Feel free to use this post to make comments and ask questions about local issues not yet discussed here over the past week.
Decatur Metro
At Home in Decatur
lumpintheroad
PMcG
Decatur Metro
Parker Cross
Michelle Cavaliere
Dad of 3
Walker1
Walker1
fbenario
Scott
Looks like a quiet morning… who wants to talk about the presidential election???
[runs away from grenade, hides behind wall]
Roll, roll me away,
Won’t you roll me away tonight
I TOO AM LOST, I FEEL DOUBLE-CROSSED
And I’m sick of what’s wrong and what’s right
“Roll Me Away”
(emphasis by LOG)
-Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band
Both major party candidates are fake blonds. (Not that I have any problem with that.)
One of them is also a fake Republican.
the other is only pretending to be a human
This is so dead on. From Last Week Tonight.
I went to the new Half Price Books yesterday and loved it. Great selection of graphic novels and board games, both new and used. Picked up a copy of “Batman: Black and White”, a couple of books for my kid and a new card game. All told, I spent about $35 and got a ton of stuff. I was kinda bummed because I’ll be missing Dragon Con this year, but this might be the next best thing to the dealers’ room in terms of the comic book selection.
Thanks, Dan. I was already jazzed for HPB, but knowing that they have a healthy nerd selection makes them that much more attractive.
Whoa.
http://www.decaturish.com/2016/08/two-arrested-in-connection-with-lavista-road-murder/
As a result of partnership with Decatur Fire/Rescue, Decatur Police are now equipped with Narcon, as are the EMTs of course.
For precision it is “Narcan:” Aka naloxone for opioid reversal.
Yeah, I saw that after I googled it. Anyway, they have it.
Hearts are breaking for the families of all involved. Here’s hoping that the Decatur Parents Network can make a difference for teens in Decatur.
AtHomeinDecatur, were the two teens charged with murder drug addicts? I didn’t see that in the article.
I don’t know but the article says that a drug sale was involved. The Decatur Parents Network is about creating a healthy community and opportunities for teens that prevent bad choices and risky behaviors, not just drug addiction.
I asked because your comment followed Scott’s about Narcon, but maybe that was coincidence. The comments on Decaturish also seem to claim addiction was involved. Just wondering if people had information not in the report.
I have no knowledge of this specific situation, however, with respect to our teens, or anyone who’s life is affected by drug dependence, I would highly recommend David Sheff’s books Beautiful Boy and Clean. The first is a hard read about his son; the second discusses the current state of knowledge with respect to addiction treatment and a little about prevention. It gets a little dense but it is very important information.
I see the original ghost bike is back on North Decatur.
Last week’s firestorm about the signs on College Ave leads me to believe that Decatur parents are actively thinking about biker/skater/pedestrian safety. Every morning I drive to work on College Ave and witness a pack of middle school age kids skateboarding in the road on College with earbuds in, and with no helmets. I am all for skateboarding, but this is nuts.
I am also frequently at Oakhurst Village in the afternoon and see TONS OF PARENTS with no helmets riding bikes home with their kids. It’s a false sense of security to think that just because you know how to ride a bike, you won’t fall off or get knocked off.
Finally, to the guy who rides down the middle of the street everyday on a child’s razor scooter with no helmet and three-year old with no shoes (and no helmet) in an Ergo backpack, this is a recipe for disaster.
Dang. I’m not going anywhere NEAR your lawn.
don’t get me started on people who mow their lawns without helmets and googles. the rocks and other items that can come flying off the blades are a recipe for disaster. steel toed shoes and shin pads should be worn as well.
but seriously, Helmet Rant, i hope you’re wearing yours when driving down the road. if you haven’t looked at accident and mortality numbers for cars lately, you might want to remind yourself of how dangerous an activity driving is. it’d be foolish not to take every possible precaution.
So Decatur is pretty much only libertarians now. I guess it doesn’t take a village after all.
nobody asked you to be their nanny. If it really bothers you say something to the perps! They may not read this blog,,,
No, it’s easier to randomly lecture people via the Internet. That way, you don’t have to actually do anything beyond clicking a few keys on the computer, yet feel satisfied that you did your part to solve one of the world’s great problems.
