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South Fulton Taxes have Doubled since 2005

2011-12-30T16:21:07Z

I received a Google alert this morning that says South Fulton faces a tax hike for 2012. After reading the article I thought to myself what can we live without in order to keep our taxes in check? Do we need fewer police, less fire coverage, fewer county run parks, less code enforcement, higher housing permit fees?

Each of those choices come with their own caveat emptor. First, fewer police officers mean more crime and burglaries. Do we want to mandated that every household in unincorporated South Fulton be required to get a permit to have a hand gun in the home? Beware there as well, chances are more kids will wind up injured or dead because there's no doubt some folks are going to leave their weapon unsecured.

How about higher insurance rates because your local fire house is no longer in service? As it stands we don't have enough coverage for fire protection. With fewer fire stations there will be fewer first responders for our growing senior population as well. Heatlh issues are a fact of life for older Americans. If anything we need more.

Reduce Parks and Recreation? I don't think so. There's not enough. Look at it this way. Your subdivision playground is only good for up to age three. After that our kids require more open spaces and organized programs. We need more open spaces and ball fields. Long term these open spaces are the catalyst for growing athletes and recreational pursuits that can garner college scholarships. Who's not interested in getting a free college education? Parks also an integral part of living a healthy life. We all can use more physical excercise.

Code enforcement is needed as well. With the decline in our property values nothing makes it worse than a dilapidated house and/or property next door.

We all have needs that are met at some stage in the calculation of our property taxes. I'm willing to pay a little more for better parks to keep our community healthy as well as fire and police protection.

Our largest burden is and has always been the money that we put into education. We are seeing very little return on that investment year after year. It's time we hold the Fulton County School Board to a higher standard. After all they are partly responsible for shaping the minds of our most precious commodity - our children.

BTW, I take exception with the often stated notion that north Fulton money takes or took care of South Fulton. The truth is the opposite. Fulton Industrial in South Fulton built out Sandy Springs and north Fulton. If it's not true then explain to me why South Fulton is still relatively underdeveloped?

That's my comment what's yours?

What's Next South Fulton, Part II

2011-11-22T16:50:06Z

One year ago, I mused what changes we'll be seeing as part of the mid-term federal elections. Well...nothing has changed. The GOP is still not doing anything to help stave off high unemployment and fiscal ills on the federal or local level. Presidential campaigning is about to shadow the needs of the country. South Fulton is facing yet another tax increase. The school system is now filing to become a "Charter System". Will that mean our children will get a better education? No, With a five - two majority on the Fulton County School Board the northside Milton County want to be's are happy with the status quo. Fulton County has to redraw it's commission districts. One nave had the audacity to say north Fulton should be "given" another commission district to stop them from forming Milton County. How proposterous is that? They have no more than 375,000 people north of the Atlanta city limits leaving more than 525,000 south of that line. What ignorance. A Milton County would be nothing more than a racial divide.

Liquor can now be bought on Sunday in a lot of places around South Fulton but, not in unincorporated South Fulton. Some politicos want a new Transportation Tax (TSPLOST). I don't think so. Two gaping example why not - The Atlanta Beltline and no expansion of I-20 heading towards Conyers from I-285 in Dekalb.

A lot is going on but nothing is changing. A new movement has come about because of the stagnation - Occupy Wall Street. They are people like all of us who have had enough of the status quo. 99% of the people are victimes of the 1% that controls everything.
We have an epic failure with the Congressional Super Committee. Within the year we will re-elect President Obama or select from the likes of Newt Gingrich and Michelle Bachmann. I opt for the current Commander-in-Chief. Though stalemate will be game of the day. Nothing is going forward until the Tea Baggers have their way.

Let's see where we are next year. Will Govenor Deal and his GOP make things better for Georgian or worse. Unemployment remains over 10% in the state. I guess that is a Washington problem too.

What's Next South Fulton?

2010-11-22T17:35:00Z

The midterm elections are over and a new direction is being charted for the country by the GOP. While here in Georgia the same path of the GOP will be followed with little course correction. South Fulton is still strapped by the housing bubble bursting. Land is a plenty and ain't nothing happening.

Wouldn't it be great if a new development that took advantage of the true needs of the folks down here would come along. I mean we need medical facilities for pediatrics and adults, recreation for all, and so on.

