OK, so there are a lot of moving pieces in the ongoing annexation saga, especially in the neighborhoods to Decatur’s north.  We’re pregnant with updates, so here are many of them all in one place.

Medlock

The Medlock Area Neighborhood Association just released the first results of an ongoing survey that shows residents who took the survey most preferred to be added to the city of Decatur (66%) vs. being added to the city of Briarcliff (60%) or the City of Atlanta (~45%).

At a recent meeting with Former Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver and State Senate candidate Elena Parent, the message sent to regarding Decatur’s disinterest in annexing Medlock was “it ain’t over”, do not accept defeat today.”  They continued…

City of Decatur is likely to get commercial areas but there is an unspoken rule that commercial annexations should also include residents

We would need Representative Rahn Mayo to write legislation to propose that our neighborhood be annexed to City of Decatur. Even if the legislation is approved and a referendum is mandated, the Decatur Commission could still say no.

Druid Hills

Over to the west in Druid Hills, the main annexation effort continues to focus on Atlanta.  The Civic Association recently released a map, using the current Briar Vista and Fernbank Elementary School boundaries as the first proposed boundaries of a Druid Hills annexation into Atlanta.  See map below (courtesy of Druid Hill Civic Assoication website).

The Civic Association has also provided a tax analysis of the potential changes if incorporated into Atlanta.  In regards to Emory, the site says they continue to monitor the situation and hope the process remains open so they can evaluate their options.

Clairemont Heights

Between Medlock and Druid Hills sits Clairemont Heights, which has been relatively silent on annexation preference up until now.  However, this past week the Clairmont Heights Civic Association blog noted that some residents of the neighborhood had recently filed a petition with the city of Decatur requesting annexation.  The petition claims the support of “at least 68% of homes” in Clairmont Heights, though some discussion on the Association’s Facebook page about how widely the petition was circulated.

At the same time, Clairmont Heights current President noted recently that Druid Hills’ latest annexation map (above) incorporated some of Clairmont Heights in their annexation plan.

Of note, if Clairmont were to incorporate into Decatur, it would eliminate an Atlanta annexation from Medlock’s array of choices, since it would have no way of being congruent to the Atlanta city limit.

From Decatur PD’s Sgt. Jennifer Ross…

Decatur loves celebrating Halloween and we want everyone to have a good time.  The Decatur Police Department will have additional officers and volunteers patrolling neighborhoods, parks, school properties, the Decatur Cemetery and business districts in marked patrol cars, unmarked cars, bicycles and on foot.  During Halloween there is more vehicular and pedestrian traffic in residential neighborhoods, including many children who are excited and distracted.  Please be extra cautious and aware.

A few extra tips:

• Be bright at night! Make sure costumes have something reflective, carry a flashlight or clip on a flashing light like the ones runners and cyclists use to increase visibility.
• Make sure to cross streets properly. Look both ways before crossing and cross at corners or crosswalks. Walking out from in between parked cars is very dangerous because you may not be seen until it is too late.
• Know where older kids and teens are and check up on them.
• Talk to your kids about the difference between fun and vandalism. Throwing eggs may seem funny but it causes damage to the property of others, which is a crime, and it is rude.

Have fun on Halloween and keep it safe!  For more Halloween safety tips, please visit http://www.halloween-safety.com/

So this isn’t an entirely new conversation around here.  We’ve previously discussed stop sign alternatives, crosswalk varietals til we’ve been blue in the face, and debated criminalizing certain ways of getting around.

But recently, a New York Times op-ed mentioned a “radical” shared streets plan in Chicago in a larger plea toward urging peds, bikes, cars and trucks in the city to just get along.  This led Co.Exist to point out that shared streets aren’t radical at all, and have existed for years in other countries and are already beginning to pop up around the U.S. (See Seattle’s Bell Street below)

Now that shared streets are getting another 15 minutes of fame, perhaps we can take a moment to consider them for ourselves.  “But what exactly does a shared street look like?”, you ask.

Well, it has no lanes, curbs and minimal signage.  It often employes different colored pavers to indicate where “the street” normally ends and a “sidewalk” begins.  The design works because it puts all travelers on equal footing (har), and forces them to negotiate themselves through eye contact instead of taking instruction (or inherent right!) from signage.

Would such a street of harmonic traveling be welcome in Decatur?  If so, where would you argue it’s most needed?

Photo: Nate Cormier, SvR Design Company

From the City of Decatur…

Decatur’s Lifelong Community Advisory Board invites the community to complete a survey to help plan the direction for Decatur’s future as a place where people of all ages and resources can live throughout their lifetimes. The board welcomes the community’s input to reach these goals. All Decatur residents, not only senior citizens, may complete the survey at:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/lifelongdecatur

The Decatur City Commission created the board to fulfill the goals of the 2010 Strategic Plan, including assuring our city is a safe, healthy and inviting community for all ages. If you prefer to complete a hard copy of the survey or would like more information, contact staff liaison Lee Ann Harvey at [email protected] or call . The deadline to complete the survey isFriday, November 21, 2014.

• CSD Flu Clinic Tomorrow for Students, Faculty, Staff [CSD]
• Halloween House: Attack of the Mutant Toy Army [Next Stop…Decatur]
• Fernbank Elementary construction schedule [East Lake]
• Avondale’s Carl’s Corner getting makeover [AJC]
• Daytime Streetcar driver training has begun [Atlanta Intown]
• Election Day: Will Clayton County join MARTA? [Transportation for America]
• The Bourbon that Beat Pappy Van Winkle [Thirsty South]

Photo courtesy of Avondale Estates website

Decatur Halloween Parade, Church Street, Decatur GA (photo courtesy of Albert)

CSD sent out this note from Superintendent Phyllis Edwards yesterday…

Fall is certainly a beautiful time of year. I am sure you are enjoying the cooler weather and changing leaves, football games, dances and school fall festivals. Many of our Decatur families celebrate Halloween. While Halloween can be a memorable and fun event, it can also pose concerns for the safety of your children, regardless of their age.

This year, Halloween falls on a Friday night. I urge you escort your children while they trick or treat, and to be especially aware of moving vehicles as your children travel from house to house. The CDC issued a very helpful list of safety tips for Halloween- read it by following this link.

If your children are older, I ask that each neighborhood keep a watch on playground areas, parks and school property, which in past years have become areas for students to gather. Alcohol use and illegal substances or inappropriate activities are never allowed to take place on school property. I am contacting the Chief of Police this week to ask that our school grounds be patrolled.

As you trick or treat through your neighborhood, please be aware and alert. If you should see or hear anything in your neighborhood that is not normal, please contact the police. If you are a school SLT member or PTA member, perhaps you can talk with your Principal about forming a patrol. Please become involved so we can help avert any unfortunate results.

While we are proud of our accomplishments, one of the most important priorities of the school system is to ensure that our students are safe. We wish our families a safe and fun Halloween.

Sincerely,

Dr. Phyllis Edwards, Superintendent