New republicans in the 'one party state' motto:
"Spend what you can 'cause it's not our money"

YEP. And who gets the contracts? Follow the money and we will see who is really benefiting from our new "city".
Oh....I forgot....I guess our police force will have to buy a fleet of new cruisers, and I am sure we will need bikes, and those silly two wheeled stand up things to patrol all our new "mixed" use properties they plan to develop (exploit). Guess that stuff is free too.
City = instant debt

Mr. EPU, the continued insistence that this site be selected for city hall shows just how unfamiliar some folks are with the North Druid Hills, Peachtree, and Dresden intersections. Particularly at peak traffic times. Or, they know and are just putting their heads in a hole in the ground. If this location also houses the police department, let’s hope they will not be in a hurry during rush hour.

Please pass the yellow mustard!

Reasonable point.

that difficult? There is an always empty drug store, a restaurant, a mcd's, a hair cut place, and a cleaner. I actually parked there today to go to the drugstore and counted 6 cars there in the entire parking lot at 130 p.m., and that includes my car.

More than 100 spaces. It's dead there.

"...that difficult? I actually parked there today to go to the drugstore and counted 6 cars there in the entire parking lot at 130 p.m., and that includes my car. ." ---AshfordObserver

Well below the threshold for problems.

More than 100 spaces. It's dead there."---AshfordObserver

That's right.

The old harris teeter building is a retail comercial space very expensive and truly a bad location for city Hall due to traffic congestion first this will be filled shortly as well the Hastings location both have higher and better use which in short and long will create more revenue. We need to be creative lease in a office park as Sandy springs has done. ofice space is nearly half the cost of retail space on the congested peachtree. City hall does not need to be on display as spectacle but put in a location that it has thr least impact to the future revenue that will be needed to operate the city correctly. The Marta parking lot on the back side could be the longer term goal. looking at building up the parking structure at one end 4 stories the max allowed in the overlay w/ a intent to build the city hall on remaining Marta parking lot. In this area we need to build up for best results not up, This could maximize a large piece of property that is non revenue earning and improve the Marta Brookhaven station at the same time. look int purchasing air rights and build above is one unique way to solve problems in an area with little land space available

tons of parking across the st.@ marta.... traffic is not appreciably better on most of Buford highway, although its a way to keep social services out of old brookhaven, if that's a goal. i agree that it would improve buford, and increase tax $$ for the city, yet that's not "brookhaven'. like putting atlanta city hall in sw atlanta. most all of us well know brookhaven traffic patterns.

"...that space originally could handle a grocery store so I believe it could handle town hall..."---Bryan

Actually Bryan "that space" couldn't handle two grocery stores in a row, so put your City Hall there.

Can't wait to leave the ATL again for several weeks! YAY. Meanwhile when back so tragic to read the same lame comments form the same lame people. did the Dekalb Dem funds pay for your SUV Audi? Not so green of you. Also very funny when a car is worth morth than your shabby digs? LOL! Time for some pricey rims! LOL!

Amen.

Very good point as well!!!

EXACTLY JAMES!!!! Thank you!

PS Good morning you crazy kids. I hope to see you all at Johnny's tonight!
http://youtu.be/oIL8UcW47AY

I agree.

If it's so prime why has the spot sat idle for so long?

yes, because there is so much interest in that space since HT left in ... when? 7 years ago? the parking lot is a ghost town. How much longer should it sit empty? another 7 years?

In response to the space being vacant, one of the main responsibilities of city government is to attract and bring businesses to your city. The leaders need to think strategically as to what type of retailer would be interested in a space and work through the value proposition.

Couldn't have said it better myself; Northeast Plaza is the best option.

Agreed. NE Plaza is the best option. This is in the midst of the highest concentration consumers of services such as police, etc.

"Look for opportunities to increase your tax base by allowing the prime Peachtree real estate go to a tax generating purpose."---James Smith

Which is just another way of, as they have been, saying lower taxes.

Somehow.

:-) http://youtu.be/oIL8UcW47AY

"Brookhaven Follies" about sums it up.

If only Sellers was still here to at least add some levity to it.

"If it's so prime why has the spot sat idle for so long?"---Justinno

Just try walking down the sidewalk of any of the lot's entrances and exits when HT and Kroger were there without getting run over.

Nonetheless, the white elephant must be unloaded onto the taxpayers.

As far as lawsuits? Obviously the conceivers of City of Brookhaven will give the law no more brook than they have.

You think suing City Hall has always been impossible?

Howbout being arrested for even thinking aloud about it?

Agree. Does Brookhaven have a lease? If not the rent just went up. Why not look at putting a few trailers on some Dekalb County property that the city will acquire for temp offices.

I wish the Patch had a "like" button for comments like this. Well said, James Smith.

I agree part of the job is to raise revenue. with the attention Brookhave is getting it would be better retail remember highest and best use. This is soon to be a profit via taxes once the locations are full. from what I here kroger still controlls the building and will not rent to another grocery or compitition fix that problem and bring a trader joes or a fresh market or both in that spot

MARTA is looking to develop its parking lots in order to generate income to support its transit operations. So when the market comes back all that surface parking hopefully would be replaced with a parking deck, greenspace, pedestrian amenities and some midrise office/residential development.

Has the MARTOC chair approved the budget for these improvements?

It wouldn't be funded by MARTA, and thankfully I don't think MARTOC would approve any Lend/Lease deal MARTA would seek to do with a private developer.

The delay is the weak Real Estate market. But hopefully the Prez is re-elected and we move beyond a gridlocked congress that doesn't want to see the economy improve more quickly and the market recovery quickens so that MARTA can find a good proposal for these massive seas of asphalt that also increases their revenues via lease payments and increased ridership/fare box recovery.

Eric,
Even the House poll numbers are looking better (now that the 'war on women' has been wholly confirmed). Even raz-munchken has shown a Blue shift.