Yes, there is new scuttlebutt on creating a Milton County. Yet no one will challenge them on the fact that Sandy Springs was never a part of Milton County. Therefore, if you are willing to create the "true" Milton County (without Sandy Springs) you may get support at least from me.

In the meantime, our educational system in the state is broken and will remain so. The GOP has no plan to fix what's wrong with the state of education in Georgia. On the other hand, Fulton County Board of Education is exploring a "Charter System". Now don't get it confused with a "Charter School". A Charter System only allows the entire school system to opt out of some of the overarching regulations handed down by the State of Georgia. Student achievement regs don't get a reprieve. Students are still expected to learn except they would learn in an environment that allows just a little more control for the school prinicipal. And Lord knows it doesn't mean any more money.

Since the state is following the same path. I guess it's time for us to start creating a little discussion on what will the GOP do to get us out of last place in education and employment.

Let's just see if anything will change. I doubt it. Until next time.

South Fulton High Schools Same Old Same Old

2010-04-17T12:23:00Z

Once again we are being faced with the reality our 2-cents is worthless. It's appears that the Fulton County School Board has done it again. First, when there was a need for a new high school to be built in South Fulton County, Georgia it was quietly turned into a rebuild of an existing high school, Banneker High on Feldwood Road. Plans were to add onto Banneker but, parents wanted a new school. So they are getting there new school. The same design that exist at Westlake High and Langston Hughes High. Maybe the third time they'll get it right. Westlake has drainage issues all over the place, I'm sure Hughes has similar problems. After all it only took 15+ years to get a new high school built in South Fulton County.

How's is it that all new high schools in South Fulton County are identical plans and North Fulton County High Schools are unique architecture? A new high school is being built on Bethany Road in North Fulton. I've yet to see a design but my guess is it's not going to look like Johns Creek High, Milton High or Alpharetta High.

Every few years we are being asked to support the Special Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) in exchange for a few token projects. We gleefully comply so the Fulton County School Board can take our tax dollars to build the massive new schools through out North Fulton while our kids languish in portables and delapidated buildings for years. By the way, what's the deal with building a large additions onto Alpharetta High School. Sounds like poor planning.

In these tough economic times the School Board wants to raise our taxes one mill to pay for programs that are on the cutting blocks. I don't neccessarily agree with the cuts but EVERYONE is tightening their belts. I can't see where I can support a millage rate increase from this Board when I'm not getting the proper representation to fight for equitable treatment.

Down the road as the economy starts to rev up again. We are going to need that new high school built further south into Chattahoochee Hills to pick up the throngs of folks that are planned in several massive developments. As it stands now, Hughes and Westlake are the largest schools both in population and classroom space. Whether any of you have noticed there is space set aside on both campuses for the portables that will be needed in the 2013-14 school year.

One more thing, the Milton County project failed for now. That doesn't mean the School Board is not continuing to plan and build out that community for its secession. Hopefully, the 2010 Census will changed the lines and give us a full third member on the Board that will fight for what is equitable and right.

Should South Fulton suffer again for a Milton County?

2010-03-12T01:59:00Z

Most people arguing for and against Milton County don't know the full story beyond the Depression consolidation of Campbell County (South) and Milton County (North) into Fulton County. Several facts are being skated over by lies and deceit.

The first lie and tale of deceit surrounds the notion that Sandy Springs was part of the Old Milton County. Sandy Springs once known as Hammonds has always been in Fulton County. The fact is the Chattahoochee River served as the old county line between what was once Milton and Fulton County. Representative Jan Jones and Representative Willard are trying to pull a fast one by sliding in language that slips Sandy Springs in their definition of reconstituted counties. Stop and think, better still look it up. Sandy Springs is south of the Hooch and has it's origins in Fulton County.

South Fulton has suffered enough for Sandy Springs to allow it to walk away easily. Read closely you are not going to read this information in ANY article written about reconstituting Milton County. Sandy Springs prosperity didn't happen by itself. During the late 1960's through early 1980's Fulton County's jewel was Fulton Industrial Boulevard (FI in South Fulton County. At one time, Fulton Industrial Boulevard was the largest industrial park east of the Mississippi River. With that came untold millions of dollars in property taxes and sales taxes. Where did Fulton County spend those dollars? Sandy Springs... The vast majority of it went into building Sandy Springs infrastructure and aid the white flight north that has made it one of the richest communities in the nation. South Fulton suffered through the 1970's and 1980's while it's northern cousin received favored treatment and money from South Fulton in an effort to keep Atlanta and it's annexation plans at bay.

