MM: Atlanta United Training Facility Coming to DeKalb, Oakhurst Ice Cream Photos, and What Pet Should I Get?
Decatur Metro | August 5, 2015 | 10:12 am
- Atlanta United soccer complex deal approved by DeKalb Commission [AJC]
- (PHOTOS) – Oakhurst Market gives away free ice cream [Decaturish]
- Emory’s Hahn Woods to get improvements through Trees Atlanta project [Emory]
- Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston film casting in Atlanta [ABC]
- The adaptive-reuse trinity on Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta [ATL Urbanist]
- What Pet Should I Get? Dr. Seuss’s Previously Unseen Illustrated Wink at the Paradox of Choice and the Fear of Missing Out [Brian Pickings]
Related Posts:
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April 23, 2015 MM: City Considering Purchasing Boys & Girls Club Site, Unique Sewage Recycling, and U.S. Migration (22)
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April 21, 2015 MM: Poll Shows Gwinnett Favors MARTA, Bike Registration, and Art Festivals & the Local Arist (4)
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April 24, 2015 MM: Mayor Support Go Bond on Ballot, Oakhurst Building to Be Torn Down, and Rethinking Extinction (22)
And with the Atlanta United decision, the phrase “public investment” is now officially distorted beyond any sensible meaning.
Arthur Blank is worth an estimated $2.5 billion, with a “b.”
http://www.forbes.com/profile/arthur-blank/
Kudos to Commissioners Gannon, Jester and Rader for pushing for a better deal. Lee May’s comments in the article make me wonder if he’s ever given more than a 5 second look at just how these “deals” actually play out economically for their communities. It’s rarely, if ever, a pretty picture but OH! LOOK! A NEW SHINY THING!
Did you really wonder if he has even looked at these deals? It is clear he has not.
In an earlier ajc article, Nancy Jester pretty much said that no one has made any sort of attempt to analyze the “returns” on this “investment.” Specifically:
Commissioner Nancy Jester said she’d like to see an analysis of the project’s costs and benefits, but she doesn’t expect that information will be known before Tuesday’s vote.
“What’s the return on investment?” Jester asked. “What economic development is it going to be a catalyst for, and what do we think it’s going to look like? How would we know if it’s a good deal or not if not one has examined it at all?”
Infuriating. It is one thing to review a report and draw a different conclusion (or at least use as cover the portion of such a report that favors your position), but how do you vote for an investment without making any attempt to evaluate the potential returns?
As much as I am skeptical about the long-term ramifications of a bunch of new cities in the county, it is easy to see the motivation behind the cityhood movements. There is ZERO accountability for the incompetent and/or corrupt commissioners running the county.
At least they’re going to charge to park in the county deck!
Bingo! Who wants to be the last rat on a sinking ship?
Of course, who wants to be the first one on a vessel that isn’t seaworthy? Show me again the viability study…
I live in the area seeking to be annexed by Atlanta, not Lavista Hills.
Anyone else remember when the City of Atlanta government was considered the most incompetent and corrupt in the region? The question is whether Atlanta has actually improved, or whether DeKalb has officially won the race to the bottom.
How dare you, sir! Those commissioners are someone’s mother or father! To say they are not held accountable….
That’s a cheap shot at a dude who is generally pretty respectful towards others around here. But you probably already know that.
Oh, come on. He made a jab the other day regarding “trees not being held accountable” for the damage they do. I didn’t take it personally. I would hope he doesn’t either. Appreciate you looking out though.
Actually, I think that was me who made that quip. And you’re correct, it wasn’t personal. Just part of the fun ’round here.
I think he chimed in as well.
I saw those posts too, though quite a while after they were made, and thought they were funny. I think it shows that it’s possible for some of us to disagree without losing the ability to be lighthearted about and poke a little fun at one another. This board would be awfully boring without it.
[sniff]
frankly, i’m offended
[grabs his purse and stomps off]
Plus, you can’t engage in nuanced ribbing unless you invest the time to get to know someone beyond just the superficial. That in itself is a respectful posture.
I certainly do respect both Scott and Rick for their thoughtful posts here. But I will certainly take a shot when I can!
Lee May [edited: no name calling please]. He is a failed businessman who was out of his depth negotiating with someone like Arthur Blank. Not to mention he is desperate to be elected CEO and thinks this will make it happen.
While I totally agree that this is a BAD deal for the taxpayers of the county. I don’t think you need to resort to name calling. Your second post gets to the heart of the matter without getting personal. But again…I agree with you. In fact, I just don’t buy the notion that pro soccer will be successful in ATL.
