The City of Decatur has released a map (PDF) that shows the proposed areas surrounding the current city limits, which Decatur wishes to annex. Multiple cityhood initiatives around DeKalb County have put the city under pressure to take a final stand on annexation before all surrounding, unincorporated areas are incorporated into new cities.
Decatur’s map includes many areas that have been discussed around here before. Here’s an attempt at a verbal description of the map above:
Area A Part 1: Adjusts the city’s western border to follow the north/south rail line to the west (The one that runs over West Ponce). This would incoprorate two small, single family residential areas on the city’s western border. The city has long stated a desire to “clean up” this border. This annexation would also include the western entrance to the city, where the city’s large sign lives. (Photo right)- Area A Part 2: Area A also includes annexing commercial property around the North Decatur/Clairemont Ave intersection. The annexation would include the Publix plaza (formally known as Emory Commons), stretch as far north as North Decatur Plaza (Bicycle South, Mattress Firm, Wuxtry, etc) and as far west as the Kinkos/Willy’s plaza. It would also include annexing single-family residential along Landover Drive.
- Area B: This is the big commercial/industrial annexation. The area stretches from the existing northeast city line, which currently cuts rather arbitrarily through neighborhoods to the west/southwest/south of Suburban Plaza, up to a little north of the intersection of DeKalb Industrial and Lawrenceville Hwy. (It looks like the northern most property is where Chaat House opened up along Lawrenceville Hwy last year). That northern edge runs behind the Tuxworth Springs condos. To the east, the line runs along Jordan Lane, between the Carriage Place apartments (inside the proposed line) and Washington Park cemetery (outside the proposed city line). Where Jordan Lame dead-ends into North Decatur, the line turns west and then dips south behind the Big Kroger plaza and other commercial/industrial along DeKalb Industrial Way before turning a bit to the east to incorporate industrial along the southern portion of DeKalb Industrial (think Wag-a-Lot), up East Ponce to Kudzu. It then dips south to include all commercial/residential between North Arcadia and East Ponce west of Kudzu.
- Area C: Annexes the United Methodist Children’s Home and some residences north along Derrydown Way.
- Area D: Cleans up the southeast corner of the city line, incorporating some single family residential along McKinnon Rd/Way, Oldfield and Conway.
P.S. Avondale – That’s plenty to digest, but also note that the proposed mapped annexations of Avondale to the east, which includes all the single family residential on the west side of the city between Decatur and Avondale, but also – most notably – industrial/commercial to the north up to and including the giant, expanding DeKalb Farmer’s Market.
As previously reported, Decatur is planning to review the annexation master plan with the community this fall, with a final vote scheduled for November. It would then put before the Georgia Legislature for its January 2015 session.
It’s like a free-for-all money grab. If for some reason the annexations don’t work out, I’m sure Avondale can make up for it by ticketing every single car that passes through town, and maybe throwing in some civil asset seizures, to boot.
Obviously annexing a revamped Suburban Plaza and the car dealerships would be a big deal, but it looks like from the map that a large part of the Indian retail community would be included in this. I suspect this will prompt some interesting discussions.
Also, just to be clear, it’s Avondale that’s proposing annexing the Farmer’s Market, right?
Yup. That’s what it looks like.
YDFM’s main entrance is to remain on E. Ponce, so it does fall into AE’s targeted area.
Definitely worth discussing is Sizemore Group’s immediate partnering with City of Decatur on the master annexation plan right after finishing up the Medline Study for DeKalb County. So not cool in my book.
Can you expand on this?
I am somewhat familiar with the Medline project but not enough to understand your comments.
Curious, how about we leave it for one of the Sizemore folks to come on here to explain? After all, they’re the ones who are able to justify it in their minds.
As for why you don’t know much about the Medline Study, it’s because it failed to capture the interest of Decatur’s community blogs or very many CoD residents since the area’s just outside of CoD’s magic boundaries. The folks it mattered to greatly and who put a whole lotta heart, energy, and know-how into it are the nearby unincorporated area residents, DeKalb staff, and businesses. Having been a core team participant at every single meeting, I can attest that everyone involved was invested in coming up with a strong guiding plan for DeKalb to follow to reshape the area in the near future and for many years to come. I can also attest there was never a single mention that the study was happening ahead of the area being included in CoD’s very next proposed annexation map. (CoD surely knew its plans, what with all the cityhood furor making it “now or never” time. It also explains why CoD’s attendee always kept to a silent observer’s role.)