Very little of the FIB money was spent in South Fulton that is why it remain rather rural to this day. There lies the other lie from those who constantly repeat the mantra that North Fulton is paying for South Fulton.

If it was my choice I'd say allow the state-wide vote for the Old Milton County WITHOUT Sandy Springs because it was never a part of the Old Milton County. Sandy Springs owes a large debt to South Fulton and the resources it imparted upon her.

Tell Representative Jones and Willard to stop telling lies and pull the plug on HR21. The people of South Fulton and Atlanta should let their representative know the truth. South Fulton is responsible for Sandy Springs and subsequently the balance of North Fulton's properity.

South Fulton Move Your Money in 2010

2010-01-01T11:02:00Z

Happy New Years! The following idea isn't mine, but I'm endorsing it with all my being. I did have the same thought weeks ago using Credit Unions.

There comes a time for when you have to take responsibility for your actions.

There comes a time when you must stand on principle.

There comes a time when you must make a decision about you and/or your family's future.

Now is one of those times....in the last two years we've watched as hard working relatives, friends and neighbors lose their jobs and later their homes.

The common denominator has been the down turn in the economy. That all started with mega monster banks and Wall Street playing games with our money. The government steps in and walla! Our money is transferred to the mega monster banks to keep them from failing.

Now we can't depend on the same banks to make loans to small businesses to keep open the doors or keep folks out of foreclosure after a job loss. What can you do? Watch the video courtesy www.moveyourmoney.info .

Move your money! Local banks have the same protection as mega monster banks from the FDIC. Credit Unions have similar protections.

What if Americans shifted a fraction of their deposits into smaller institutions?

Local Institutions with IRA Rating of B or better in the Atlanta area
CITIZENS TRUST BANK 75 Piedmont Avenue, Northeast Atlanta, GA 30303 member of CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION
PRIVATE BANK OF BUCKHEAD 3565 Piedmont Road, Building Three, Suite 210 Atlanta, GA 30305 member of PRIVATE BANCSHARES, INC.
CITIZENS TRUST BANK 965 Martin Luther King. Jr., Dr. Atlanta, GA 30314 member of CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION
CITIZENS TRUST BANK 3705 Cascade Road Atlanta, GA 30331 member of CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION
GEORGIA COMMERCE BANK 3625 Cumberland Boulevard, Building Two Atlanta, GA 30339 member of GEORGIA COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC.
GLOBAL COMMERCE BANK 5150 Buford Highway, Suite B-130 Doraville, GA 30340
METRO CITY BANK 5441 Buford Highway Doraville, GA 30340
GEORGIA PRIMARY BANK 3880 Roswell Road Atlanta, GA 30342
CITIZENS TRUST BANK 2840 East Point Street East Point, GA 30344 member of CITIZENS BANCSHARES CORPORATION

Copyright 2010, Institutional Risk Analytics, a unit of Lord, Whalen LLC, All Rights Reserved
371 Van Ness Way, Suite 110 Torrance, California 90501 310.676.3300 www.IRABankRatings.com

Start the year off right. Let's take our country away from the greedy mega monster banks and get our money back into our communities.

Fulton County Schools Fail in Teachable Moment

2009-09-05T03:36:00Z

Open Letter to Dr. Cindy Loe, Superintendent of Fulton County Schools

Dr. Loe:

By giving parents an option of whether or not to let their chidren listen to the President of the United States' "pep talk" has an unforseen consequence. From this moment forth the Fulton County School System MUST lay out the same option for the governor and any other elected member of Congress, the state house, or city hall for that matter.

Further, I believe you have set a dangerous precedent. Speeches by politicians to any school organization, group or class must be vetted or not allowed. At the least parents must be notified that their child can "opt out" without penalty. Let's say a state representative wants to give a speech to the American History class, before that can happen the teacher must get approval from the system office, the speech must be pre-approved and parents sent letters letting them know their child can "opt out" of the class that day without penalty. At the end who is hurt for missing the class? The student - regardless of their political leanings they missed an opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue and learn a little about being tolerant of others.