Lee May and the rest who voted for this see this as their ticket to re-election. They don’t care about the long term consequences. I’m sure they parlayed this deal into some nice campaign donations. Arthur Blank hired the same law firm that DeKalb uses to negotiate the deal. All the voters (at least the 10% who actually vote) will see is development in a historically neglected area. The plan may actually work for Lee May and the rest, although I pray it doesn’t. South DeKalb needs new leadership. I was sick to my stomach watching them all on stage, fawning over Arthur Blank, and grinning like Cheshire cats. I’m so disgusted I almost don’t have words to describe it.
This has to be one of the worst “economic development” deals I’ve EVER seen. There is ZERO investment from Blank, so there is ZERO incentive for him to stay at the facility. He has almost no skin in the game. Without an indoor facility, what is the incentive to stay? Any soccer club worth their salt has an indoor facility. With only 3 fields, how much can really be done w/ this site long-term? This seems like the county is really looking for a “front” to build a parks and rec site on this location and they are all-in with this deal.
I would not be surprised to see Blank and Atlanta FC move to another location that has more real commercial development opportunities in 5 years. A site that has more acreage that can be developed into a true sports complex w/ retail, public transportation, hotels and youth sports tourism tied to the site. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Cobb site come back around because this deal feels like a rental.
Great job Arthur!!!
“This seems like the county is really looking for a “front” to build a parks and rec site on this location and they are all-in with this deal.”
Lee May wants DeKalb government out of Decatur b/c he believes Decatur no longer represents the rest of DeKalb (translation: South DeKalb). Do you think it is a coincidence that this investment is in the exact area that he wants to re-locate government operations? Do you think it is a coincidence that the commissioners from South DeKalb all voted for it when the others did not? The area needs to be fixed up before the county can justify such a move, and Blank just expedited May’s plans. Lee May would have given Blank twice that much if necessary. It is hard to ignore the racial component to this deal. Our CEO clearly sees two Dekalbs, not one large county with diverse neighborhoods.
Let’s not be naive, there ARE two DeKalbs and S. DeKalb wasn’t the area that helped to accentuate this reality. The cityhood movement came from N. DeKalb as a way of “breaking away” from the one county and there is really no going back to even the appearance of it. The County represents the unincorporated areas and the cities represent themselves and that is too bad.
This is a BAD deal. This goal of moving the county seat from Decatur is also a dumb idea. COD is the hub of the county both logistically and municipally. The county courthouse is here and so is a hub for MARTA. I would imagine his goal is to move all of the County offices to that area and attempt to turn Kensington into some sort of County hub. or growth Good luck with that, especially when your skyscraper and greatest footprint is a huge jail complex.
Instead of a juvenile detention complex, they should have used that money to build what they are basically building now, but on steroids. How much better for the kids in the county would it have been to build a huge parks and rec complex with tutoring centers and a performing arts space instead of a pipeline to prison facility. But I digress.
“Let’s not be naive, there ARE two DeKalbs”
Yes, but as CEO, Lee May represents both.
But given the withdrawal of significant resources from the County due to city-hood, wouldn’t it be honest to say he probably represents some more than others. Granted, this deal is not good for those he “probably represents more” but the reality is certainly there.
Pretty sure the county CEO represents all residents of DeKalb, even those who have the audacity to live within the limits of a city. Of course if the county wants to tear up my tax bill…
Want to get even more frustrated by the state of the Dekalb County Commission?
http://www.peachpundit.com/2015/08/04/mike-bowers-thrown-out-of-dekalb-commission-meeting/
In just about two weeks, there were the water main issues. Then there was the handout to Arthur Blank. Now there’s Michael Bowers foreshadowing a devastating report demonstrating that DeKalb is “rotten to the core.”
Yeeeesh. ”
“The misconduct starts at the top and has infected nearly every department we have looked at,” wrote the investigators, former Georgia Attorney General Mike Bowers and Richard Hyde. “Expenses range from the petty to the absurd.”
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local-govt-politics/initial-results-of-dekalb-corruption-investigation/nnDSb/
Yep. This report really needs its own thread.
http://wabe.org/post/report-calls-dekalb-county-government-rotten-core
just what we need, another kvetch fest.
Decatur Metro is getting so old man grumpy we ought to rename it My Lawn
and, no, i’m not saying people shouldn’t be held accountable. . .
in fact, Bower’s report is an excellent example of a government entity getting its nads served to it on an Accountability Platter.
i just object to the endless moaning and piling on.