* Go to MANA’s site for stellar All Things Medline Study coverage (on right sidebar listed under Zoning and Development): www dot medlockpark dot org
I am still not clear why you think Sizemore being used by CoD is an issue? Obviously you were very connected to the Medline study and I am not sure if you thought that was a generally failed effort by Sizemore and think they will do a dis-service to CoD as well?
Or are you saying you think the Medline study was a silent investigative effort by CoD? Even if that was the case, why would it matter? I realize there is a bigger debate on whether one agrees or disagrees with an area being annexed. I’m just not clear why this partnership is “so not cool” to you.
I really would like to understand your persepctive on this a little more.
I thought she was concerned about a potential conflict of interest by Sizemore, as they first worked on planning efforts on behalf of the County in the MedLine study, and now will be working on planning efforts on behalf of the City in the same area for the annexation work.
Thanks, macarolina! You nailed it! :0)
There seems to be an unshaded area along a portion of the north side of College between Decatur and Avondale- is this area/border still in negotiation w/ Decatur and Avondale, or is it going to be left landlocked for the County?
That’s already in Avondale Estates.
The area you reference is already part of the City of Avondale.
If you pull up the map from the link above, the borders denoting existing Avondale city limits don’t show up for the unshaded property just east of Arcadia and north of College. Is that a mistake on the map?
Since it is a Decatur map, the mappers were probably not interested in spending the extra time to draw the current border of AE – just the areas that each city is proposing to annex.
Thanks Spreak. I took a closer look at the Decatur map, and the unshaded, unbordered area I saw is actually north of the train tracks and south of Ponce (I was mistaken earlier when I said north of College- that part was correctly identified in the Decatur map as already in Avondale boundaries)– anyone know the plans for that area? or is that an area that should have been shaded one way or the other for Decatur/Avondale?
Got it. The unshaded property between the rail and East Ponce is the MARTA rail yard (all the parcels populated with rails – this is easier to see on the DeKalb tax appraisal web page). Non-rail MARTA parcels further east, towards Laredo, are proposed for inclusion in Avondale. Not sure why the rail yard would go “unclaimed”.
A and B make sense (although there is too much residential) but not C & D. Why annex the UMCH? It is a tax-exempt property with kids that would add to the schools, increasing enrollment and costs without any associated revenue. Why add all the Kirk road residential property?
The stated goal of annexation was economic, ie. to increase the tax base while minimizing the tax outlays (school costs). The whole notion of “cleaning up our borders” is not a reason to add a lot of residential. It is a fig leaf.
Why even annex at all if the commercial property inflows will be cancelled out with all the residential? It seems like there is hidden politics here with “clean up our borders” as a tagline to justify it.
Please don’t call me an “orphan hater” because I am pointing out that the annexation of the UMCH does not fit the annexation goals and objectives that the city has itself put forward. There should be a full disclosure of the costs and benefits of the acquisition of C and D so that people can be fully informed. We are owed that by our leaders.
The cynical side of my brain says that C and D are on the table as options so the Commission can drop certain areas from consideration and be able to try to appease current resident anti-annexationists with “we didn’t annex everything we could have.”
UMCH is a huge (in Decatur terms) chunk of greenspace. Based on the wailing on here about that tiny lot next to the Courtyard by Marriott, I would think there would be a lot of support for an opportunity to add greenspace to the City. The flipside (and the reason I have been told it was not annexed in the past) is that many of the kids who live there are “special needs” from an educational perspective. So it is complicated from a cost/benefit perspective. What isn’t?
“All the Kirk road residential properties” are actually the back yards of houses that are already in COD. Many of the larger properties on Kirk are split into two parcels-one in COD and one unincorporated Dekalb. I think it makes sense to unite these parcels for homeowners. As almost all of the houses sit in COD currently, adding the full parcels will have very little effect on the school system and other city services.
The economics-only argument for annexation is never one that made sense to me. A lot of people have been primarily concerned about the impact to our tax base and school costs. But I’ve talked with just as many people who view annexation from an emotional perspective. Whether an area “feels” like it should be part of Decatur is just as prevalent in the annexation discussion as whether an area will be a net positive or negative on the city’s revenue. My impression is that we have a higher proportion of commenters on DM that are only thinking about the revenue side of the equation, but that this doesn’t reflect the actual broad-based community opinion.
