paying his taxes and not reaping the consequences while he junks up the neighborhood for the rest of us.
I don’t see it as beyond reason that any redevelopment of this stretch would include a residential component, particularly with its proximity to the Avondale MARTA station and it’s walkability to both Decatur and the, hopefully someday, revitalized Avondale Village business district.
I also think that being in the City benefits businesses as well. That was one of the main reasons that the DeVry College campus actually wanted to be annexed in the City so it could market it as being withing Decatur, have access to Decatur zoning laws vs. unincorporated Dekalb.
The person who owns the signs needs to make up his mind.
Using established legal processes to annex land from unincorporated sections of counties is either like stealing, or it’s like forced sodomy. It can’t be both.
Also, red light cameras infringe on my religious rights because they steal my car’s soul.
Another interesting note about the Annexation process.
There are several approaches to annexation that involve an actual vote. The one they keep going back to is legislative.
Rep Benefield and AE keep going to the Georgia Delegation and trying to get the 10 votes from the delegates they need to
force annexation down out throats.
It is underhanded and
speaks very strongly to the mean spirited mindset of the bureaucrats that represent everything that is bad about government. Otherwise know as the mayor and his minions at city hall in Avondale Estates
FYI, as a fan of Family Guy, I obviously have no taste and, as such, have no comment about the signs, although I do think the way the property is being targeted for annexation is scary. For what it’s worth, though, I do know the owner and something about the property. It’s bad looking, but he assembled all of the properties along there to have a mixed use development. As I understand it, he has marketed the property to a number of folks, including Charles Brewer before he left his group, and several other developers. At this point, the economy is so deep in the toilet that no one will develop anything. So, it may stay in the same condition for a time. However, the long term goal was a development that would be adjacent to Decatur (and right against a MARTA station) with a grocery store and high density housing that, by virtue of being outside the city limits, would be more affordable. Done decently, that would not be a bad addition to our area. I don’t think he got all of the property up to the Avondale Estates city line, but it goes for a stretch down College Avenue towards that point. I may be wrong, but I think he also owns the tire store or whatever that thing is across the street, as well.
Tom: I wish I had known last year before the State Senator election that you were a fan of Family Guy! Seriously, though, this is very helpful information on what is going on there.
Is that Wild Heaven’s new landlord?
Am I wrong or wasn’t there a story about how the owner of that property owed six figures of backtaxes?
I think this is at the corner of Sam’s Crossing and College/Howard. I was driving by this weekend and wondered how this sign could be permitted. Not that it bothers me all that much but with kids in the car – it’s only a matter of time before I get questions about what exactly that means.
I was actually going to post on Free for All Friday to ask if DeKalb County has some type of ” lewdness” ordinance.
Amazing how being a parent can turn someone into such a prude. I wouldn’t have thought twice about this a few years ago.
And I certainly am no Saint when it comes to language or adult humor, but the phrase “Bend Over” has always been in poor taste, no matter where it used. IMHO
Tell the kids it’s to bend over for a spanking.
Not a bad idea. That will work better than: “Uh, I don’t know … hey look, we are about to go over the Marta yard!”
That sign used to say that Obama was a Socialist or something else crazy.
It said…(I think)
———————
Jesus Saves
Obama Steals
———————
Apparently someone stole that sign so they put another one up.
It said:
Jesus Saves
Obama Spends
Pretty crude and stupid way to get a message across.
Decatur Metro begs to differ apparently.
I think you are missing the point of this blog, which is not only to convey information, but to get the community members talking with each other about what is happening in the area. Signs happen.
+1
another tee-shirt opportunity!
Crude, perhaps. Stupid? It has people talking so maybe not.
Excellent idea about the spanking explanation. Shall use that next time I’m driving in that area with my children in the car. Have to say, with some exceptions, the sign sort of fits the aesthetic of that section of College/Howard.
I think it’s bad that Avondale is trying to annex that man’s property, along with the rest of the properties in the “dead zone” into the city limits. It’s going to cause him and the rest of the property owners over there to pay a city tax bill in addition to their Dekalb County tax bill. I think the signs he puts up there are funny and it’s his own property and he should be able to do what he wants to on it.
Oh, hello Mr. Sign Owner! Nice of you to join us!
Sure, he has the right to put up any signs he wants, within the constraints of obscenity (which this doesn’t even approach).
And we have the right to point out how unfunny and childish it is.