Dr. Loe, I'm dismayed that your administration would bow to such a stunt from a few disturbed individuals. Teaching my children to get along with everyone and respect authority has been undermined by the Fulton County School System.

The easy answer to parents wanting to remove their children would have been - "do it quietly". Your action only raises the noise level in the room. In my original comments on the system's website, I called the move to give parents an "opt out" bigoted; I stand by my comments.

This WAS one of those teachable moments you and your staff failed miserably. From this I'm taking the stance that NO elected official of any stripe should be allowed to speak at or during any school related function.

It's my hope that parents will stand up and let the school system know this action is being driven by a group with an agenda and it's not in the best interest of our children. I'm sure this would have never happen at any time BEFORE the election of President Obama.

James Reese

Parent

404-421-5399

P.S. My sons will not wear school uniforms on Tuesday, instead they will wear President Obama t-shirts as a sign of support for the Office of the President of the United States of America.

South Fulton Crime Wave Underway

2009-08-19T14:59:00Z

What's going on? Shooting in Chattahoochee Hills by teens, home invasion in Fairburn and shooting on FIB.

First off, we're thankful no one has died at this point. Reports are the Wimes was out on a $250,000 bond for the murder? How is that possible? Who set the bond that low and why? Murder charges shouldn't have bonds!!!
Let's pray for the recovery of all the victims in these crimes especially the youngest victim.

Teen arrested in face-shooting case

Relative turned in suspect, who was out on bond in murder case

By Marcus K. Garner
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Police completed a day-long manhunt for Antoine Wimes early Tuesday evening.

The 17-year-old was arrested for allegedly shooting a Chattahoochee Hills woman in the face Monday evening. The woman’s toddler was severely beaten, police said.

Wimes and Donovan McCoy, 21, both attacked 22-year-old Shenegua “Nikki” Neely, looking for money, police said.

Wimes’ sister is Neely’s best friend, police said.

The whole thing was drug- and gang-related, Chattahoochee Hills police Chief Damon Jones said.

“I own this world, like Scarface,” Wimes shouted to reporters when he was taken in to the Chattahoochee Hills police station earlier Tuesday evening.

He emerged to find his mother and another woman waiting outside, as police loaded him into the back of a squad car.

“I love you Tot. I love you, Mama,” he said, as he looked through the barred windows and held both his thumbs up.

Wimes was out of jail on $250,000 bond for murder and aggravated assault charges from February for a shooting in southwest Atlanta, Fulton County jail authorities said.

Wimes’ family told police he cut off his ankle monitor early Monday morning. He was staying with his family in Chattahoochee Hills, police said.

By Monday night, he and McCoy, were at Neely’s home at 7555 Barnes Road, Jones said. Neither had a car, and police believe they hitched a ride to Neely’s home.

“We speculate that a person must have dropped them off, but didn’t know why,” Jones said. “They must have left when they heard shooting.”

A knock came at Neely’s door sometime after 8:30 p.m., Monday. McCoy and Wimes were outside, and demanded money, police said.

When Neely didn’t comply, she was shot twice — once in the face, and once in the upper torso with a .9 mm pistol, police said.

Police responded to reports of shots fired, and found Neely lying in a pool of blood. The baby, one-year-old Defante Neely, was bruised but awake, Jones said.

“The child had a lot of bruises to the forehead,” Jones said. “And crushing-type wounds.”

A briefcase was taken from the home, police said. But instead of money, the briefcase contained a handgun.

McCoy, also known as “Dino” was arrested within an hour of police reaching the scene, Jones said.

The Michigan native has several prior arrests in his home state, but had only been in Chattahoochee Hills for about three months, police said.

Fulton County Police and Sheriff’s departments, Union City police, and Coweta and Douglas county sheriff’s departments were called into help with the search. Crime scene technicians and K-9 search dogs were brought in to look for Wimes.

By late Tuesday afternoon, police had a mug shot of Wimes distributed to metro Atlanta media outlets to help with the search.

Around 6:45, Wimes went to a relative’s home on Rico Road and Vernon Grove Road, about a mile from Neely’s home.