Who knew Vladimir Putin works within Decatur’s City Hall? I guess “cleaning up our borders” is a more acceptable fig leaf than annexing “gateway properties.”
Well, they could’ve called it Lebensraum…
Um, where are we going to put all of the additional students? The students we have now barely fit…
If we annex Medlock we can get a school. And a park.
And super cool neighbors! :0)
I had asked the City Manager the other day about Medlock. She said they haven’t had any discussions with the Neighborhood Association. And obviously it’s not included in this map.
We’re in “D”, with a neighbor across the street in CoD, and the neighbors behind us in CoD. Each week I watch the CoD trash trucks drive down the street and stop at a few houses, as well as seeing DPD patrol cars go up and down the street as part of their rounds. I can see the “cleaning up” initiative reducing confusion about city services (i.e. what street numbers do we dispatch to for CoD 911 calls, and which should go to DeKalb County?)
The smallest “A” chunk (along East Lake from Paden Circle to the RR tracks) was at one time part of the Parkwood annexation, but the people there said no thanks. I guess it’s back on the table.
The Dekalb Farmers Market shouls be annexed to Decatur since it will be a revenue producer.
Annexation is needed to maintain a thriving city.
Too many negative comments.
No there isn’t.
positive 1 (or should I reply “negative 1” to the comment that sparked your response?)
What I find odd in Area D is that early this year they annexed 7 homes on Conway, which they said at that time they were trying to clean up the boundaries. Perhaps at that time they knew they were going to take the rest of that side of Conway. It was actually in their 2012 plan until Midway Woods Neighborhood Association Treasury went to the City and petitioned for all of Midway Woods to be included. I knew Decatur didn’t really want 800 more homes, with no commercial. It’ll be interesting if this stirs the beast in that n’hood to beg to be part of the annexation again.
I can’t see Lakeside and Brisrcliff ever coming to terms and perdict that nothing ever happens. Regardless, this gives CoD the oppty to use this as a scare tactic for their land grab.
This woild be prefect time for Lee Mays to do something really bold to make them want to say, but that is just wishful thinking.
I’m in Medlock Park and would personally love to be absorbed by Decatur vs. 2 new fledgling ‘trying to get it right or flight’ cityhood endeavors. And the land grabs in A and B offset the burden by annexing commercial properties. And A mostly does clean up borders. And i heard the city manager say twice that COD was only reacting to all the planned grabs before it was too late.
However, I too find it curious that Sizemore never mentioned they would next go to work on Patel Plaza options for Decatur after proposing them for Medlock.
And lastly, MANA residents listened tonight to what COA had to offer in case we wanted to be annexed by them, which puts them 2nd on my list but certainly way ahead of BC and LS.
All of Medlock cannot be added without burdening the school system. It’s just that simple, but I’m sure *many* Medlock residents would love to be annexed by Decatur. There’s just nothing in it for the city. Nothing to make the deal attractive for Decatur, which would be doing the annexing and taking on the burden.
City “needs” commercial. *Not* more residential.
That’s stating the obvious. Medlockians get that there’s nothing in it for CoD. We get that our chances of being annexed are probably a snowball’s chance in hell. However, we can’t help chewing on all the possibilities, even the slim ones, because the power’s out of our hands and there is really nothing else we’re able to do right now.
Yea, i know, I was just wishing.
Is this all-or-nothing “the schools are full, end of discussion” mentality even accurate or at all productive?
Why can’t an annexation plan be executed in phases (as has been done in other places) given the city and county are in a long-term relationship? Who says that schools or any other service provided by a city have to be transferred all at once at the stroke of midnight?
This may very well be Decatur’s last chance to significantly expand its footprint. Wouldn’t an ethically justifiable annexation that serves and works with existing communities make more sense and better reflect Decatur’s character? Look to the north and you’ll immediately see homes, a school, a place of worship… why does that sound familiar?
Tell me Decatur is planning for 5, 10, 20 years and not just the next decatur minute.
“This may very well be Decatur’s last chance to significantly expand its footprint.”
Why does it have to expand its footprint at all? And if it’s going to, why would it include residential when it already has an imbalance of single family residential to commercial?
I just don’t understand the logic behind these proposed land grabs:
“This is our last chance to annex. Because all of those other cities will be formed. So let’s jump to the front of the line, since we are already a city, and grab whatever we can bc we can’t get it later. Do we need to annex? Now, or later? Well, it doesn’t matter. We want it bc someone else might want it later.”
