Strategic Plan To-Do List: Historic Buildings
Decatur Metro | February 4, 2011On to Decatur’s Strategic Plan goal #4! Almost forgot to post today!
Goal 4: Protect and encourage the creative reuse of historic buildings, structures, and places
The preservation of Decatur’s historic buildings, structures, and places is essential to retaining its identity as the community grows and changes.
Significant progress has been made in the past decade in understanding how fortunate Decatur is with regard to such resources, but more remains to be done to encourage the preservation and appropriate reuse of historic structures.
Task 4A: Educate and encourage commercial property owners about historic preservation tax credits.
Task 4B: Educate about the Georgia Cities Foundation loan program and encourage its use.
Task 4C: Place all eligible buildings and districts on the National Register of Historic Places.
Task 4D: Increase public awareness of historic buildings and places.
Task 4E: Develop regulations regarding demolition of historic commercial structures that are outside the scope of local historic districts.
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“Educate and Encourage”? I have a feeling that this proposal has more to do with telling you what you can and cannot do with your property rather than simple encouragement. Does anyone believe this plan only deals with downtown business properties? If we give our government the incentive to hyper-regulate downtown properties, you know what’s next.
I’ve tried to stay out of this strategic planning mess. I have a low opinion of the process. But from what I’ve seen so far, the results are even scarier than the original plan from ten years ago. It is socialism, pure and simple. Decatur businesses will be burdened by even more regulations. Decatur homeowners will be unable to make even simple changes to their properties without getting the approval of some board. If I were planning on being here in ten years, I wouldn’t just be yelling “No” at these meetings but “Hell No!” Maybe someone will do this when the commissioners allow citizens to communicate their feelings directly to the board. I hope so.
It might be a good time to view the ideas of Ronald Reagan. His famous 1964 speech is available at National Review Online http://www.nationalreview.com/ His ideas about government are even more important today than years ago, especially for Decatur.
Oh, by the way, Happy 100 Ronnie!
Well said, Chris. These plans are notorious for not dealing with the costs. The wording of the recommendations is carefully crafted so as not to reveal the reality of the process which is for some people to get their wish list by having someone else pay for it.
In the spirit of overstating things, I’m going to call what you’re advocating anarchy.
No, DM anarchy is the absence of government. Chris is advocating the preservation of our republic, limited government.
And “socialism” implies shared ownership of property, which no one is talking about. It’s an exaggeration, just like calling his argument “anarchy”. I’m all for a good “limited government” argument, but that wasn’t it.
Are the preservation laws protecting Mt. Vernon socialist? If not, and there are cases where property rights should be reigned in for the “common good”, then I’d like someone here draw me a clear line on when it goes from acceptable actions of a “limited government” (a vague descriptor in and of itself) and when it becomes the hated “socialism”. If it’s not clear, and full of vagaries and exceptions, no one should make dramatic statements that imply these types of actions deserve no consideration within our country’s borders.
I so much want to get started on Ronald Reagan, but it so off topic I will restrain myself.
Socialism! Ronald Reagan! Silliness abounds.
Can you add any more scary cliches?
I can’t believe I’m getting involved in this . . .
Yes, the horror of it all. Decatur was so lovely 20 years ago when I was at Agnes. I needed a police escort to/from MARTA and always enjoyed their company. And who needs those boutiques, restaurants and coffee shops? Eddie’s Attic was enough.
Strategic planning? Bah humbug! Let capitalism reign and it will all be right. Capitalism and free markets always have my best interest in mind. Round table facilitators- those folks are the ones to fear!
In fact, I think I’ll quit planning for my classes. Too socialistic. OMG – I’ve been teaching my students to be kind, too. I’m a closet communist! Anyone know a good therapist? I’ve been brain washed by Decatur Socialists! Get me out of Little Shop of Stories and to Barnes and Noble- quick!
Many DM readers complained about a contributor pulling out the race card recently. Here’s an example of pulling out the “socialist” card.
It’s hard for me to stomach strategic planning complaints from you Chris if you chose not to be part of the planning process. It’s akin to not voting and then complaining about who was elected.
I’m also disappointed when a fellow educator makes oversimplistic, emotion-based assaults instead of logical arguments. If you have good reasons for your concerns, please state the facts and quit name calling.
That’s it. I’ve had it. I’m moving to Sweden!