Though its still too early.

And btw I don't mean to blame Congress entirely. The problems in Europe and the economic slow down in Asia has also slowed down the recovery here. Though if we continue to provide favorable tax treatment to those moving jobs and/or profits overseas I wonder if we'll ever see the hey days of the real estate bubble when the trade deficits and offshoring was masked by 2nd equity home equity lines based on inflated R.E. values.

Eric,
As long as the House is not controlled by people who think and act like our 'new' Congressman, things are bound to improve.

"How about someone comes up with a creative architectural solution to fix the awful traffic in front of this building?"---justinno

I predicted this City Hall would be just as they are now revealing within days of the Proposal being made public.

It was ignored then but when I brought it up just prior to the so-called referendum, I pointed out just what "fixiing (if possible) the traffic problem would incur." Getting easements against MARTA, Making N.Druid Hills and Dresden roads four laners and even widening P'Tree on the MARTA side plus the need for more parking by buying the Hastings lot.

The political clique's shills were screaming to vote yes for "Historic (golf community) Brookhaven and "lower taxes" when they already had it on the boards plans that would cost hundreds of millions from legal fees to finished construction.

I countered with getting the National Registry of Historic Sites to get an injunction against the C4DK-morphed-BYsers to get everthing from the Sam Goodwin House up to Johnson Ferry along P'tree and everthing east from Apple Valley to just west of Lynwood Park and including the Captital City Country Club as a national treasure.

Use such keywords as "General McPherson," "Goodwin House," "Sherman headquarters" "Battle of Atlanta" "Lincoln's reelection" and "Emancipation Proclamation."

The BYessers rigamarole just goes round-and-round again while imposing themselves and goverance still on everyone else.

"Has the MARTOC chair approved the budget for these improvements?"

They would approve a National Park as I've oulined in this thread---once again.

And talk about selling "fares"! Whooowee!

this is the right direction but could be looked at a little closer see above

Mr. AO, I hope J. Max doesn’t read that! I hate to see a grown man cry! I must say you perform an excellent job of moderating this forum selectively directing folks as only you can!

Special hamburger?

"J max wont be mayor."---AshfordObserver

Never thought he would. He's just to take the heat for another:

You think these two goffers haven't been observed by the readership?

The first for Park's Commissioner (or whatever they'll call it) and the second "for Mayor":

1st: "The Brookhaven Yes task forces are groups of citizens who have expressed interest in helping to plan the services detailed in the city charter that could be run by the city...[perceptible caveats]...If you'd like to join the parks task force, the meeting is at 7pm at the Briarwood Rec Center. If you'd like to join another task force for city services, visit the BY website and sign up. We can all have a voice in making the city great."---Corey Self

2nd: "I urge all of you that are interested in getting involved to join one of the Citizen Task Forces which is currently being administered by Brookhaven-Yes. info@brookhavenyes.org. "---Thom Shepard

"Discuss" it if you will.

"A nice picture of a bad dream.:---Eddie E.

If they ever print it out in great numbers please let me know.

We can use them to cover what we need.

In this case, as disposable overlays for two diaper changing shelves for the restrooms by the new City Hall to be, and already constructed, the Picnic Pavilion at Ansley Park.

"I agree, we need a city hall, but let's not go overboard!!! It should be nice, but not some GRAND building. The fountain is WAYYY too much!"---L. Ford

"Fountain"?

No. We need the drinkiing founatin next to the grill at the Picnic Pavilion/City Hall in Ansley Park.

With two basins. One for kids and short adults and one for adults and tall kids.

Also a water spigot at its base to hose down the City Hall, inside and out, at the close of every work day.

Mr. Phil, who asked for the rendering? Was the rendering “on the house” or who paid for it? J. Max Davis has promoted this location for city hall. Is this part of the pre-sale by Brookhaven Yes?

And, instead of directing others, since you seem to prefer this location, why don’t you point out all of the pros and cons for this site?

Regarding Mr. Eddie, others have pointed out who he is on several occasions. Why would an anonymous poster insist he is anonymous? LOL . . .

Brookhaven Yes! To Run New City
http://tinyurl.com/9n7f5ew

Man! Those are some fine looking thin sliced onions!

Phil: Have no concern about used furniture.
When I lost my first wife to cancer, married a woman two years later, that had lost her husband four years prior. We had excess furniture when we combined the two households. I donated the excess furniture to the bar association. Got my name put up on the wall as a heavy donator.

City of Brookhaven is authorized to accept donations. We may be able to run this government without any costs.

Ben Podgor

Phil,
One of the two of us is 'anonymous' and it certainly is not me!

If you would like to identify your 'authority' do determine whether my waxing absurd is appropriate in determining the 'grand vision' (a process that would have been more appropriately undertaken IN PUBLIC over the last couple of years).

I have lived in North Georgia long enough to remember when Suwanee 'city hall' was a cinder block building where Mr. Meeks kept the police car in between operating the speed trap that financed the city. I don't relish the burden of finance that will be placed on each and every one of our new 'semi-employee' Police Officers and I don't under any circumstances think they should be burdened with helping finance 'Versaille du Brokehaven'.

The cheapest possible space on Buford Highway carrying an open ended 2 year lease should be the starting point with whatever furniture and equipment is available at the lowest possible cost for the poor 'outsourced' employees tasked with doing the impossible.

Have we discussed appropriate Union representation for all the employees and outsourced yet?

Can't wait to leave the ATL again for several weeks! YAY. Meanwhile when back so tragic to read the same lame comments form the same lame people. did the Dekalb Dem funds pay for your SUV Audi? Not so green of you. Also very funny when a car is worth morth than your shabby digs? LOL! Time for some pricey rims! LOL!

"City of Brookhaven is authorized to accept donations. We may be able to run this government without any costs."---Ben

There will be costs. Just as there has been already.

Of the kind you can't calculate on an adding machine.