“Bower’s report is an excellent example of a government entity getting its nads served to it on an Accountability Platter.”
Not yet — some consequence will have to flow from his report, which remains to be seen.
how much to do you want to bet heads will roll, and indictments handed down? Bowers’ prosecution of the teacher scandal (another case of fang baring accountability) should make anyone in his crosshairs quiver.
You are probably right about that. I doubt it will go far enough — after all, Burrell Ellis was just convicted and yet these problems appear to persist — but I certainly hope the report spurs significant action.
+1
Can someone explain the difference between what DeKalb did and the recent actions of our commission? For example, a $10 million plus retention pond was built under Ebster field so that a multi billion dollar company could develop the courthouse annex property (and now Decaturish reports the pond has damaged a nearby senior citizen facility and the city is facing a lawsuit). And what about the multi million deal where the Decatur Housing Authority bought a piece of land with plans to sell to a private foundation for less than market value?
I agree with other posters that the soccer field vote is bad for DeKalb taxpayers. I just wish Decatur taxpayers would howl more when our commission spends money on local sweetheart deals. Just my opinion.
Now Mr. Billingsley – You well know that the difference is that each Commission meeting allows for public comment. And sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. It almost worked during the first round of comment on the Tree and Demolition moratorium, if only to table the discussion and allow the community more time to express how much we didn’t want the tree ordinance. But at least we have the opportunity to speak.
I also see a clear difference in funding truly municpal projects like the drainage infrastructure and the updated community center where the community will benefit . Whether you agree they are needed or not, we’re definitely not subsidizing a professional sports franchise owned by a Billionaire – agreed?
Also – what is the latest on that purchase at the corner of clairmont and Scott. How is that group doing in raising the funds to purchase the property? Are they anywhere close?
I can’t speak to the second half (am unaware which piece of land you’re referring to) but the primary difference in the first case is that the Calloway deal presents meaningful returns to the city (not just by putting a tax-exempt parcel back on the rolls, but in maximizing the potential revenue by building to its highest and best use). In other words, the deal as it’s presently structured seems to pencil out in the city’s, and taxpayers’, favor. The stadium facility does not.
Beyond that, the project also contributes to other community goals. Such as, it contributes to the ongoing effort to turn Trinity into a second main street (in terms of walkability, commercial activity, density, etc.) which, over time, will raise the revenue potential of other properties on that strip. Additionally, the expectation (often in dispute here in the DM comments) is that such developments are significantly tax-positive, meaning that they help subsidize schools, infrastructure, and services for our single family home neighborhoods. If we’re ever to reach a point where we can achieve a meaningful property tax reduction across the board, tax-positive development will be a big part of how it happens.
Yes, the retention facility will benefit the Calloway property but it will also benefit that entire side of town. Besides, ask anyone in public works and they’ll tell you that the aging infrastructure had to be overhauled regardless of whether or not Calloway builds out.
Since the developer is purchasing the property at market value with no tax incentives, it’s not particularly comparable to what’s happening with the stadium. At least in my opinion.
Here’s what Decatur gets with the water retention facility: the ability to handle rain water run-off downtown for the next 50 years. This will allow downtown development to continue. Downtown development is the best way for the city to take the tax burden off single family homeowners. This model of “shared” water facilities is considered forward thinking so that each downtown property doesn’t have to take care of its own water run off–providing opportunities for better, more flexible, downtown development. It is truly the envy of cities all over the metro area. The return on investment is huge.
Here’s what Decatur gets with the DHA redevelopment, which includes the plan to sell the land where the OPs (Old Projects) were: New affordable housing, including the Oliver House, which Mr. B, I remember you being a fan of in past posts here. I don’t believe that DHA actually purchased any additional land, as you assert above. This land was made available to sell because they reorganized the 200+ units in a more modern format, freeing up land to sell to make the redevelopment numbers work. I also don’t believe that anyone has determined a sale price on that land, but could be wrong on that. If we are going to have public housing here, the OPs needed to be redone. The manner in which this has been executed has won awards, and again is a best-in-class model for this type of housing.
I would say that your comparison between these projects and the DeKalb soccer deal are WAAAAY off base. In the Decatur deals, no land was given away (even for 30 years), no city money has gone to a billionaire, and so on.
Don’t expect Mr B to respond to your educated and reasoned response. He’s just rolling out another grenade.