You realize you’re doing the same thing, don’t you?
Nope. Not even close.
This is turning into the adult version of “I know you are, but what am I?” 🙂
I’m rubber and you’re glue…
🙂
I don’t know about the “adult” part.
Posted last week, but did not get a lot of response. Trying to make ask clearer this time. I am looking for a basic yard service provider. Mow lawn every couple of weeks and do edging, weed whacking and blowing as needed. Any recommendations?
Mike’s Lawn and Tree Care http://www.mikeslawnandtreecare.com
The owner, Mike Kenton, is a certified arborist. I’ve been a satisfied customer for 10+ years.
I’ve used lawnmowingonline twice now and had good results both times. $5 more for edging which included around light poles, trees and everything else.. My last guy even finished off with blowing the sidewalk & driveway, which technically isn’t included. I have a small yard but it was $30 with tip. No contracts, no extra services, just done as scheduled and done nicely. Just like the neighborhood kid who used to do this stuff.
We have used Jose Ramos and his crew for years. Contact Jose at 678-733-7648. They mow, edge, pick up leaves. I think they have also started to fertilize if you want. He will also do various other projects (put down mulch, pine straw). Very reasonably priced and reliable.
Picked up a chicken pie from Cookin’ Up A Storm yesterday, and was it ever good. The price reflects the rent, but the goods measured up!
No discussion of the sale of a frequent commenter’s house to the City?
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local/decatur-purchases-last-surviving-home-of-forgotten/nsLyd/
The history of the home and area is really cool. Never knew it.
2 cents worth –
I think it would be a shame not to find a constructive use of the house itself, something that connects and engages with the largest contiguous greenspace in the city. Surely some of the smart folks who regularly read and comment here have some good suggestions.
I’ll start with really terrible ideas and maybe they’ll get better:
*Off-park betting parlor for pickup bb games.
*Museum of bits of pottery and antique trash washed down the creek
*Indoor dog park extension (for pups who “need to get out”, but don’t like being out.)
How about a museum for those who complain incessantly about the city administration but have no problem profiting from them.
Thanks Not Southern. There are many things I will miss about Decatur but DM posts from those who do not identify themselves in NOT one of them.
As to your comment concernjng my complaints about city officials, I gave praise when it was appropriate as the following public appearance and petition to the city Commission illustrates:
“April 4, 2016
City of Decatur Commission
My name is Chris Billingsley, 146 Norris Street. Good Evening.
“Lest We Forget…” This phrase appears on the veterans monument in the City of Decatur Cemetery. The monument honors more than a thousand service men and women buried in the cemetery including fifty “Sons of Decatur” who gave their lives while serving in our armed forces. The veterans monument, as well as many other memorials around Decatur, include a flagpole and flags that are displayed throughout the year. Whether you are new to Decatur or a lifelong resident, these monuments and flags represent for many of us a debt of gratitude to those in the past who fought to preserve our freedom and way of life.
I am here this evening to give special recognition for something that occurred several weeks ago. While I was walking in the cemetery in mid March, I noticed that the American flag over the veterans monument was in poor condition. In addition to faded colors, the flag was torn in several places due to weather conditions. I took a picture of the flag and sent it to city manager Peggy Merriss stating that I was willing to help pay for a new flag to be installed as soon as possible. This was late Friday evening. I received a response the next day from Ms. Merriss stating that a new flag had been ordered. Normally when I read something like this from a government official, I expect a long wait but to my surprise, a new flag was in place the following Monday. The city employees responsible for this deserve a special commendation and this is the purpose of my visit this evening.
The City of Decatur has received numerous awards and accolades over the past several years but I believe that the attention given to the concerns of an individual citizen by city employees is one of the reasons that makes the City of Decatur a great place to live. I hope that commissioners never forget this fundamental aspect of local government and that is, the views of every citizen, even conservatives, are important in Decatur.
My request and petition is in the form of a citizen resolution which reads: “Whereas, upon being notified that the flag of the United States flying over the Veterans Monument in the City of Decatur Cemetery was badly torn and faded, and understanding that the flag represents our shared values as well as our debt of gratitude to those who served our country, city employees under the direction of the city manager acted quickly and made sure that a new flag was in place within two days, Resolve: that the City Commission of the City of Decatur issue a commendation to City Manager Ms. Peggy Merriss and any other employee that made this possible.”