"The sneering on these message boards are gettting toxic."---Phil

The No messages are constructive and serious no matter how you and your fellow shills attempt to degrade them with remarks such as that.

"There will be a process to deciding where the first City Hall location will be. This decision will be one of the first that the new government will need to demonstrate transparency -- including a website posting of the pros and cons for each presentied location option."---Phil

Who told you that?

Moreover who appointed you, Eric, Dean, etc to be this invisible non-elected interim government's spokespersons?

"I do not want to see anything like the Suwanee City Hall in Brookhaven for a long while (if ever). I would rather have the City manage costs by using used furniture, used buildings (no new construction) etc. "

Good. As mayor I have always intended to use the picnic pavilion in Ashely Park. It is certainly "tranparent," it has picnic benches and plenty of space for persons interested in their governance to bring portable lounge chairs. All it needs is a single telephone line and phone jack under lock and key.

As for "website," anyone can make as many websites and page as they want from their cammed cell phones to report on the proceedings and measures took....

...Given the City would allow police and jails remain the province of DeKalb County, their would be no need for housing those services and facilities. Leaving accounting courts.plus Parks & Roads. Ben can be housed at the clubhouse at Ansley with his adding machine.

Courts can be housed in the small shopping strip on Clairmont Rd between Dresden and Norman's Electronics; and thus under the good eye of the People of East Brookhaven.

Leaving Parks & Roads, and stationary. To be addressed soon.

As far as recieving persons reprresenting other government agencies, developers, etc, if they don't like the picnic pavilion at Ansley Park in a beutified park, they'll just have to or look to develop or agent their government service to Dunwoody..

The first ordinance to be: the disallowing of wifi and security cameras in all pubs, bars and coffee houses within the city from the time of the ordinance going into effect to, whatever comes first, Kingdom Come or The Day of the Ressurection.

Oh yes! And an ordinance to provide two diaper chaging shelves at Ashord Park's park's restrooms and a water fountain next to the picnic pavilion's grill.

"Can't wait to leave the ATL again for several weeks! YAY....Also very funny when a car is worth morth than your shabby digs?"---one of one

I'm sure your shabby mouth has been getting your bills paid.

Question is: By whom?

"I'll bet the snacks will be awesome."---The Incomparable Ainsley Jarvis

It will be Pub 71's.

"It may be 5-10 years down the road."---interplanet Janet

Don't you hear thee engines that have been revving in Dunwoody for weeks?

Its the real estate downturn that's not allowed development of the Brookhaven parking lots to move forward.

"There is plenty of parking and access on the back corner of the MARTA lot near the existing library."---Paul A

Again a traffic hazard given the MARTA buses having to enter and exist where they do and yet another proposal to get entangled with bopth MARTA for the property and the neighborhoods which were never allowed to even vote on being included or not in any City of Brookhaven proposal; and later rejected.

Brookhaven wanted it, let Brookhaven have it.

Thouh even the opposite site of P'tree in Brookhaven can't be far enough.

"...A multi -se building on the MARTA property would be able to accommodate city needs and could also be rented for functions since it would be so accessible and is already a good draw for events like arts festival and beer fest."

The "Beer Fests."

So you propose to follow Decatur's lead in allowing pubs and bars to sell their products outside of where they were licensed to.

Mr. Phil, that is not just any old friend on the balcony with me . . . It is you!

Please pass the yellow mustard!

Eric: Combining the city hall with the new library should really be considerd, there is a meeting scheduled in September. Do not assume that we will be outsourcing most of the services. That is an option, but not a requirement. If we can do it better than ...... then we should do it.

Ben Podgor

Eric,
I knew eventually we might find a point of agreement.
Photo's of distressed real estate would not be as 'inspiring' but would come closer to the available budgetary reality (unless someone wants to donate a palatial structure to 'realize a dream').
I'm really not trying to be over-the-top sarcastic, but a rendering of a structure for ethereal entity that hasn't recorded it's first police watch or plugged it's first pothole smacks of a HOA gone awry.

Sure but remember its easier to bring things in house than it is to move things from in house to out sourced.

Eric,
I thought the 'magic of the (imaginary) free market' of outsourcing was supposed to make the thin financial numbers work?

Eddie, I agree except I don't think this work was commissioned by anyone. Or maybe the property owner did it. Though I doubt that.

Surely no one thinks finding a more efficient method means money grows on trees.

Eric,
As for the rendering, I certainly hope nobody has access to any public funds to 'commission' it.
Further, I hope nobody has suggested they have 'authority' to pay for such a work later or to act as an intermediary for such a foolish project!

I agree to that Eddie. And I think any sane person would agree. Which is why I don't think that's what happened.

"I agree to that Eddie. And I think any sane person would agree. Which is why I don't think that's what happened."---Eric

Of course any sane person would agree.

You are presuming however (or having others presume) that those who could have made that happen are indeed sane.

"I don't even see the justification for leasing as much space as the Harris Teeter contains. "---Eric

Knock. Knock. Anyone in there?

Eric, this was NO joke:

2:02 pm on Wednesday, August 22, 2012

"Can the building be modified to accept solar panels?

It could [will] certainly accept government impaneled commissions, magistrates, tribunals, "citizens" committees, official oppostion groups, public enlightenment departments, telemarketing dept, neighborhoods watch section, actor/impersonator studio, capture stage, video editing room, tax accessors, tax collectors, garden clubs, cubby-holes, voter registrars from foreign powers, one-heck-of an entrance/exit traffic brigade, comic-book stand, etc.

And of course a franchised pub.

Welcome to 'Incorporatist' Governance

"Do not assume that we will be outsourcing most of the services. That is an option, but not a requirement. If we can do it better than ...... then we should do it."---Ben

As mayor I will resource nothing out of East Brookhaven.

If we can't do it, it won't be done until persons take advange of the oppportunity.