Thanks Steve. That is your name correct?I’ve made it clear for years that I post my opinions on this blog and Decaturish and nothing more. I’m not interested in having a conversation or changing minds. And I’m certainly not running for elected office or trolling for new friends to meet at the chi-chi parties. My views are similar to many homeowners who believe that our city commission and school board have borrowed and spent us to the point of fiscal ruin. That is a fact. And conservatives like myself are not the real haters in this town. We have learned to live in a liberal wasteland. It is the progressives that cannot tolerate diversity of opinion. They are the ones who attack conservative views on the blogs without restraint.
In the meantime, the debt bomb isn’t the only thing ticking in this town. We will soon lose out police force, not literally but we will demoralize our police officers with the upcoming commission led attack later this month. Add that to your B-grenade list.
I’m ready (we’re ready!)
I think I’m gonna bomb a town (get down!)
Don’t u neva, eva, pull my leva
Cuz I explode
And my nine is easy to load
I gotta thank God
Cuz he gave me the strength to rock
HARD!!
Knock you out
Mama said knock you out
“Mama Said Knock You Out”
-LL Cool J
After reading this I kept thinking about Kool Mo Dee’s parody. Well done.
“They [liberals] are the ones who attack conservative views on the blogs without restraint.”
If by “attack” you mean pointing out that your posts are usually full of extreme hyperbole, lacking in logic, and generally written in a tone meant to demean most of your fellow “chi-chi” citizens/political opponents, then guilty as charged.
Thanks BrIan. (It is Brian correct? My eyes are so bad. I was seeing Barack all these years. I apologize). I see I still push your buttons eh?
Now that you’ve moved on, I want to tell you that I under-estimated your wisdom. You were really the smart one, moving into Decatur, living the good life for a few years and then, when things got tough (or whatever), moved on to greener pastures. Smart guy! People like myself, lifelong residents and longtime homeowners, who have everything to lose if the city fails, are the real chumps. Maybe we should get together and have a beer or two and you can advise me on an exit strategy eh?
” Maybe we should get together and have a beer or two and you can advise me on an exit strategy eh?”
Well, with the Pope practically a communist, Republicans yanking the Confederate flag down faster than you can say General Lee, and gays getting married in every state, I doubt I have the wisdom to advise much of an exit strategy for ya, even over a bunch of beers. But you can never go wrong with buy low, sell high. 😉
DM, in my book, that is name calling. Can you imagine a worst insult than being called Barack? 😉
yeah, being called, “the party who predicted: Obama would plunge the country into depression, unemployment would soar, the stock market would tank, our parents would be euthanized by death panels, our shores would be under terrorist siege, ACA wouldn’t meet its enrollment goals and kill businesses, gas would be at $10 per gallon . . . and who tonight will unload a clown car of presidential candidates onto a debate stage, lead by the world’s oldest orange teenager.”
THAT would be a worse insult.
Annnnnnd BOOM! *mic dropped*
Chris, come on. It’s hard to take you seriously. “My views are similar to many homeowners who believe that our city commission and school board have borrowed and spent us to the point of fiscal ruin. That is a fact. ”
“My views” + “many…who believe” = “fact”
Nice.
“My view” + “many who believe” = fact
Nice.
So, you do not agree with the formula; and that is the reason not to take seriously? Could you clarify DM?
“Lacking in logic” – brianc; are you not the individual who tried to educate readers that it was acceptable for protestors/political activists to take over streets, highways, and private businesses (Don’t recall if you included homes)?
Also brianc, you are stating its dishonorable to demean citizens/political opponents? Correct?
Umm, yep. If someone tries to pass off unsubstantiated bombshell claims as fact, then that individual does not deserve to be taken seriously. Just my opinion, mind you.
“Umm, yep. If someone tries to pass off unsubstantiated bombshell claims as fact, then that individual does not deserve to be taken seriously. Just my opinion, mind you.”
Thank you. Can you explain how to substantiate that all of DPD are in need of training for their subconscious level of racism? How was the evaluation of the subconscious performed; specifically?
Back to your equation:
My view” + “many who believe” = fact
Nice.
DPD are subconscious racists + many who believe = fact
Nice. Right?
Marty, what are you talking about? You’ve completely taken my comments (and Chris’s, for that matter) out of context. Note that my original post only applied to Chris’s opinion that the the Commission and School Board have spent us to the “point of fiscal ruin.” Not sure where you’re coming from with this talk of subconscious racism, etc.
Your perspective, your equation.
Applied in generalities, as you do.
Didn’t include homes or private businesses.