Thank you. I request that my comments be added to the minutes of the meeting. I would also like to welcome our new commissioners Mr. Tony Powers and Mr. Brian Smith. Enjoy the honeymoon. May God continue to bless the city commission and their families, our police officers and other city employees, the City of Decatur, the Great State of Georgia and the United States of America.
Chris Billingsley
146 Norris Street
Decatur, GA. 30030″
Good luck in Tucker, Chris B! I agreed with you almost never, but we both have affection for the city we used to call home. Twice so for me, as I also used to call Tucker home.
So you think he should have turned down the City’s offer? Would you? If the City wanted the house/land, the next step may have been eminent domain. I think the house was already on the market.
Thanks Not Southern. There are many things I will miss about Decatur but DM posts from those who do not identify themselves in NOT one of them.
As to your comment concernjng my complaints about city officials, I gave praise when it was appropriate as the following public appearance and petition to the city Commission illustrates:
“April 4, 2016
City of Decatur Commission
My name is Chris Billingsley, 146 Norris Street. Good Evening.
“Lest We Forget…” This phrase appears on the veterans monument in the City of Decatur Cemetery. The monument honors more than a thousand service men and women buried in the cemetery including fifty “Sons of Decatur” who gave their lives while serving in our armed forces. The veterans monument, as well as many other memorials around Decatur, include a flagpole and flags that are displayed throughout the year. Whether you are new to Decatur or a lifelong resident, these monuments and flags represent for many of us a debt of gratitude to those in the past who fought to preserve our freedom and way of life.
I am here this evening to give special recognition for something that occurred several weeks ago. While I was walking in the cemetery in mid March, I noticed that the American flag over the veterans monument was in poor condition. In addition to faded colors, the flag was torn in several places due to weather conditions. I took a picture of the flag and sent it to city manager Peggy Merriss stating that I was willing to help pay for a new flag to be installed as soon as possible. This was late Friday evening. I received a response the next day from Ms. Merriss stating that a new flag had been ordered. Normally when I read something like this from a government official, I expect a long wait but to my surprise, a new flag was in place the following Monday. The city employees responsible for this deserve a special commendation and this is the purpose of my visit this evening.
The City of Decatur has received numerous awards and accolades over the past several years but I believe that the attention given to the concerns of an individual citizen by city employees is one of the reasons that makes the City of Decatur a great place to live. I hope that commissioners never forget this fundamental aspect of local government and that is, the views of every citizen, even conservatives, are important in Decatur.
My request and petition is in the form of a citizen resolution which reads: “Whereas, upon being notified that the flag of the United States flying over the Veterans Monument in the City of Decatur Cemetery was badly torn and faded, and understanding that the flag represents our shared values as well as our debt of gratitude to those who served our country, city employees under the direction of the city manager acted quickly and made sure that a new flag was in place within two days, Resolve: that the City Commission of the City of Decatur issue a commendation to City Manager Ms. Peggy Merriss and any other employee that made this possible.”
Thank you. I request that my comments be added to the minutes of the meeting. I would also like to welcome our new commissioners Mr. Tony Powers and Mr. Brian Smith. Enjoy the honeymoon. May God continue to bless the city commission and their families, our police officers and other city employees, the City of Decatur, the Great State of Georgia and the United States of America.
Chris Billingsley
146 Norris Street
Decatur, GA. 30030″
And I won’t miss your harassment of people who chose to throw some criticism your way. I’ve never understood why DM and Decaturish have given you a free pass on insults. Because you do good things for this community? There are thousands in this city who do good things everyday, but don’t expect special privileges for it.
Fascinating. So you’re either a long-time lurker who’s gotten an odd satisfaction from silently judging Chris but never had the backbone to counter his views -OR- you’ve previously commented under another name and don’t wish to be associated with your attack on Chris. While that shows some self-awareness, it also shows a lacking in character.