Overly s
I believe Chris does have a good reason. If I recall from a previous post, he participated in the 2000 effort and his group had a couple of obnoxious lefties who kept dominating the conversation. Therefore, the entire process and the contributions of hundreds of committed resident volunteers is invalidated, as is the subsequent completion on the city’s part of over 80% of what the resident groups asked for, within the constraints of our finances and other resources.
Bad Government! Bad!
@teach, that’s the kind of response that doesn’t help move the conversation forward. Speaking of the pot calling the kettle black, re-read your own post: “oversimplistic, emotion-based assaults instead of logical arguments”
I remember Decatur back then too, and the progress since has been commendable. But there is such a thing as going to far. We must be open to the idea that there is a time when we can say, in some areas, we’ve done enough, let’s let it go on it’s own for a while.
Dang: “its”, not “it’s”. How can I mock and ridicule the grammar of others when I’m careless myself.
That would be too far, not to far.
Double dang! Two for one BOGO specials on bad writing.
I was attempting to be ironic by being being simplistic and emotional. -Guess it wasn’t so effective.
Absolutely there is room for discourse; claiming “socialism” is counterproductive.
What’s so funny is that Mr. Billingsley’s wonderful efforts to promote community service and religious affiliation feel kind of socialistic to me. It took me a while to realize on this blog that he must be conservative.
I think any viable small town, whether it be in New England snow wilderness or in the middle of urban Atlanta (i.e. Decatur) has a healthy mix of socialism, Jeffersonian democracy, republicanism, capitalism, progressive thought, caution, insularity, diversity, change averseness, local pride, etc. The terms are just constructs, approaches, perspectives. Politicians and the media use them in special ways to unite or divide us but the ideas themselves are not so scarey.
Well said.
But I just realized I may have been a bit too harsh in my reaction, since once Decatur starts talking about allowing accessory dwellings on R-60, I’m gonna want to be able to play the “socialism” card on those who oppose it!
DM, where’s the enforcement of your comment policy? This personal attack is over the line.
I agree. I have a child who is a hopeless idealist socialist by nature but loves Mr. Billingsley. Think of all the good done by service projects led by this teacher. I want teachers to feel free to post on this blog and be themselves. If I feel my children are being indoctrinated by any teacher in the classroom, I’ll take the specifics to CSD administration but I haven’t had that experience. What happens on blogs or Facebook or during off-hours political activities has nothing to do with the classroom as long as it is legal.
I’m not able to put it into neat categories of teacher & citizen. Chris Billingsley chooses to come on here to deliver his one sided airing of grievances and lay his politics & religion on us. It’s hard to imagine that there’s not been a student or two who’s felt uncomfortable after reading one of his comments. Unfortunately, it’s not always the case that a kid would go to a parent or guardian about it.
(DM was right to snip the one remark.)
Well, I feel comfortable with disagreeing with some of Mr. Billlingsley’s comments on this blog but knowing that he’s a good teacher and promoter of high school community service. Actually, my children yawn when I say things like “Look, Mr. Billingsley posted something….” or “Your school is in the newspaper…” so I’m not too worried about corruption. I’m more worried about Nickalodeon (sp?)
karass- You’re exactly the involved, caring parent that every kid deserves to have! But what about the ones who are left to sort all this out for themselves? It could be difficult for them to separate his blog persona from the classroom authority figure. Just sayin’…
Ooooo, thanks. I needed that pat on the back. Something that hasn’t changed over the generations apparently is that children remain oblivious to their parents’ need for positive feedback.
I’m not aware that many students are reading this blog although occasionally we see a post from a mature child. But I don’t know what I don’t know. And even when I do know my children, they change 5 minutes later.
KIDS OUT THERE: Are you reading this blog?
I missed the part about religion in his OPINION.
Haven’t you heard about the beatification plans for St. Ronnie?
Udog- No religion in this comment. He’s made several comments that have given me pause – and made me wonder what students reading along may think. OPINION! Yessirreebob!
Thanks UDog. I didn’t see the above comment until just now. You’re absolutely right.
It’s not a personal attack for folks to react to Chris Billingsley’s comment. Just because he chooses to make a complaint, then not engage with folks who react to it– why should he get a pass?
( I’ve given up on it ever being a two way exchange. )
Deanne, I don’t know if you saw the post, but it was personal and It was removed by DM. Thanks, DM. The personal attack comment was about the deleted post, not about people opining about ideas.
Udog- You’re right. I was referring to the whole thread, but that one comment did need to be cut.
Odd. The reply function’s not linking & comments are stacking randomly…