In the case of residents, by acquiring the rescources to be contracted or, in the case of non-residents, making themselves resident.

Either way you look at it, I'm talking about "opportunity

Our opportunity and not Dunwoody's or Sandy Spring's, etc.

If, at least East Brookhaven, is not a City of Opportunity, then it is only one more cause for the nullification of the whole shebang.

PS - I was NOT one of those that worked on the Brookhaven Overlay, I simply agree with it.

LCI RULES?
They don't need no stinkin' rules!

Good point on the LCI.

Wish someone would confirm this is just an artistic or other type of exercise.

It appears the author of the article doesn't live in Brookhaven and normally writes for the Briarcliff North Druid Hills Patch so I'm kind of thinking this was just meant as a artistic what if measure. Unfortunately because there is a belief by some that all these decisions have been made in a smokey back room or Pub 71 that its an officially or semi officially commissioned piece of work.

Mr. Thomas, the amusing thing about all of what you have just pointed out are some of the very reasons the old city of North Atlanta was dissolved.

What we have here is history getting ready to repeat itself!

Too bad Ms. Balter has moved to greener pastures, she was good at turning over stones . . .

Please pass the yellow mustard!

J Max Davis is all for doing away with the overlay. Heard him say this myself.

Ainsley - perhaps I am naive, please clarify whether you actually heard Davis say that he wanted to do away with the LCI. If you didn't it was well worth the humor, if you did hear him say that, then I am truly afraid. Thanks.

Mr. Porter,
I have attended several of the "meetings" as of late and I am not sure whether it was Pub71 or the Briarwood meeting where I absolutely, unequivocally heard J Max talking to a couple of guys and that the overlay was restrictive and that it needs to be done away with to get as much business as possible to come into the city. It was quite a spirited exchange. Enter: Strip Mall Heaven for sure. Oh - and a strip club or two to boot.

TIAJ,
Considering the revenue generated by the one true 'Gentleman's Club' in the mudprint, a couple more might be necessary to fund the unattainable amenities.

"BROOKHAVEN OVERLAY"?

Who is responsible?

Official City of Brookhaven Anthem:

Little mansions on the hillside,
Little mansions made of ticky tacky,
Little mansions on the hillside,
Little mansions all the same.
There's a green one and a pink one
And a blue one and a yellow one,
And they're all made out of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same.

And the people in the houses
All went to the university,
Where they were put in little mansions
And they came out all the same,
And there's doctors and lawyers,
And business executives,
And they're all made out of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same.

And they all play on the golf course
And drink all their schnapps in beer,
And they all have pretty children
And the children go to school,
And the children go to summer camp
And then to the university,
Where they are put in little mansions
And they come out all the same.

And the boys go into business
And marry and raise a family
In little mansions made of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same.
There's a green one and a pink one
And a blue one and a yellow one,
And they're all made out of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same.

Adapted from "Little Boxes" by Malvina Reynolds

The incomparable liar Ainsley Jarvis is telling a lie , unequivocally so. I absolutely know that Davis supports the Overlay as he has publicly stated as much to members of the BPCA and said so at Briarwood Rec Tuesday night. He has said that the citizens of Brookhaven need to be made aware of what the LCI/Overlay is so that they can buy into it. Never trust someone who says they were an eye and ear witness to a significant, verbatim quote uttered by a specific individual but can't
remember where, when or to whom it was said.

"Unfortunately because there is a belief by some that all these decisions have been made in a smokey back room or Pub 71 that its an officially or semi officially commissioned piece of work..."---Eric

Not quite. The "decisions" are made elsewhere. It's Pub 71 where those who can benefit pay their dues with some extra-curricular activties.

'Who is capable of "asking" that this architect look at this unless it is, as suggested, that Fuller is simply another person trying to jump on the favored contractor list for a new city. A little (very little) free promo work to get a project, all because he 'used to live in Brookhaven'?"---Thomas Porter

It may be more than simply "jumping a favored contractor list." The rendition looks, to a 'T', like the mini-country club in Ashford Park's Memorial Park.

"But most stunning of all to me is that the pro-city movement has always said..."

I find it 'stunning' that anyone takes whatever C4DK-morphed-BY says as anything other than---from "lower taxes" to "let's all get together to make this a great city"--- perfunctory hoopla to impose its 'corporatist' governance.

The people selected by the governor for the commission will get proposals for space (cost, build out allowance etc. etc.) and provide the report to the council folks and Mayor to help them make their position.

You tell 'm Eric. And damn those wavy sidewalks.

"The people selected by the governor for the commission will get proposals for space (cost, build out allowance etc. etc.) and provide the report to the council folks and Mayor to help them make their position."---Eric

How do you know this to always make such certain claims of what these people--even the Governor---are going to do or not?

Admit it.

Because I read the applicable statutes and also articles about what the appointees' role is.

Though you make a valid point. I should have said.
The people selected by the governor for the commission *are supposed to* get proposals for space (cost, build out allowance etc. etc.) and provide the report to the council folks and Mayor to help them make their *decision* (this was just a mind lapse and wrong word choice).

"Drove around some more - some call it walking the land."---TomMiller

I don't. I call walking the land "walking the land."

"Got out of the truck on buford highway."

I recall the first tiime I walked Buford Hwy. From Cross Keys H.S., with packs of my NY Yankee baseball cards in my pockets, to N. Druid Hills Road & Buford then north, along the then two-laner to Oakcliff Estates in Doraville.

I had my school books in my Uncle's knapsack that had been to Tinian Island and Okinawa. It still stunk of jungle rot. But the scent of all the nearly unbroken pine woods along the way covered the stench.

It was late; and in the quiet, I'd listen to the cicadas and occasional whippoorwills
No side walks anywhere along Buford in those days.

Lots of roadside pizza though.

A Greyhound bus came whizzing by at about 70 m/hr just before Clairmont and blew me off the barely existant side trail down a twenty-foot embankment. I lost half my cards including my Mickey Mantle.

