It looks like Dorablog is back online with much thanks to Dave Bearse.
It also looks like Brian Bates has started his own blog, bsquared, which looks much like Dunwoody's Heneghan.
That gives me a great opportunity to bow out gracefulle, having filled but a small gap in time.
Best wishes to everyone.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
DeKalb Schools to Take Hit in 2010-11 Budget
Recently there was alot of talk about a High School or Charter School for Doraville. While I fully support that concept, it looks to be an uphill battle with the DeKalb County School system facing a $56 million shortfall for next year.
Doraville may not have many options but to hope for a smart redistricting plan. In looking at previous posts by Councilmember Bates and then recent posts by Councilmember Pittman and several residents, it seems tragic that students in Doraville get bussed all the way to Cross Keys when Chamblee is almost walkable. I don't recall the exact mileage but it seems to me that Cross Keys is twice as far away as Chamblee is, yet that is where our children go?
I hope the residents, city council, business owners take note of this and fight for Doraville. Schools impact each of us, even if you don't have any children.
Doraville may not have many options but to hope for a smart redistricting plan. In looking at previous posts by Councilmember Bates and then recent posts by Councilmember Pittman and several residents, it seems tragic that students in Doraville get bussed all the way to Cross Keys when Chamblee is almost walkable. I don't recall the exact mileage but it seems to me that Cross Keys is twice as far away as Chamblee is, yet that is where our children go?
I hope the residents, city council, business owners take note of this and fight for Doraville. Schools impact each of us, even if you don't have any children.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Anonymous Posting
Well, it didn't take long. An anonymous poster, hiding behind their computer has decided to take several pot shots at newly elected Councilwoman Pachuta as well as Mayor Jenkins. From the tone and comments, it appears to be a supporter of former Councilman Bob Spangler and a bitter one at that.
If you are going to post on this site, you are no longer going to be able to hide. Effective immediately, you must be a registered user to post. I will not condone these pot shots from anonymous posters.
If you want to make comments about or take shots at our elected leaders, fine, I have no issue with that. But you are going to show your face. If you don't like these rules, fine, start your own blog, but your cowardly comments will not be tolerated here.
If you are going to post on this site, you are no longer going to be able to hide. Effective immediately, you must be a registered user to post. I will not condone these pot shots from anonymous posters.
If you want to make comments about or take shots at our elected leaders, fine, I have no issue with that. But you are going to show your face. If you don't like these rules, fine, start your own blog, but your cowardly comments will not be tolerated here.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
MARTA, Changes Coming?
Over the last several months Representative Chambers has been taking much grief and some applause for her aggressive approach towards MARTA as Chairwoman of the MARTOC committee. It seems that Ms. Chambers has the audacity to think that a public transportation entity, that receives tax payer money, should operate in a fiscally sound manner.
I am not in a position to discuss MARTA's financial operations. However, as a rider, I can comment on the experience. It is awful! I have been on the Metro in DC. The L in Chicago. The Subway in New York. All of them put MARTA to shame. But all is not MARTA's fault. Much like Grady, MARTA is funded by taxpayers from DeKalb and Fulton Counties. No State funding, that needs to change if we are going to have a viable and efficient transit system in Atlanta.
It seems, however, that Ms. Chambers is not the only one concerned about MARTA's operations or in some cases, lack-therof. In November, Representative Fran Millar (R-Dunwoody) announced a desire to roll MARTA into GDOT.
Recently Representativ Kevin Levitas (D-Atlanta) pre-filed a bill to reduce the number of Directors from 18 down to 7. Lean and mean, I like it!
Representative Levitas said, “Chicago’s Transit Authority has seven members on its Board of Directors,” Levitas said in a statement. “The BART Board in San Francisco has nine members, and Washington, D.C.’s METRO Board has only six voting members along with six alternate directors. Why does MARTA need a board of directors two-and-a-half times the size of the San Francisco Authority?” Good question!
So for all you Chambers bashers . . . it seems like she has created a few more believers over the last few years, including from across the aisle. Remeber folks, this is our tax $$ being put to "use" . . . they cut routes, slowed trains, raised fares. Did any administrators take pay cuts? Be intriguing to know how many higher-ups took a pay-cut in an effort of keeping trains and busses running. Anyone know?