I tend to agree with his position on unwanted annexation. But I also agree it’s a touch juvenile to put suggestive signs up.
So I ask, why the signs? Does he feel as though other avenues to express his opinion, other forms of expression, are not effective? Is this desperation, a last resort?
I don’t know this guy or his situation, but if I owned similar property, and felt I was being forced into the city limits against my wishes, I might resort to similar means to get my point across and raise awareness. What are his other options?
Yes, he’s [edited: no name-calling] who unfortunately owns many of the buildings between Sam’s Crossing and Avondale Estates proper. We can thank him for the beautiful properties such as the liquidation store next to the wonderful sign in the photo above. This area should be annexed for a variety of reasons – it is a no mans land currently, considering police patrols and zoning laws.
Also, very funny Paula – I guess you called him out!
I’m glad you called him out. He is pretty much a commercial slum lord who has forced the hand of Avondale because he refuses to upgrade his property to even remotely resemble a corridor that borders an area seeking revitalization. His annexation sign is so incredibly self-serving. They are annexing him to force him to upgrade his property because it’s the gateway to their city and to be honest a fair annexation candidate given its proximity to downtown Avondale.
So if AE wants nicer property there, I say buy it from him. Who are they to dictate what he does with his private property?
Of course it self serving! That’s the whole point of private property.
Although I’d like to see that area around Sams Crossing cleaned up, it’s not apparent to me how annexation would force the property owners in that area to upgrade their properties. Other than attracting new development to that area, I don’t see how the city expects those properties to be improved. There are several areas along that stretch of College Avenue both in the City of Decatur and Avondale Estates that don’t look much different from the areas that are targeted for annexation. Unfortunately, I just don’t think there’s much of a market to attract new, more desirable business there in this economy, and the increased city taxes wouldn’t more those properties more attractive to potential business owners.
If the City of Avondale annexes the property, they can then exercise their right to use the state laws permitting condemnation of a blighted area. That’s how it will get cleaned up– once it’s been condemned, it’s pretty much out of the original owner’s hands as to what happens to it.
I, too, am a private property-rights adherent (for the most part), but if you’re going to own property that’s bordered by two municipalities that want things bright & shiny on those borders, then you’d best be smart enough not to allow your property to look like a slum. It’s not fair that one’s property can be taken to address “blight”, but that’s the reality.
I’m not sure these properties meet the threshold set by Georgia Code to be considered blight.
Wrong, by a long shot. Many moons ago, my firm represented the City of Fayetteville, and I personally know of properties that were in far better condition that were condemned using those laws. And after Kelo v. New London, “blight” is whatever the condemning authority says it is.
Which is a VERY SAD commentary on the state of the judiciary…
On that, we can agree.
Based on your above comment, I’m assuming you’re a lawyer, so I’ll trust your interpretation of the code and caselaw over my own, but if you haven’t looked at O.C.G.A. sections that define blight in “many moons,” some changes have been made specifically in response to the Kelo ruling.
That may be true, and I haven’t looked at those Code sections for some time. However, the sad fact is this: if a governing body wants your property, not even beefed-up definitions of blight in the redevelopment laws are going to stop it– it might present another hurdle for them to get across, but it will simply prolong the process, not keep it from happening. Eminent domain law always has and (barring some fundamental change to the Constitution) always will favor the condemnor, period. Do I think it’s fair? Hell no (especially partial takings, where they only have to pay you for the immediate FMV for the portion of your property they take, and don’t have to take into account any diminution of value that results from the taking). But that’s the way it is.
Well, this busy mom appreciates being able to have her hair braided while eating her teriyaki hot wings with her right hand while having her left arm tattooed – all while her vacuum is being repaired and old tires replaced. Where else but this little Stretch of Heaven?
Any way Avondale can annex the old Big H while they are at it?
If you really want to see juvenile behavior go to a AE city council meeting.
Rep Benefield has already suggested that they are coming back with annexation again this year.
95% of the property owners in the affected area do not want to be part of AE. Why do I, a property owner in their sights, have to spend my time and money defending myself against their advances each year. No means No!
they are a notoriously difficult and petty bureaucracy to deal with. Their zoning will reduce the value of my property. I get all that and have to pay for it with increased property tax in a time when commercial leasing rates are going down…. WHAT?
As far as AE is concerned it has nothing to do with blight. The “revenue” generated by that 2/10s of a mile strip of road is around $500K per year. They are in it for the money
Right now that small town of 2500 people has a budget of $3 Million a year. and, at last count, 48 employees.