Had to limp the rest of the way.

The last time I did that was when I got back from living from where I had left, Mexico.

Things sure had changed. As much as the change it had been for me between the Bronx and Doraville. And indeed the change between the US and the Yucatan; and, after 20 years, back again.

But I did see all those changes; and what they meant. Both then and now.

Sure glad you stepped out of your truck.

You must be an expert now.

Mr. don Gabacho, there is a shorter cut now, but as you are an old fart, you may not be aware . . .

Here, let me put that pillow in your chair and you just sit back and enjoy this squirrel pie! ;) Always appreciating a local history lesson, especially when it kindles the memory of the past . . .

Now, enough of that, ready to take a trip to Pink Pony? Who knows, it may be closed soon!

Mr. Stan, what? Someone left you out of the loop? Better get on the phone right away and check this out! And, don’t forget the property owner; it could have been something he commissioned! How dare they leave you out! Gotta put a stop to that!

Please pass the yellow mustard!

Hello Stan.

Gaa!

Is that going to be the defense for the most recent statments posted by Corey and Thom?

And just about everything posted by Mike Jacobs?

EPU,
Despite our agreement on these issues, it probably isn't safe to hold our breath in hopes things will shake out that way.

Envision the worst as it is certainly likely.

Mr. Ben, I am not certain who you were replying to as your response does not show up under that post. Regarding the North Druid Hills, Peachtree, Dresden intersection:

As I travel south on Peachtree, I see folks regularly making northbound left turns into McDonalds from the southbound turn lane (illegal) and southbound folks trying to make a left turn into the MARTA parking lot (illegal). Then you have folks that insist on jaywalking north beyond Dresden as well as between Dresden and North Druid Hills.

This illegal traffic, auto and pedestrian, if highly disruptive to legitimate automobile traffic observing area traffic control devices. For the McDonalds folks, there is the traffic light. For the MARTA folks, use Dresden Drive. For pedestrians, there are recently modified crosswalks at traffic lights with extended walk times.

It is amazing that we have not had more pedestrian fatalities at this location.

There were traffic control cones at these locations in the past, but as they have been destroyed by traffic law violators, they have not been replaced. As for the chancing, jaywalking pedestrians, they potentially destroy their lives as well as that of unsuspecting law abiding citizens when that inevitable accident does occur.

You are aware of this, right?

Special hamburger?

Mr. Ben, city logo? Let’s take our time on this one. Have you been paying attention to Dunwoody?

Please pass the yellow mustard!

This should serve as an apt model:

http://goo.gl/neyvq

seriously

That's not my song, its a song that people sometimes think is Green Day but really its by a group called Harvey Danger which wikipedia describes as " an American indie rock band that formed in Seattle, Washington in 1993, and rose to prominence in 1998 with the single "Flagpole Sitta".

"By my count, it is nearly unanimous among ALL of these posters that we don't want the city to start out by spending more than is absolutely necessary to house the start-up staff."

I agree.

Don't think Oglethorpe will allow that, but run it by Larry Schall. He declared himself to be opposed to a Brookhaven City. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-lawrence-m-schall/a-shared-fate_b_1662765.html

I have a solution that will potentially satisfy a lot of people. Lease the Solomon Goodwin house for as little as possible. Mr. Albert may even be agreeable to a buck a year, if it will save the house from the wrecking ball. Cheap enough to satisfy even the most frugal among us ... plenty of space for up to a dozen or so employees ... already furnished ... right near that intersection that the Harris Teeter proponents say is their favorite part of being in that shopping strip ... it even has room to park a few police cars ... close enough to MARTA to walk.

Mr. Podgor, you could tie this in to your logo by using a line drawing of the house
with one of the following pithy statements:

Brookhaven - Going the way of the Echota.

You're not lost - You're in Brookhaven!

Brookhaven - A House Divided.

Brookhaven - We're really NOT bigots! (or racists, or snobs, or whatever fits the need at the time)

Brookhaven - Give us a break ... we're new at this!

"I have a solution that will potentially satisfy a lot of people. Lease the Solomon Goodwin house."---Brookhaven Maven

That would be the unkindest cut of all.

"As I recall, there's a fairly good...across the street from the Latin American Association."---Blake

Pleeze!

When, if ever, are you going to get your head screwed on your shoulder's straight?

"The police department need not be co-located initially with the other city offices. As has been indicated previously there is plenty of space at Northeast Plaza."

If there is to be a police department other than DeKalbs, eminent domain should be enacted to have the police move in the Latin American Association and send them packing.

As it is, this City of Broohaven, given by the who and how of its conception and impostion, must be nullified anyway.

PS: As Mayor I would insist on a prosecutor be contracted (there would be no legal department) to investigate the Latin American Association for RICO and FARA violations.

The prosecutor's task unit to be housed directly across from the Latin American Association.

FARA: Foreign Agents Registration Act
RICO: Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act

As Mayor I would also organize more than sufficient and effective numbers of illegals and legals to protest the facitly under, just for starters, the banner of "I Had The Right Not To Have Been Migrated."

Blake,
This would have been easier to discuss when you guys were just on the other side of the fence.

"Something to draw people into Brookhaven almost as a touristy type of location because there is nothing in Brookhaven to make it a destination for tourists."----Bill Lowe

Actually there is: as a National Park dedicated to the Battle of Atlanta, the Subsequent Re-Election of Abraham Lincoln & Emancipation Proclamation.

It's been described by me in much detail right here on the B'Patch but was shot-down by Mike's shills in favor of an "Historic Golf Community" (that was never built).

Really. I never knew that. I have never had anyone ask me to take them to anywhere in Brookhaven that I was entertaining from out of town/country. They always want to go to the world of Coke,the aquarium, Six flags, Inman park area, Little Five points, Stone Mountain, or just some place with a great view of the city....like 6 Feet under over at Northside. Never Brookhaven.