Jones said Wimes asked to use the phone there, and the relative — having seen his face on TV — called police. Wimes went across the street to an abandoned house at 7575 Rico Road, and went into the attic to hide.

Police arrived on the scene and called for a Fulton County police dog. While officers awaited the K-9, they told him to come out over the loudspeaker, Jones said.

“We told him, ‘come out with your hands in the air, or we’re going to send the dog in,’” Jones said.

Wimes came to the front door, saying he gave up, but immediately ran behind a nearby bush, keeping his hands in the air, Jones said.

“He later told me he wanted to be shot by police,” Jones said.

Wimes and McCoy are each facing charges of aggravated assault, aggravated battery, armed robbery and cruelty to children. They are currently being held at the South Fulton Municipal Regional Jail in Union City, and are expected to be transferred to the Fulton County Jail for an initial court appearance later this week.

Neely is said to be in serious condition at Atlanta Medical Center, and her child remains at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston.

Jones thanked all the many different police agencies, media outlets and community members who helped find the two suspects.

“We had a pretty violent crime for this area,” he said. “We had everybody in custody in 22 hours with everybody working together.”

Home invasion intruders include victim’s brother

By KATIE LESLIE

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A Fairburn woman is recovering after being attacked during a home invasion that police say was committed by a group of men, including the victim’s brother.

WSB-TV is reporting the incident occurred around 2 a.m. Tuesday when Tiajuanna Harris heard noises at the backdoor of her home on Shadow Creek Court and called 911. Two men burst into the home and entered her bedroom, demanding money, according to the report. Police say one of the men was Quincy Shoulders, the woman’s brother.

The mother of four was pistol-whipped during the attack, Det. Charles Israel of the Fairburn Police Department told WSB-TV. None of the children was injured.

When police arrived, they found 25-year-old Quentin Bigby in Harris’ yard with a gunshot wound. Police believe Shoulders shot him, according to WSB-TV, but are still determining why.

Police are looking for Shoulders and three others, according to the report.

WSB-TV reports that Harris is recuperating and Bigby is in critical condition at an unnamed hospital.

For updates, check ajc.com.

Woman shot in overnight robbery

By MIKE MORRIS

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Fulton County police Wednesday morning were looking for the man who shot a pedestrian during a robbery attempt off Fulton Industrial Boulevard.

The 28-year-old victim was walking in the 3800 block of Wendell Drive about 12:45 a.m. when she was approached by a black male who demanded money, Fulton police spokeswoman Melissa Parker said.

“They had a brief argument and the male shot the female in the abdomen,” Parker said.

“The woman, whose name has not been released, was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment of wounds that Parker said were not life-threatening.

Who will represent South Fulton in Senate District 35?

2009-04-12T13:11:00Z

Now that Kasim Reed is seeking the mayoral slot in Atlanta, who is stepping forward to represent Senate District 35 in the state legislator?

Who has announced? (I know, I just want comprehensive list)

Here's a bit of advise:

1) Listen to your constituents; we elected you to represent our wishes not to cut deals

2) Pre-file a Shafer Amendment for Fulton, Dekalb and Atlanta to keep our monies out of the hands the south Georgia legislators.

3) Get state support for Grady and MARTA

4) Don't support majority party programs that hurt your constituents

5) Don't be afraid to raise a little hell; this state is heading in the wrong direction fast.

Send me your ideas

South Fulton Listen Up! Unchain Your Pooch

2009-03-15T14:40:00Z

In a rare unanimous vote on a controversial issue the Fulton County Board of Commissioners has approved a measure that make it illegal to chain your dog. Joining Cobb, DeKalb, Gwinnett and other counties it is now illegal to put your dog on a chain, rope, leash, tie out or wire designed to restrain it.

The debate on this issue ran for several months before the board finally gave approval. Dog lovers across metro Atlanta spent months lobbying the commission. To my knowledge one - one person spoke out against the measure.

Passed in early March it will take effect on September 4th and will include all cities within the county as well as unincorporated South Fulton. The county will also launch an education program on tethering.

Dogs can be tethered if the owner is present. Fines will range up to $500 per violation.

Will their be a rise in dog attacks?