Not that a troll deserves acknowledgment, but to step up for Chris:
Chris sold his house for $15k under the appraised value. Seems to be a goodwill gesture on his part to preserve the area from further development for the betterment of the community.
Chris has been right to speak up where he sees things that trouble him on how the City is going about things. Most times, he’s gone about it the right way. Almost always, he’s been correct about the things he’s sought to address.
Chris too often takes an abrasive approach when commenting on blogs. I wish he’d have a bit more faith that he can offer up his thoughts for folks to then share their own perspectives. It’s when we take that leap of trust that we can have the remarkable exchanges that lead to expanding beyond our own views and finding common ground.
Chris has moved away to a city just down the road. Why would he do that? That’s what folks should be giving some thought to. When a person who has loved this city his whole life finally says, “Enough!”, maybe just maybe we should pay it some attention.
He’s Mr. B for billions of students and parents. No matter what else, that will always be true.
I can say without hyperbole that I probably disagree 95% or more of the time with where Mr. B stands on various city issues, but I’ve always respected his take because he’s civically involved. He’s an engaged citizen and the debates between engaged citizens participating in public process are where common ground shakes out.
Furthermore, I’ve always found that, despite differences in approach, I actually share with Mr. B a love for Decatur and a belief in the community and its ability to solve problems for itself. In fact, his commitment to the city has always struck me in that Stephen Decatur sort of way: “Our (city)! In her (actions) may she always be in the right; but right or wrong, our (city)!”
I could never get on board with all of Chris’ conspiratorial assertions — secret meetings, diabolically left wing agendas, under the table sweetheart real estate deals, etc. — which is why I choose not to play that same game by taking the sale of his house — a simple real estate transaction in which all parties were apparently satisfied and well served — and acting like it’s evidence of whatever. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.
Bon voyage, Chris!
I was hoping for Wylde Center North Annex.
Building off the Wylde center idea and your push to share bad ideas – there could be an interior garden for the community members who would like to grow large “herbs” in their home, but just don’t have the space in their home or are concerned about law enforcement.
But I don’t think Mr. B would appreciate that happening to his carefully preserved historic home.
An alternate idea that he might actually appreciate would be to establish it as an extension of the Dekalb History Center or to establish a Decatur History Center that could also be available as a meeting space for community groups. It’s too small to be an event facility, That would require volunteer management and donations, but we have a pretty good record in Decatur of building awesome things through volunteer initiatives.
How many prairie moderns will fit in there?
FYI Decatur High School Bulldogs football home opener is tonight VS Chamblee. Game starts at 7:30pm
Go (Chamblee) Bulldogs! (sorry, alum….thanks a lot for all the basketball beatdowns in the Gresham-Hollywood-RoRo era…..)
Good Luck Bulldogs! Tonight is DHS’ home opener varsity football game, so there is no better time to get your full year home game passes! Bulldog Boosters joining at the $100 level and above receive membership cards. Family memberships include passes for household adults and children. Membership cards provide free entrance to all home games (excluding playoff events). DBB supports all of Decatur and Renfroe athletic programs.
This year the DBB has set up a convenient link to allow you to support student-athletes with your membership.
https://2016-2017-dbb-membership.cheddarup.com
Thanks! I was getting on my computer to actually do this and got distracted by DM.
I really like the look of the Arlo, but the parking garage is a real eyesore. Are they still planning to paint a mural on it? I’d suggest one of these as an alternative to the mural: http://nedkahn.com/portfolio/wind-veil-video/
Cool – and an interesting alternative to a mural.
Although I think this may present a public safety risk as we will see recreational drug users congregating on the railroad tracks to watch the parking garage. 🙂
Last I heard, there are still plans for the mural. I’m sure it’ll be something fine but the thing that bugs me most about the deck isn’t the exposed concrete. It’s the angled floors that ensure it’ll never pass as anything but a deck. So personally I’d be happiest with obscuring it altogether, sort of like this (it is a south facing wall after all):
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/58/d0/12/58d01246da2f74ab4dfb5bce6cf10404.jpg
Even better if the greenery could be something that flowers. As ugly as parts of Southern California can be, there’s some gorgeous stretches of highway where things bloom in the medians, on walls, and to the side. I know they have endless summer weather for it but at least we have moisture.