Just an idea to get people interested in visiting Brookhaven for something to see other than a few houses that are worth a chunk of change and a bunch of houses that are sort of average. Imagine your city hall resembling a house from Gone with the Wind that currently exists no where else except for in the movie and does not quite resemble the one that is in the book. People would at least stop and take a picture of it. Most would not know that it is 30 miles out of place, but no one has to tell them that.

"Really. I never knew that. I have never had anyone ask me to take them to anywhere in Brookhaven that I was entertaining from out of town/country..."--- Bill Lowe

:-) Well, they wouldn't know about it if no one from here told them.

It could attract, you know, the---How are they putting it now?--- the ungentrified?

Imagine, a MARTA train dedicated to running fcrowds from the Auburn Avenue National Historic District up to a National Historic Brookhaven?

If visitors were told anything nowadays they'd be told the third or fouth "golf community" in the country was to built here way back when.

Though not built.

That's the "Historic" in "Historic Brookhaven."

And, in at least that regard, litte has changed.

"IMO,..."---Phil

Please, your so-called opinions have never been 'humble.'

"it seems to make sense to have the police department located..."

Nowhere given any police department must remain DeKalb County's province with the agreement that there can be no police anywhere in DeKalb having sought, and having, or having been conferred, and having, dual citizenship and any police who have taken it upon themselves to act as the US State Department to meet and/or enter into any agreements with consulates of any foreign power---which has occurred.

Or police employeed, or ever having been employeed, as security for private businesses (popularly known as "rent-a-cops.")

BTW, I can always count on d G to post something that he thinks is funny..."---Phil

You do not dictate to me what I think. Everything I post is quite serious

Because you think it funny hardly means I must think so.

"...and most others see as a waste of their time to read...."

Nor dictate what others must think.

Do yourself and everyone else a favor. Start investing whatever mind you have in thinking for yourself instead for others.

Much truth, J Raywood.

Isn't it the business of the Chambers of Commerce to bring new businesses into a city? Any word yet on who might be starting a CoC for Brookhaven? THEY should be the ones trying to find viable, taxpaying concerns to occupy the Harris Teeter space. I still say a Whole Foods or a Fresh Market would draw customers like mad. I already drive to Sandy Springs for one and to Dunwoody for the other, and I would rather keep my purchases and tax expenditures inside our new city.

Where has the North Dekalb CofC been on this issue since 2002 when the store closed?

Mr. Ben, I should have sent you these links. I know who I am and where I live. So does everyone that knows me. No monuments at city limits like Chamblee has are necessary. Signage at city related facilities does not have to be extravagant. If I want to be someone, I will move to Snellville. (Old city joke that may predate your arrival to Atlanta) Or, Chamblee.

What Do You Think of Dunwoody's New Signs?
http://dunwoody.patch.com/articles/what-do-you-think-of-dunwoody-s-new-signs

Dunwoody Scraps Controversial Signs
http://dunwoody.patch.com/articles/dunwoody-halts-new-signs

Dunwoody's Signs - What Happened?
http://dunwoody.patch.com/articles/dunwoody-s-signs-what-happened

Hey! What do you expect? It is not THEIR money!

As for your discovery of the municipal court operation, congratulations, you have discovered a good source of their income. That is why I do not go to Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, and John Creek to some long standing business sources and area restaurants unless absolutely necessary. These cities have made traffic enforcement a business. I have not had a traffic ticket in years; however, friends and associates have relayed some stories that tell me some of the traffic tickets being written are for some extremely minor reasons exclusive of tickets for warranted speeding or other activities endangering other drivers or pedestrians. Check typical traffic infraction charges in Georgia, the minimum is approximately $125.00.

J. Max Davis has done a good job of demeaning a quality DeKalb County police department. Regardless of his being elected to office, we will see just how good his police department will be. Maybe we can get Rep. Mike Jacobs to represent his constituents (what a thought) and change state law where points are not reported to insurance companies for pissant Brookhaven traffic tickets!

Please pass the yellow mustard!

Mr. Burger,
Oh I hope jmax is up to his promise because I'm counting on STELLAR service from the brokehaven Police!
There should be enough to balance the budget on yuppie-cellphone-suv violations alone!
As far as signs, just give everyone a bumper sticker 'brokehaven, if I didn't live here, I wouldn't move here'.
On another note, I have found on my research for leasing my current home as a halfway house that the big money is in meth recovery. ADA requires fat payouts from the insurance companies and medicaid. This may end up being a useful municipalization after all!

Mr. Burger,
Not to capitalize on the blog resource, but has jmax told people yet that a municipality does not have the authority to allow vehicles on public roads that are not licensed for use on public roads (think golf carts)?
What a shame, another instance where dimwits voted their vanity only to be snubbed.

"J. Max Davis has done a good job of demeaning a quality DeKalb County police department. Regardless of his being elected to office, we will see just how good his police department will be."---Hamburger

No. This governance can---must---be nullified before this governance has its own enforcers---no matter how dressed in rhetoric for public consumption.

There is more than enough cause while several legitimate avenues can be pursued singly or at once.

It cannot be done by one person however.

Still needed is a lawyer to frame the arguments; and, if brave enough also, persons who have had certain experiences willing to step forward.

"What Do You Think of Dunwoody's New Signs?"---Hamburger

They look like rejected designs for toothpaste boxes.

40K for poor sign design is amazing. Did they donate to the Dunwoody Yes campaign or what? The people that approved that design should have fought a little harder before signing the check. Either that or they genuinely thought it was a good design.

The Brookhaven design and logo should be a very interesting concept. It's not like there is anything in common throughout the city. Maybe a Tamale wrapped in a benjamin, with a side of Gucci and a slogan of: Brookhaven, It really is more than it's made out to be.