When will we have this type of outcry over bad schools, poverty, homelessness and foreclosures?

Follow South Fulton Living on Twitter

2009-03-12T17:25:00Z

We are now on Twitter at twitter.com/sofulliving.

Will South Fulton get in on the Recovery Package?

2009-02-14T13:08:00Z

At this stage you have to wonder if we'll see in tangible benefits with the newly passed Recovery Package here in South Fulton. I can certainly think of infrastructure needs like sewer and paved roads.

Our biggest need could be developers finishing the developments they've started. Once that is done the need for more park space will bare it's ugly head.

New South Fulton High School has a name

2009-01-13T01:59:00Z

After much anticipation the new high school on Hall Road has a name - Langston Hughes. According the school's website the name came about after rejecting a number of alternatives including Maynard H. Jackson, Vanguard, South Fulton and Fairburn. The committee chaired by the of the new Principal Dr. Michael Robinson and included teachers, students and parents representing Creekside, Westlake and Renaissance. The name Hughes was suggested and accepted after the initial names didn't seem to fit the objectives of the new school.

James Mercer Langston Hughes, best known as Langston Hughes, (February 1, 1902 – May 22, 1967) was an American poet, novelist, playwright, short story writer, and columnist. Hughes is known for his work during the Harlem Renaissance.

Apparently Hughes connection to the Harlem Renaissance was instrumental in the selection. Renaissance is the name of the middle school and elementary school along the Hall and Jones Road.

The school will apparently have a vocational theme - including the only automotive tech course in South County. The academic staff will be selected in the coming months and hopefully Dr. Robinson is as serious about athletics as he is academics. South County is in need of another competitive athletic program.

Other details about the school are still to be determined - mascot (The Bisons, Stallions and Panthers) and school colors will be chosen by the student body.

For those that haven't seen the new school it's identical to Westlake High.

Fulton County is doing well in economic downturn; South Fulton hanging on

2009-01-09T00:28:00Z

While the Metro Atlanta and the entire country struggles in these tough economic times Fulton County has managed to remain in the black because of large cash reserves. Thanks to the prudent management by the county's finance director Patrick O'Connor and a Board of Commissioners that's trust his judgement. Fulton County is sitting pretty even with the $23 million owed by the dead beat state of Georgia.

Fulton should have the last laught since nearly everyone incorporating a city in the county the last couple of years has thumbed its nose at the way the county managed its funds. HA! HA!

Fulton County remains as one of the best managed counties in the nation. Here's a quote from the AJC article:

“This is a wonderful testimony to everybody sitting on this board,” said Commissioner Tom Lowe. He added the financial crisis in Atlanta that has the city cutting staff and closing recreation centers “could never have happened here.”

As for South Fulton things aren't as rosy. An increase in the millage rate is on tap. This is a result of the Shafer Amendment that required deep cuts in the South Fulton district budget in 2006, while separating tax dollars among the County's Special Service Districts.

Without the tax increase cuts in the fire and police departments would certainly harm the quality of life in South Fulton. The Atlanta City Council rejected an increase that could have saved its fire and police department.

South Fulton will lose more than 20 employees in the E&CD Department due to the downturn in the housing market.

A City of South Fulton, Georgia Would Be Broke

2009-01-04T01:42:00Z

After reading the recent article in the AJC about the struggles of Chattahoochee Hills and the other newly incorporated cities, I couldn't help but think what would have happen if we would taken the bait. My only conclusion is that we would be broke and begging Fulton County to help us trash our city charter. You can read the AJC article on www.southfultonliving.com

Johns Creek, Milton and Chatt Hills are having a rough go of it in this economy. If you didn't know Chatt Hills has more than doubled its millage rate to keep things going. Unfortunately for Johns Creek and Milton it's just not that easy. They fell for the okie doke along the lines of a much more commercialize Sandy Springs when they decided it would take a massive referendum to change the current millage rate from 4.731. They are now stripping down services to keep within the budget they've set. What's worse that can't borrow their way of this mess either. I suspect the General Assembly will unfairly search and find money in Fulton County's coffers for them.

Sandy Springs is a little better off since it has most of the commercial property and infrastructure (thanks to Fulton Industrial Boulevard). A city of South Fulton would have much fewer police officers and fire fighters. A streamlined Parks & Recreation Department would be none existent. Code Enforcement, Public Works and Community Development would be bare.