That’s like when one kid is playing with a toy, and the other kid, who has ignored that toy all day, suddenly has to have it, too. The second kid only wants it bc the first kid showed an interest.
I can’t really fault the city for trying to secure a large commercial area first. Especially if there are other initiatives on the table to incorporate this space. I would almost fault the city for *not* taking action.
My perspective on this is less of a “land grab”, and more of a long term strategy for growing the city’s tax base, and ensuring that the city has sufficient means to sustain, grow and continue to be a first-class community.
“…ensuring that the city has sufficient means to sustain, grow and continue to be a first-class community.”
To do that, the City needs to go about things in a first class way.
Cat, please explain what you mean when you write “ethically justifiable annexation.” I’m just not sure what you are trying to say.
Wow. I hope this never happens because it is going to ruin the great, hulking “Decatur Monster” silhouette that current map has. I also hope it doesn’t happen because my front yard, which is currently in unincorporated DeKalb gets that sweet, sweet twice-a-week DeKalb garbage service. So long to Decatur’s top hat. Also, nothing says “commercial land grab” quite like jumping over North Decatur — just past the apartments — to sweep in North Decatur Plaza.
Now that you mention it, the current borders resemble Johnny Bravo in a fat suit….or in his retirement.
Poplar, the power is not out of anyone’s hands unless one believes that to be the case. Unincorporated DeKalb County does not and will not determine the many Emory/CDC-area neighborhoods’ future.
It remains to be seen who will have a voice and how much of a voice we will have. I think I’m allowed to own my freaked-outed-ness. I get that change is the only thing certain in life, but I can’t say I’m really feeling good about this whole thing right now or that I have any idea where we’re going to end up when it’s over. The uncertainty is hard.
Whoa, Decatur’s gonna annex Pin-Ups?
Sweet!
And Decatur will finally have its very own Walmart to love. Can’t you feel the love?
Here’s a little historical context. In 1915 Decatur annexed the town of Oakhurst. Almost immediately Decatur built a new elementary school to accommodate that growth. Here’s some background from the Oakhurst Elem page on the CSD website:
The Town of Oakhurst was annexed into the City of Decatur in 1915. That same year, the city began building a new elementary school to house the children of the Oakhurst community. Oakhurst Elementary boasted nine classrooms and an auditorium. The staff consisted of the principal, Miss Mamie Barnes, and six teachers.
As the population of the school grew, four additional classrooms were added in 1928. Seventy-three years later, Oakhurst Elementary underwent a major renovation. The interior of the building was updated to a modern showcase housing state of the art technology, while the exterior retained its 20th historical charm.
This is exactly what we should expect to see if the large scale annexation takes place – construction of new schools and expansion of existing schools. To be paid for by future increased tax receipts.
“This is exactly what we should expect to see if the large scale annexation takes place – construction of new schools and expansion of existing schools.”
True, but with at least one difference: it probably takes at at least 3 times as long to build a school now as it did in 1915
True and thank you for reinforcing my point which is that annexation is a long term proposition and should be subject to a long term analysis. In 100 years nobody will remember if we had trailers at schools for a couple of years. Looking back, do you think Decatur would be better off without Oakhurst?
I suppose you could call this “inside information”! I am in a group of commercial property owners targeted by Avondale Estates for annexation. Of 54 owners 40 have signed petitions for annexation into Decatur! This is over 74% of property owners and over 81% of land area. The petition encompasses over 81% of land area of almost 60 acres! The petition has been delivered to Decatur and discussions with State Representatives and the Senator over this area have taken place!
Hope you don’t have any trees on your property! !!
For the most part, the properties involved were constructed prior to any zoning or land use regulations. I guess they could be called “historic” if they were not just warehouses….. So prior to tree ordinances and zoning and “neighborhood” involvement, etc……..
Decatur is the city with an onerous tree ordinance, not Avondale!
Did you see that we have no trees? The area is fully developed!! I am not worried about a tree ordinance. What I am worried about is the rest of Avondale’s approach to uses and development!! Ask yourself why over 74% of property owners prefer Decatur. BE honest when you answer the question……. The taxes in Avondale and Decatur are roughly equivalent, but you actually get something from the Decatur taxes, where you get a pain from Avondale…. Honesty -If you want to take over areas you might need to make it attractive to the property owners.