Mr. Bill, Brookhaven Yes was so busy parading Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, and Johns Creek as examples of what Brookhaven will be. But no one from these new cities shared their back stories. Now we will soon be experiencing our own little back stories first hand.

Special hamburger?

Be assured, Larry wasn't wrong!

Is there a pool on how many months will pass before there is even any discussion of a 'tax cut'?

""Dividing our community further for shady promises of lower taxes and better service is just not worth it." But he did imply that he could be wrong."---Ben

You do know what a caveat is? Don't you?

"These are not shaddy promises."

How can you say that with the certainty you imply?

"If properly carried out, there should be both a reduction in taxes and better service."

There are matters here which cannot even be entered on any calculator much less arrive at a relevant result.

Ben, I do appreciate your contribution to this blog. Thank you for taking the high road, as we should all learn to do, in just sticking with the matters at hand and not quoting how many Mexican comic books were sold. I hope that those of us who truly are sick of the antics of the Dekalb county government will continue to pour positive influence into making this a better, not bitter place to live. I hope you will continue to add your insight.

AshfordObserver, in spite of you and Mr. Phil, this is a good thread. You know, it is not about you two. Other citizens do have a voice, and may actually disagree with you two!

Hey, these thin sliced onions are the best ever!

"Other than the now just 2 bomb throwers this is a good discussio..."?

"Bomb throwers"?

That's how you treat legitimate opposition?

Only in the false incriminations of a Mexican comic book.

But, hey, with 400,000 of the spurrious comic books sold a month in Mexico alone, that amounts to a lot of money---too.

How appropriate you do make the model for the new city's logo:

http://goo.gl/neyvq

Tell us: How's the view from----where is it?---Harts Mill?

AO
So does this suggest you, phil and dean (for good measure) will refrain from debasing the discussion?

AshfordObserver, well . . . I thought that was you that was begging for someone to purchase their coffee for them, so unappreciative! So, you have your coffee and you are still ungrateful? Welcome to Brookhaven!

Hey, please pass the yellow mustard!

"Its like the homeless guy in the coffee shop. You just ignore him and eventually he will take hs smelly self elsewhere"----AshfordObserver

And you just had to force yourself to be anyone's neighbor?

It is beyond hilarious to see people, who call themselves adults, behaving this way! Wow I could only hope to have the kind of time on my hands that some of you have to harken back to the beginning of your ancient life and ramble on and on about baseball cards and other nonsense - on a community blog nonetheless! I've got a great solution for you- MOVE! Resolve the fact that you are one of THOSE people - you know the ones I'm talking about - the ones who think the world, or community or hell, even J.Max himself dealt you a bad hand in life so you resort to harassing and hating on anyone who - gasp- might have a real and true vision on what the
Brookhaven community could become. Your opposition is not legitimate- no one knows what you and your hamburger friend are rambling on and on about and
passing the yellow mustard. Go out and do something positive in and for your community instead of hiding behind your computer.

Raven, don't feed the troll. Attention is their oxygen.

I know Dean, you are right. I am silly to think that calling them out will stop their senile behavior. You'd think they'd have kids, and grandkids, and dare I say the occasional friend that they might want to spend time with. But, you are right. Clearly, this little community blog about how to better the place in which we live, is their battleground. How sad!

Or in other words, don't argue with the representatives of the corporate interests that financed the governmental sellout.
We have our instructions and we are expected to politely obey.

Don't count on that happening for a second. My property is still MY property.

"...ramble on and on about baseball cards and other nonsense..."---cRaven

"Ramble"? I'm establishing my credentials for knowing what I am talking about.

"Nonsense"?

'Losing my Mickey Mantle' meant it didn't look like I was in the Bronx any more Todo.

I know it doesn't conform to the form and style of a motorcycle repair manual but I'm not trying to reach the lowest common denominator.

- on a community blog nonetheless! I've got a great solution for you- MOVE!

Whew! Look buddy, do I look like a basket ball rim?

"Resolve the fact that you are one of THOSE people - you know the ones I'm talking about -

Hey buddy, I'm white, blonde and blue-eyed; and, if that ain't good enough for you, tough luck.

"...the ones who think the world, or community or hell, even J.Max himself dealt you a bad hand in life so you resort to harassing and hating on anyone who - gasp- might have a real and true vision..." of

...'Get Your Ass Out of Dixie'...

"A similar complaint in Gwinnett County prompted years of legal wrangling that only ended when the county agreed to pay its 15 cities $32 million for, in essence, double-taxing municipal residents."

The DeKalb Democrat Bureaucracy doesn't care about legality, they will do this for as long as they can get away with it.

Not to mention - " none of the county commissioners could explain the different rates for services charged. Even members of the Commissions budget committee admit they need a presentation by the County's finance team to understand it". Hmmm

one, think of it like this:

I own a business and offer ten services. You take all ten and I discount the rate. You pick and choose the services you want you will not be receiving the discounted rate on each service selected. You will pay a reasonable increase based on your volume of usage per service, delivery and service requirements, and just how many services you elect to contract for.

Alternatively, you are more than welcome to end our relationship totally and handle all of the services you previously depended on me for by yourself.

We in Brookhaven do not get it. Our taxes are going up on the county side of our tax bill and will eventually go up on the city side of our tax bill. And then we have the school system.

Sounds like Rep. Mike Jacobs would have better served his constituents by seeking assistance from his political associates in making change to our existing government instead of dividing our community.

Please pass the yellow mustard!

Hamb Cobb salad or whatever. I know how the tax system works. Fulton seemed to manage just fine with city hood transitions, Deadkalb is hell bent on corruption which you and your cronies seem to support. Extra extra mayo to clog your arteries...

Will the discussion there be about quiet acquiescence to a huge bonded debt for an absurdly expensive new city hall?
After all that is the basis for this thread.

"I am troubled a bit because in had hoped for some semi rational discourse." ---TomMiller

Nonetheless Tom, there are people here insisting on fully rational discourse.