More than 70% of us made the right decision for more than the obvious reason. Although none of us saw the current recession coming, we did and do feel more comfortable with Fulton County as a known entity. Don't get me wrong we can definitely do for more park space, especially a tournament level baseball/softball facility. Fortunately, the break ins have slacked off due to more coverage by the police and sheriff's department. We can count our blessings.

I can't say the same for those who've chosen to be annexed into Atlanta, East Point, and Union City. I shake my head everyday as I drive down Danforth Road. It's hard to believe these folks gave up Fulton County for Atlanta's large deficits and weekly service cuts. Every week a new shoe drops or shall I saw a new card falls from the deck of cards inwhich the city appears to have been built. How soon will these folks deannex themselves? Things in Atlanta will continue to get worse until they start to lop off some of the upper level management. Just think the Sandtown Community almost made the same mistake. That community will never be the same after all this.

East Point is struggling mightily with its own financial woes. It didn't take a recession to
force its financial problems to rear its ugly head. East Point seems to be struggling that were made before the current administration took office - chiefly the tax abatement among other gifts at Camp Creek Marketplace.

Union City just has bit off far more than it could ever chew. Those guys didn't read the tea leaves correctly or just didn't read the writing on the wall. After all everybody and their grand pappy knew the sewer capacity along the South Fulton Parkway was limited - oops.

Chatt Hills officials are working for free and chipping in to cut the grass. I can imagine a city of South Fulton trying to get anyone to work for free yet alone cutting grass. I count myself as one of the fortunate ones.

South Fulton Housing Market Somewhat Solid

2008-12-24T17:51:00Z

A recent article by Martin Sinderman in the Atlanta Business Chronicle says the South Fulton County housing market is remaining rather steadfast in this economy. Citing a study by Metrostudy Inc. for the last 12 months ending ending in September, South Fulton had 2,805 home closings which amounts to 11 percent of all closings in the the 22-county metro area. In addition, eight of the 30 top selling communities are also in South Fulton County.

Another comparison in the story says of the top selling communities there is an average of 3.8 months of available inventory housing in comparison to 12 months metro wide.

That explains why the Publix on Hwy 92 continues to do a brisk business.

Link through www.southfultonliving.com to read the entire article.

South Fulton's Traffic Mess

2008-12-21T16:32:00Z

Why Were These Approved?

I travel throughout South Fulton everyday on my way to work, school and home. I come across some of the strangest traffic anomolies especially in and around shopping centers in East Point and Union City.

My favorite traffic problems are the entrance into Camp Creek Marketplace near Chick-Fil-A and Ruby Tuesdays and the Union City WalMart parking lot. Let's start with the Market Place since I have pictures. Look closely at the photo below. An East Point Police has traffic cones out directing folks as they enter this badly planned entry point. Most days traffic is backed up to Camp Creek Parkway because folks don't know they have the right-of-way entering this center. Often drivers entering don't see the "Keep Traffic Moving" sign and are hesitate to cross the intersection against the cars sitting at the stop signs. Some days traffic backs up to I-285! East Point approved this and have done what they can to correct it over the last few years but it's not enough.

The next badly planned traffic feature is the WalMart shopping center in Union City. Entering the first entry after leaving Jonesboro Road will lead you into a row of parked cars forced to go left or right. The worst is when you are departing you can't go straight out towards the Quik Trip on your row. You will run into a curb and are forced to turn around and find the one exit from this corner of the lot which is to the west towards Sonics. This lot is badly designed I'm not sure why Union City approved it.

Tell us about your traffic woes in South Fulton, Georgia

South Fulton Living Returns

2008-12-19T03:09:00Z

After a month of working out the kinks of a server change South Fulton Living website is back. As things go this move from one server to another has be long and eventful. Sparing you the details we are bakc and ready to get into whats going on in South Fulton County, Georgia. Let's hear from you.

Tentative budget approved along with millage rate increase

2008-12-18T03:07:00Z

For those living in the unincorporated areas of South Fulton an increase in the millage rate was approved today by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. Led by Commission Vice Chair Edwards the board approved the tentative budget for the South Fulton service district and thus a 2.5 mil increase.