I suggest they focus on their own existing blighted downtown and bloated city government and learn that they need to attract people to their city not force them kicking and screaming to come into AE.
They could focus on beer, sausage and the arts and have an amazing, vibrant artists community………
Franklin Street is where AE should concentrate on development. The pieces are in place (yeah, beer, sausage, and arts, primarily, but don’t forget the occasional burlesque show) and the promotion of that area as an entertainment destination could go far to spurring good things for downtown. Bart and Bob are doing their part with the spring street festival and other events around the studios. It’s a shame Chris Warner shut down Alcove; the openings there were always crowded and fun.
I think HDog nailed it. The notion that this is all about “cleaning up” the Sams Crossing area is transparently false — it is about money. If AE wants to erase blight, it could start within its own city limits. The tudor-style downtown has many deserted store fronts and the buildings are pretty worn down.
Well, “cleaning up” can also be about money too, no?
Doh! I know that! Sorry- working on little sleep. Haven’t had my coffee, but, it is my understanding that the ultimate goal is to get the properties redeveloped to something more useful and attractive, right? Maybe by indirectly forcing them out via higher taxes, right- isn’t that the hope/goal? Otherwise, what’s the point other than revenue? The big problem to most here is the fact that it is such an eyesore and offers little services that alot of use (although others obviously do).
Possibly, but then it is even more inexplicable that AE hasn’t cleaned up its current business district before it annexes even more.
Of course it’s about money, which would be the currency upon which communities rise and fall. But if you accept that, you have to accept that, while annexation adds some money, the subsequent cleaning up and proactive redevelopment would add more. So I disagree that any profit-driven strategy would stop with annexation. It’s leaving money on the table (disregarding the issue of *whose* money it is and the legitimacy or illegitimacy of the effort).
As ridiculous as I think the signs are, he does have the right to post them, as long as they don’t violate obscenity, etc. (which I really don’t think they do in this case). As a resident of nearby Forrest Hills, I would LOVE to see that intersection cleaned up. I hate driving by the run down buildings and used car lots. If Avondale can annex and revitalize that land along with the entire Avondale/College Drive corridor, which is badly in need of some help, I am all for it. Unfortunately, based on the state of the land along that stretch that is already in Avondale Estates City limits, I am not hopeful they will do much beyond regulate the signs.
Also, since we are on the topic of annexation, I don’t want my currently unincorporated neighborhood to be annexed by the adjacent Avondale Estates either. I have no desire to pay increased property taxes without the benefit of a better school system. If the City of Decatur wants to come and get us, most residents of my neighborhood would welcome that annexation with open arms. In fact, please City of Decatur! Come and swallow our little 5 street Forrest Hills neighborhood right up!
While not perfectly analogous, this reminds me of the Supreme Court case Kelo vs. City of New London. I would imagine that this stretch would be sold by AE to private developers. If you have time, you should read the case, or an unbiased synopsis, and maybe give some food for thought.
Other thing: alot of old, industrial-type property is worth nada, and I’ll bet you anything that this is why no developer(s) have stepped in, especially during the boom several years ago. Old tanks under gas stations make it, and adjacent properties, “radioactive” to developers. Cost to rehabilitate isn’t worth it. Only due diligence will tell, but, old tire place, old gas station, old car repair (oil, car fluids and substandard disposal years ago…..There has to be a reason why the free market hasn’t taken care of this.
AE isn’t buying any of these properties to turn around and sell to private developers. Annexation and eminent domain are two very different actions.
Doh! I know that! Sorry- working on little sleep. Haven’t had my coffee, but, it is my understanding that the ultimate goal is to get the properties redeveloped to something more useful and attractive, right? Maybe by indirectly forcing them out via higher taxes, right- isn’t that the hope/goal? Otherwise, what’s the point other than revenue? The big problem to most here is the fact that it is such an eyesore and offers little services that alot of use (although others obviously do).
Yes, they are different– but the one nearly always leads to the otherm especially in cases like this one. I can’t see AE annexing these properties because they think it will increase their coffers with the existing businesses. Fortunately for these property owners, annexation is quite a bit more difficult than exercising eminent domain. If AE can’t annex, then of course there’s no chance it could condemn the properties.
I condemn your comment and claim it as my own!