NOT equivalent. Decatur is more. I checked. Also, the “apparent” AE approach to development sure is close to Decatur’s (i.e., LCI plans for live work play – new urbanist, yadda yadda). If you’re worried about historic district regulations you shouldn’t be. I doubt AE has any interest in any such new districts. Of course, don’t tick off the mayor with a blog.
Avondalian— Free Speech is frowned on by Avondale’s Politicians? If the city is run based on whether the Mayor likes you or not, you guys have a bigger problem. And I also checked the taxes. I know for sure they are equivalent because I calculated them based on actual assessment data and millage rates. You know, in Avondale, DeKalb County taxes the same as in unincorporated areas and Avondale’s rate is added on top. In Decatur the county portion is much less because Decatur provides fire, police, schools. Additionally Decatur assesses at 50% rather then 40% So do an actual calculation, not just look at millage rates.
Not to put too fine a point on things, but why sneak around and attempt to annex properties without informing the owners? I think I know the answer, but maybe you should think about it too? So, if you will, tell me the advantages of Avondale Estates as compared to Decatur? Make a case!! And do consider the overwhelming signatures on the petitions of owners….
What are the advantages you perceive of having your commercial property in Decatur vs. Avondale or unincorp. Dekalb?
You obviously have a problem with AE. I’m curious what it is. Why beat around the bush?
I have not beat around the bush! Succinctly, over 74% of property owners have signed petitions to be in Decatur. How is that beating around the bush? Seems pretty straight forward to me! In the previous posts I have said Avondale’s land use regulations are inferior to Decatur’s. The taxes are basically the same, but you get to pay for being harassed by the city code and police officers. I take umbrage at paying to be harassed! Next, the taxes paid to Decatur are actually for something that benefits property owners. Whereas, I do not think that is the case in Avondale. I think the supermajority of property owners believe the same as I, that is why the petitions were signed!! So, my problem or maybe it is Avondale Estates problem? It think characterizing is as Avondale’s problem is more descriptive! So my challenge is make a case for Avondale, maybe you can convince the majority voting differently? And if City fathers want to take on supervision of more properties, it would seem appropriate that they prove they can handle what they have now?
You’ve been harassed by the city code and police officers?
Michael, I love that you “did the math” on the taxes and aren’t just making assumptions about tax rates. Gee, what a concept…! 🙂
This is the article that covers the “issues” of AE’s mayor:
http://www.decaturish.com/2014/09/sunday-morning-meditation-avondale-confidential/
He doesn’t seem to want to be accountable and responsible to the public – and becomes somewhat belligerent when pressed to answer basic questions. His real estate deal is also quite “interesting” and borders on conflict of interest.
CH, I had not read that. Thanks! It goes along with Avondalian’s comments regarding ticking off the Mayor! Hey if free speech and democratic lobbying ticks him off, too damned bad! Work in the system, the system says we can petition our representatives…. We can also speak freely about politics! If you want to squelch that, it is another reason NOT to be in Avondale!
Don’t forget to annex North Dekalb Mall and the Golden Corrall.
To Michael (unincorporated business owner)-
“Not to put too fine a point on things, but why sneak around and attempt to annex properties without informing the owners?”
You think Decatur is doing it differently?
Deanne– They announced what they wanted and actually have spoken with some of the property owners. Whereas, in 2013, Avondale had legislation a few days away from being approved to “TAKE” the area I describe. This is without any contact with property owners!! So yes it is different!
Good to hear the City’s contacting the businesses as it really reflected poorly on city mgt when they didn’t do it last annexation attempt. They probably just haven’t made their way down the list of all B Area owners yet. (As of today, Selig and Fuqua haven’t heard a peep.)
Pythagoras– NO. I am not in Avondale so I have not yet had that pleasure, but I have spoken with business owners in Avondale and it is a common practice. Make a case for Avondale, if you can. You seem intent on parsing each statement I make. Let me clue you in. There is no reason for me to not tell the truth…. I would say, look around and see what has happened, prove me wrong! Oh, regarding the police or traffic detail, I have plenty of complaints on that front. Lucky for me, I have not been stopped as yet! Obviously, speaking out may put me at risk as some have pointed out? You know ticking off the Mayor? I guess I will just have to risk it?