Too late. Can’t obscure the openings. Building code restriction.
If the green infrastructure is mounted a foot or two off the wall rather than flush, doesn’t that allow for the necessary ventilation?
There is a calculation for that relative to floor to floor height. Probably more like 6 or 7 feet.
Looking for company for Pine straw delivered spread recommendations?
North Lake Pine Straw delivers pine straw for $4/bale and spreads it for an extra $1.50.
Second Northlake Pine Straw. 678-395-5881
Looks like the ajc will have an article soon about corporal punishment in Georgia school. When I started teaching at DHS in 1976, corporal punishment was still allowed but only in the elementary schools. I believe that Dr. Don Griffin was the superintendent that ended the practice. As I recall, he told me that he was the only one who could administer the licks by that time. Hard to believe today that part of the job description of a superintendent back in the day was, “On occasion, superintendent will be in charge of administering corporal punishment…”
I grew up in Decatur and remember some of my friends who attended DHS in the late Sixties/early Seventies telling me about the paddle. Maybe it was Jim W. or Randy S. who described getting the wood for skipping lunch or PE to go to the square for something to eat. Whoever it was said that after the first lick, the eyes started watering and the second led to groans. I believe the maximum was three licks. It was the PE teacher that administered the punishment at that time.
For years, in the DHS principal office, was a paddle that had on it, “Board of Education”. What happened to it I don’t know but it was a was awesome looking.
I wonder, who was the last child paddled in the CSD? Are there any DM readers who were victims of the paddle??? Now that would be an interesting post!
Ohhhh, my–“getting the wood” means something quite different these days, Mr. B! 😀
Sorry to hear you’re moving, too, as so many long-timers seem to be these days. You and I have diametrically different socio-political views, but I always enjoyed your history posts, and I hope you’ll chime in from time to time to let us all know how you’re doing. Bonne chance!
Georgia Tech undergrad students have told me (I have no basis to judge veracity) that as recently as last year paddling still occurs with regularity in certain high schools in our state. I find it hard to believe.
2 blazingly fast Decatur police headed down East Ponce from the Square East toward Avondale Marta station/ Farmer’s Market with two Dectatur fire and rescue shortly thereafter. Lights and sirens. 9:40AM Saturday. Anyone know?
A cyclist had an accident – couldn’t tell if another vehicle was involved or not.
2 car 1 cycle accident
What information supports the recently expressed concern that the density of top heavy mixed use developments could overwhelm Decatur?
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local/ex-mayor-worried-density-could-overwhelm-decatur/nsMZf/
Maybe we should reconsider the road diets.
“By fall 2018 about 1,545 apartments will lie along the city’s northern perimeter, within a quarter mile of each other and a half-mile outside Decatur city limits.”
For comparison, the number of new units if Callaway is approved will be 1,834 within Decatur city limits.
So, 1,545 new units outside Decatur city limits could overwhelm Decatur but the approved 1,834 new units within Decatur city limits is negligible?
“There is no transit close to these developments. Transit is 10 years away at the earliest,” he said. “These developments are all car-oriented and that concerns me. They’ll have an overwhelming impact on downtown, on city roads, and the nearby neighborhoods.”
I read this as a concern that the density is not near transit, specifically Marta trains. Downtown Decatur has a train, so theoretically can handle more density…If these new residents want to come to Decatur (or anywhere other than Wally World) they must drive. People in downtown developments have the freedom of choice.
Overwhelming development a half mile outside Decatur is problematic in Decatur because there is not mass transit such as MARTA .
This perspective assumes that the final destination of individuals living in 1,545 units outside Decatur is 1) Decatur and 2) will occur via mass transit. Transit through Decatur moving to a destination outside Decatur via an automobile is not considered in your reading.
Similarly, a theoretical destination of individuals living in the 1,834 units within Decatur could be outside of Decatur with a car as the method of transport. Interestingly, all the mixed used developments within Decatur are accompanied by garages and parking decks.
Also, is there information available concerning the improvement in Decatur’s commercial/residential tax digest that the potentially overwhelming development (within Decatur) is proposed to address?