NotSuze– it’s a better analogy than you might think. Like I pointed out above, areas don’t even have to be slummy for a condemning authority to take the property. Kelo actually made it easier for municipalities and states to use their blight laws…NOT a good thing, IMHO.
I’ll go further: Kelo is an embarassment in pretty much every respect.
The revisions/amendment to state law after the Kelso (sp) on subject was presented to the pubic as a way to protect private property rights. I agree (from what little I know, as an observer not an attorney) that the changes actually make it easier to condemn and take. Funny how politics seems to (not) work.
If AE is familiar with Kelo they certainly wouldn’t buy the property. The City of New London and the State are out $78 million in relocation costs and demo and the developer couldn’t finance the deal because there was no market for it, just like here. Apparently, the property in New London is an empty lot. That’s what the city deserves for flexing it’s power.
What I don’t understand about this shortsighted landowner is that he has been sitting on this property for years, not developing it to its potential and not really generating any income on it, which is, by the way, his right. But that doesn’t mean it makes good business sense.
It seems to me that annexation of the property – which may result in an increase in the property taxes, but would also make the property so much more valuable, particularly if it were in the City of Decatur, in the event he would sell it. All you have to do is look at what a house in Winnona or Oakhurst within the city limits is going for vs. in just across the line unincorporated Dekalb or City of Atlanta. In some cases the same house might be selling for 50% more just because of the jurisdiction.
I agree with you on all points.
But don’t you think the reason why the value of houses are higher across the city line because of city is because of the City of Decatur schools vs. DeKalb County Schools? To businesses, this wouldn’t matter (except Apartment complex). The business would pay for schools it doesn’t use and presumabley wouldn’t care if it was inside the city limits.
Yes! The higher value in City of Decatur limits is absolutely linked to the schools. Although a better school district helps all the residents and landowners in a municipality by increasing value and in turn rent, home sales, and increased consumer traffic, I think this particular land owner is waaaay to short sighted to see any benefit. He is perfectly happy not paying his taxes and not reaping the consequences while he junks up the neighborhood for the rest of us.
Right.
I don’t see it as beyond reason that any redevelopment of this stretch would include a residential component, particularly with its proximity to the Avondale MARTA station and it’s walkability to both Decatur and the, hopefully someday, revitalized Avondale Village business district.
I also think that being in the City benefits businesses as well. That was one of the main reasons that the DeVry College campus actually wanted to be annexed in the City so it could market it as being withing Decatur, have access to Decatur zoning laws vs. unincorporated Dekalb.
The signs show how short sighted and unimaginative the owner is. He has sat on a potential goldmine for years, all the while blighting his neighbors.
The person who owns the signs needs to make up his mind.
Using established legal processes to annex land from unincorporated sections of counties is either like stealing, or it’s like forced sodomy. It can’t be both.
Also, red light cameras infringe on my religious rights because they steal my car’s soul.
But one could argue that forced sodomy IS a form of stealing– say, theft of services-type thing…
Only if money is exchanged…
Another interesting note about the Annexation process.
There are several approaches to annexation that involve an actual vote. The one they keep going back to is legislative.
Rep Benefield and AE keep going to the Georgia Delegation and trying to get the 10 votes from the delegates they need to
force annexation down out throats.
It is underhanded and
speaks very strongly to the mean spirited mindset of the bureaucrats that represent everything that is bad about government. Otherwise know as the mayor and his minions at city hall in Avondale Estates
FYI, as a fan of Family Guy, I obviously have no taste and, as such, have no comment about the signs, although I do think the way the property is being targeted for annexation is scary. For what it’s worth, though, I do know the owner and something about the property. It’s bad looking, but he assembled all of the properties along there to have a mixed use development. As I understand it, he has marketed the property to a number of folks, including Charles Brewer before he left his group, and several other developers. At this point, the economy is so deep in the toilet that no one will develop anything. So, it may stay in the same condition for a time. However, the long term goal was a development that would be adjacent to Decatur (and right against a MARTA station) with a grocery store and high density housing that, by virtue of being outside the city limits, would be more affordable. Done decently, that would not be a bad addition to our area. I don’t think he got all of the property up to the Avondale Estates city line, but it goes for a stretch down College Avenue towards that point. I may be wrong, but I think he also owns the tire store or whatever that thing is across the street, as well.
Tom: I wish I had known last year before the State Senator election that you were a fan of Family Guy! Seriously, though, this is very helpful information on what is going on there.