You ask many questions and I answer and you ask more. Obviously, you have an opinion, articulate it? Tell everyone how Avondale is superior to Decatur? Enumerate, elucidate, educate the poor unwashed in unincorporated DeKalb?
I haven’t taken a position that one is better than the other. I don’t need to make a case because I don’t care what jurisdiction you’re in. I observe plenty of businesses in AE that seem to be doing fine, including a flurry of new businesses, so I was just curious about your beef with AE. You apparently don’t want to provide an answer. That’s fine – I’ll move on now. Good luck in whatever jurisdiction you end up.
That is interesting? I listed many things and you say I did not provide information? Read it again..
Pythagoras – um, Michael *has* provided answers! I don’t think you see them bc you disagree with them.
Michael, I have no idea whether what you’re saying is true, but if you are correct that taxes in AE are at all close to the same as Decatur, that’s enough on its own to prefer Decatur! Granted, I’m an outsider, but all I’ve seen in terms of “community services” in AE is a speed trap.
Brianc– That is the easy part! Anyone who doubts the tax issue can do the “math”. The property owners in the proposed annexation area were convinced by the REAL story…. Actual facts not politics speak of what we are, but reality of what has actually happened! Please facts!! Myself and the other petitioners are NOT willing to wager our property use and value that the Politicians in Avondale will one day GET IT? Difficult to bet on that outcome?
AE does not have a school system. AE does not have its own Fire Department. AE uses DeKalb for 911 service. Those are 3 major differences.
Well, there’s come truth in that, Brian, but other public services in AE include not being subjected to a draconian tree ordinance, pending UDO, and whatever other long lists of complicated mandates and restrictions Decatur will pass in the interests of perfecting the lives of its citizens.
“but other public services in AE include not being subjected to a draconian tree ordinance, pending UDO,”
Fair enough, I guess. But from a purely self-interested pov, those issues don’t affect me at all. I do, however, benefit from good sidewalks, etc. And I’m not sure I’d want to pay taxes at a rate at all similar to what I pay here for the city not to do things.
“AE uses DeKalb for 911 service.”
Meaning that if you dial 911 in AE, a DC officer shows up?
No, an AE officer shows up, but he/she is dispatched by DC. COD has its own 911 center and dispatchers.
By any name, this is a cynical land grab by Decatur’s government officials employing the tactics of Brookhaven. These commercial areas have been at Decatur’s edge for decades and the city was never very concerned. Now that a new city might take place (and now that Fuqua and Tesla have arrived), Merriss et al go into overdrive to “get some”. Decatur has no interest in annexing houses and people, just businesses. It has zero legitimate claim to cross either DeKalb Industrial Blvd or North Decatur Road. Those are the logical boundaries. Does anyone find it curious that Decatur has no desire to go southeast to Memorial Drive? hmmm…blatant cherry picking. Plus, this annexation plan was assembled with zero public input / discussion. They don’t want to hear from Medlock, I guess.
Newcity– The facts as I know them. The legislature will incorporate land north of I-20 into some city. The ethical problems of DeKalb County have assured the administration will be systematically taken apart. Now, property owners in the impacted area have a few choices. Owners residential and commercial can wait and let the cities lay claim. Of course residential owners have another bite at the apple as they can VOTE after the fact. Commercial owners have one additional choice, to attempt to influence where they go. And land grab is not quite accurate, it is a land distribution by the legislature. Like it or not a lot of change is coming. So, the area where I am located is going somewhere, and of the choices 74%+ prefer to be in Decatur.
Are we seriously having a Decatur vs. AE discussion? People vote with their feet. Take a look around.
Exactly—- People vote with their feet!!! That is what the over 74% of property owners say as well!!
Can someone please explain to me how “cleaning up the borders” is a justification for annexation? The city has functioned just fine with “dirty” borders for decades, and the shape of the city is irrelevant.
Perhaps it would be easier to fathom if your backyard was in and your front yard was out or vice versa. Or your older kid was in and your younger kid was out. Or if your neighbors on each side were in and you were out. There’s a case to be made for smoothing out those kinds of zigzags.
@smallgal: only a very small percentage of the annexation actually “cleans up” the lines, they actually muddy the waters even more.
@michael: the legislature is only responding to the request from the individual areas that want to incoperate and CoD land grab request.