Thanks DM. You did not challenge my statement that the city is facing a financial crisis. Has the city reached the limit of its borrowing capabilities in part because of the $10 million loan for the retention pond? Is the school board betting the bank that voters, the majority of whom have no children in the CSD, will approve a bond referendum that will add hundreds or thousands of dollars to our already high tax bill?
You need to flip over to decaturish and search for Mr Utz’ two learned essays on the city’s finances. No, we far from facing a financial crisis. Sounds like you should be Mr Ridley’s campaign manager.
I can’t believe you actually responded.
But it is apparent why he doesn’t; arguing from anecdote, lacking logical conclusions, and appealing to tradition and emotion.
Ha. Decatur is a “wasteland”. Good one.
Seems to be confusion, Mr. B, about which land you are referring to DHA buying/selling. Maybe you can respond with a clarification. I believe the downtown development authority (or maybe the city itself) bought the Callaway building – I don’t think DHA had anything to do with that. Could be wrong.
Because he indicated private foundation, I beleive he was referring to the DDA’s deal with the Woodlands Garden, discussed last August. http://www.decaturmetro.com/2014/08/18/woodlands-garden-in-process-of-acquiring-neighboring-property-with-help-of-downtown-development-authority/
They apparently have a deal to buy the adjacent lot if they can raise the $700K 18 (now 6) months. I don’t know enough about Commercial real estate values to have a sense if that is fair, but I also don’t think that “greenspace” is the best use of that parcel. We seem to fret about the scarcity of affordable housing, yet here is an opportunity that is already in the hands of DDA to perhaps add some?
http://www.decaturmetro.com/2014/08/18/woodlands-garden-in-process-of-acquiring-neighboring-property-with-help-of-downtown-development-authority/
I hope that new city leadership recognizes the potential value of this property as a key gateway into downtown.
Ahh. Ok. I’ll have to read up some more on that one. Thanks for the (apparent) clarification.
Not sure this is the same, as Chris was speaking about the Housing Authority, not the DDA.
However, if it is what he was speaking about, there’s nothing nefarious about it. Land adjacent to the Woodland Gardens was put up for sale and offered to the foundation that runs the Gardens. They wanted to purchase it but had no way to raise the necessary funds in time. The DDA stepped in to front the money, giving the Gardens time to fundraise incrementally. Should they be unable to reach the total, the DDA can sell the land to another buyer.
Whatever outcome materializes, there will be no taxpayer money involved in the ultimate ownership of this land, nor will any taxpayers be on the hook for its ongoing maintenance and operations. Best case scenario, Decatur will preserve important forested land, while private money picks up the tab. How this can be spun as fiscally irresponsible I have no idea.
My comment didn’t mean to imply that anything nefarious was going on, though I’m not sure that facilitating and serving as an intermediary for a transaction between private landowners really fits the role of the DDA, even if the intended outcome is consistent with strategic goals – like more parkspace (and more Canopy!). Greenspace/forested land in that particular spot just doesn’t seem like the highest and best use. And if the foundation can’t raise the funds, DDA should either work with DHA to develop affordable housing or sell it.
Right on. It was Chris who seemed to be suggesting that the transaction was scandalous in some way. Didn’t mean to imply it was you.
I agree that, if the Gardens can’t raise the money, the land should be put to whatever use best serves one or more of our other strategic goals.
I also agree that, if people feel the need to have a debate about this, the issue should simply be whether or not the transaction falls within the mission of the DDA. Personally, because it helps facilitate something the city has an interest in and wants to see happen, I’m fine with it. But if not everyone is, that’s where the debate should be.
Thank God and Greyhound I’m gone!
Dawgfan wrote of coincidences.
All prayer is political, or so I’ve read. If all prayer is political, what aspect of life is not political?
Protests – If all prayer is political, then surely collaboration and coordination can be political. No? Why not?
Political operatives design tactics to achieve political goals.
I enjoyed reading all comments. For me, the positive aspect of the thread was that Decatur Metro Guy allowed it to run its course without censorship. I thought he would shut it down after I responded to Brian but he did not and that was a good thing. Brian, to his credit, responded in a way that made me smile and others as well. In my opinion, one of the most dangerous reactions in our town is censorship. In the marketplace of ideas, almost all opinions should be allowed, even those that go against the Golden Rule (something that I’m sure will come up at the police meeting). The vast majority of residents in Decatur, those who never post to Decatur Metro or Decaturish but still tune in, should see that people like me have strong feelings about the direction of the city. Not all of us think this is a rose garden.
Maybe the Lyrics Guy can channel his Sixties vibe and come up with a new Decatur version of “I Never Promised You A Rose Garden”.