"Are you afraid an idea might surface?"

They have Tom but you haven't seen them because you are too busy looking for the first idea to surface in your own mind.

Wouldn't it be interesting if Hot Dog and Gazpacho showed up with their blog names pinned on their shirts? Put your money where your mouth is and if you feel so strongly, then show up. I plan to be there. I personally don't agree with the Harris Teeter location of city hall, truth be known. I don't think that reflects what is truly trying to be accomplished here- which is- to get RID of the corruption of Dekalb county- they themselves admitted they don't understand the basis of the taxation alone- and they are supposed to be enforcing it. I don't think we need a big fancy building to do that. This was simply a rendering of what a vision of new city hall might be- nothing more nothing less. Some of you act like ground has been broken and construction is starting tomorrow. I'm sure even if cityhood did not pass, you'd still be bitching about something. You know- one of THOSE people, meaning, there is no pleasing you - so sad that a community blog brings out the worst in humanity. Glad at least I know who some of my neighbors are so I can watch my back!

Thank you so much.

On other notes, it seems that you have ruffled Phil's feathers and he is dogmatic in his pursuit of an answer that does not include allusions to a popular sandwich.

Too much common sense!

"I really see no way that leasing all that space would make sense unless it included the police department too. I am increasingly supportive of the concept of the police department being on Buford Highway. But I am sure there will be alot more input than what we have seen on Patch that will be taken into account."---Philip

"Police Department"?

How?

Yet again Philip, answer the questions:

"Citizens can and should state their opinions. Misstatements of objective facts are what I am here to correct." ---Mike Jacobs

5:33 pm on Monday, February 13, 2012

"I've supported township legislation in the past and know from experience that there is not 2/3 of the House and 2/3 of the Senate to support the constitutional amendment required to give zoning power to a third type of local government (other than counties and cities)."

Yet again, where in the State Constitution of Georgia is this prohibition of "townships"? Much less requiring "constitutional amendment"?

As declared by a lawyer and State Representative no less?

http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/constitution.htm

Mr. Phil, maybe you should stop being a Brookhaven Yes apologist . . .

Please pass the yellow mustard!

Mr. Phil, just look at your posts directed at me in the past. They are all on the Patch. You are a very hateful, demeaning, spiteful individual.

Through the years I have dealt with many folks from all walks of life taking care of business both in my public life as well as private. Even when I have had to deal with the most incompetent individuals be they professionals or mere labor, I have never lost my temper or addressed them in anything less than polite, respectful, direct conversation to get what I need done or to fire them.

You are a piece of work. I do not care to know you and your insulting suppositions in the past from my not answering your direct questions reveal just what a hack of a person you actually are.

Now, go to your room, no special hamburger for you.

"Mr. Phil, just look at your posts directed at me in the past..."---Hamburger

In other words, he's got no couth.

He's not alone.

Yet they are where they are because people don't legally stop them to instead get hung up trying to stop only their projects.

There have been ample legal grounds for stopping them at least since the conception of the so-called "citizens group" C4DK while the clock keeps ticking toward December 29.

"Hamburger--are you or are you..."---Philip

Why do you keep trying to find out who Hamburger is?

"Because I think he is running for political office and he is using these boards to discredit his opponents. But you know him. And you know I am right."---Philip Rigamarole

But I don't know him or her. So, I know you are wrong.

As it is, Hamburger thinks you must be just "an apologist" for BY.

If I knew Hamburger, I'd tell Hamburger, that you couldn't be.

I'd tell Hamburger to be careful.

Now why don't you and Corey just answer the questions posed yet again above?

Mr. Phil, here is your 12:35 AM post you elected to delete. You continue to make erroneous suppositions. Please continue with your ramblings, your conspiracy musings are amusing:

Phil also commented on Stephen Fuller Imagines Brookhaven City Hall. 12:35 AM

"Your post answers my question. You,HamBurger, are a candidate for council member of mayor. There is a benefit to anonymously call into question the motives of other candidates. And you have done so relentlessly before and after the vote. I could not figure out why you were so committed to casting aspersions, concocting conspiracy theories, etc.--but it would make sense if you were running for office. Your posts are an extension of your campaign--albeit "guerilla campaigning"--by discrediting others who may be running. Your relentless carping and accusations against some individuals would not be tolerated if you were known to be a candidate. But the truth will come out, HamBurger. It will. Before November 6."

Please pass the yellow mustard!

Yet again Philip, answer the questions:

"Citizens can and should state their opinions. Misstatements of objective facts are what I am here to correct." ---Mike Jacobs

5:33 pm on Monday, February 13, 2012

"I've supported township legislation in the past and know from experience that there is not 2/3 of the House and 2/3 of the Senate to support the constitutional amendment required to give zoning power to a third type of local government (other than counties and cities)."

Yet again, where in the State Constitution of Georgia is this prohibition of "townships"? Much less requiring "constitutional amendment"?

As declared by a lawyer and State Representative no less?

http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/constitution.htm

I am a candidate for City Janitor. I feel as though a good scrubbing is needed in the North. Possibly a clog needs to be removed in the South. And then a gentle polishing in Central.

"Janitor"?

That's not PC nowadays.

I think they call them Maintenance Engineers; or something like that.

Mr. Phil, you do know that Mr. GuruLikeDrucker who has posted regularly on the Patch is running for office, don’t you? Post your e-mail address and I will send you the e-mail and linkedin file with picture from his neighbors.

Or, you may not be interested because this individual was not against the new city as I was, but was a C$ND member and associated with Brookhaven Yes?

Naturally, I understand your Brookhaven Yes bias . . . And, your Brookhaven Yes preference to go after me.

Please pass the yellow mustard!

"Post your e-mail address and I will send you the e-mail and linkedin file with picture from his neighbors."---Hamburger

I'll take you up on that.

Here's an alternative address:

dongabcho.mxgov@gmail.com

Thanks