I’m not for or against this particular array of changes, I don’t live there any more. (Although if WH had come in sooner, it would’ve been tougher to leave!) I was just pointing out that cleaning up anomalies that complicate property lines (and services and jurisdictions) for individual property owners is worthwhile and desirable. Painting everything with a broad brush all the time, discussing everything in terms of generalities and absolutes, is just not all that constructive IMO.
No2decatur–Decatur wants Suburban Plaza, and maybe the intersection of Clairmont and N Decatur, In an original submission. Now, the handwriting is on the wall for much of DeKalb County. Much like N Fulton, there will be little possibility of maintaining unincorporated areas. I have spoken with State Legislators and am told that the ethical shortcomings of DeKalb have all but assured the northern part of the county will be incorporated. Every city and proposed city is in the land grab, but it is a grab because of State action. Not to say that a city or city’s would not attempt annexation if the total incorporation were not assured. But it makes it more likely.
The reason for our petition is to influence where we go, not if we go! I do not believe that option exists!
@michael There are 2 many parts moving for anyone to say decisively whats going to happen. I went to several Briarcliff meetings and the bitterness between them and Lakeside was fairly strong. I judt can’t see the 2 of them comprimising and joining ranks. Throw in Tucker and it’s a toss up. Medlock had a meeting with City of Atlanta as did Briarcliff . Tucker and Briarcliff only started their initiatives after Lakeside tried to make a land grab into both of their territories.
All this to say CoD officials, not their residents, are using fear mongering techniques to say we need to get it before they do. Why? Most residents there can afford the higher taxes but no one cares about those left out. It’s we get ours and don’t care what happens to the rest.
That being said, if I was forced to decide where to go Decatur over Avondale any day. Avondale for the past 20 years has been so busy trying to keep out black folks that they dropped the ball on economic development. Decatur and Avondale weren’t that much different 25 years ago. Yes, now Avondale have new shops, but 95% are newcomers, not the old guard stick in the 1950’s andnot the good part of that era.
No2decatur – ain’t this the truth! You got it.
“All this to say CoD officials, not their residents, are using fear mongering techniques to say we need to get it before they do. Why? Most residents there can afford the higher taxes but no one cares about those left out. It’s we get ours and don’t care what happens to the rest.”
No2decatur– You have a view from the feuding city perspective. I appreciate that and I have not been involved in that aspect. The State issued ultimatums regarding agreement by Nov. 15. I happen to think the combatants get real under those circumstances and understand that no one accomplishes 100% of what they want. Short answer, they work it out! Frankly, unincorporated DeKalb is an answer I could accept as well. Just do not think that is an option…
I have been informed that one more ethical lapse and incorporation is almost assured. Well that happened with Elaine Boyer and icing on the cake is investigation of other commissioners. Something will happen, hopefully not the worst outcome. That is the reason to be involved and let the decision makers know what you think!
I cannot explain it? Maybe having the lines easily identifiable by landmarks or geographical features? But the facts as I recognize them have nothing to do with cleaning up borders! They have to do with the State Legislature taking DeKalb county apart!! Where the borders are appear to be inconsequential. Of course they are important to the individual impacted!
Knowing how City of Decatur works it is better to go ahead and start-up the anti-annexation groups now than to wait for later. Get the ‘No” petitions going now. You have less than 30 days to get it done.
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Where is the city in the annexation process right now? What are the next steps?
• September – October 2014: Information and feedback meetings scheduled and background information refined.
• October 13, 2014: Petition Deadline.
• October 28, 2014: Joint Work Session with City Commission and Board of Education.
• November 5, 2014: Final report released to public.
• November 11, 2014: Board of Education considers adoption of a resolution regarding the Annexation Master Plan.
• November 17, 2014: City Commission officially receives the Annexation Master Plan. Considers adoption of an annexation resolution.
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7. Who can sign the petition:
a) Homeowner; if jointly owned can both sign?
b) Those who live in the home but aren’t on deed?
c) Renters?
The petitions anticipate that anyone of the above could sign the petition. Homeowners (single or joint) would sign and indicate “Yes” as the property owner; those who live in the home and renters would sign and indicate “No” as the property owner. All would be eligible to indicate by a “Yes” or a “No” whether or not they are resident electors.
d) If owned by LLC, who can sign?
The LLC should check with their legal advisor but it is assumed that it would be the registered agent for the LLC who would indicate that the LLC is the property owner.
8. Must you specifically turn in one petition or the other?
This would all be unnecessary, likely even impossible, if we had a moat…