I am not in a position to discuss MARTA's financial operations. However, as a rider, I can comment on the experience. It is awful! I have been on the Metro in DC. The L in Chicago. The Subway in New York. All of them put MARTA to shame. But all is not MARTA's fault. Much like Grady, MARTA is funded by taxpayers from DeKalb and Fulton Counties. No State funding, that needs to change if we are going to have a viable and efficient transit system in Atlanta.
It seems, however, that Ms. Chambers is not the only one concerned about MARTA's operations or in some cases, lack-therof. In November, Representative Fran Millar (R-Dunwoody) announced a desire to roll MARTA into GDOT.
Recently Representativ Kevin Levitas (D-Atlanta) pre-filed a bill to reduce the number of Directors from 18 down to 7. Lean and mean, I like it!
Representative Levitas said, “Chicago’s Transit Authority has seven members on its Board of Directors,” Levitas said in a statement. “The BART Board in San Francisco has nine members, and Washington, D.C.’s METRO Board has only six voting members along with six alternate directors. Why does MARTA need a board of directors two-and-a-half times the size of the San Francisco Authority?” Good question!
So for all you Chambers bashers . . . it seems like she has created a few more believers over the last few years, including from across the aisle. Remeber folks, this is our tax $$ being put to "use" . . . they cut routes, slowed trains, raised fares. Did any administrators take pay cuts? Be intriguing to know how many higher-ups took a pay-cut in an effort of keeping trains and busses running. Anyone know?
Doraville to Host Business Meeting
The Doraville City Council has called a Special Called Meeting for Tuesday, January 12th. According to the ciy's website: A special called meeting of the Council will be held in order for the Council to field concerns from the business community. All interested businesses are encouraged to attend. A sign in sheet will be provided for those who intend to speak. A three hour limit will be set and all participants who wish to speak will be heard. Additionally, there will be forms available for written concerns.
This should be interesting. As a casual observer, my initial reaction is that business owners are upset that the city is finally enforcing the ordinances that are on the books. Perhaps there are other issues at hand and if so, we will be sure to get them posted here as soon as we hear them.
The meeting will be held at the Civic Center starting at 6:00 p.m.
This should be interesting. As a casual observer, my initial reaction is that business owners are upset that the city is finally enforcing the ordinances that are on the books. Perhaps there are other issues at hand and if so, we will be sure to get them posted here as soon as we hear them.
The meeting will be held at the Civic Center starting at 6:00 p.m.
DeKalb to Host Community Garden Workshop - January 30th
DeKalb County Community Gardening Workshop
Hosted by DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis and Commissioner Kathie Gannon.
Please join us for the 2nd in a series of workshops on creating a sustainable DeKalb.
Interested in starting a garden in your community? Looking for access to fresh, local fruits and vegetables? Join us to find out more about the new Community Gardens initiative in DeKalb County. Workshop participants will have the opportunity to talk to representatives from local farms and gardens, and sign up for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and DeKalb County Community Gardens.
Saturday, January 30, 2010 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public Location: GA Perimeter College, Decatur Campus
Workshop Presenters and Exhibitors * Oakhurst Gardens * Atlanta Community Food Bank *Georgia Organics * Harvest Gardens * * Healthy Belvedere * Farmer D * Gaia Gardens * Southeastern Horticultural Society * Decatur and East Lake Farmers Markets * Wonderland Garden * Captain Planet Foundation * * Keep DeKalb Beautiful * Scott Fertilizer * DeKalb County Parks and Recreation
Register to win door prizes and much, much more!
Hosted by DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis and Commissioner Kathie Gannon.
Please join us for the 2nd in a series of workshops on creating a sustainable DeKalb.
Interested in starting a garden in your community? Looking for access to fresh, local fruits and vegetables? Join us to find out more about the new Community Gardens initiative in DeKalb County. Workshop participants will have the opportunity to talk to representatives from local farms and gardens, and sign up for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and DeKalb County Community Gardens.
Saturday, January 30, 2010 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public Location: GA Perimeter College, Decatur Campus
Workshop Presenters and Exhibitors * Oakhurst Gardens * Atlanta Community Food Bank *Georgia Organics * Harvest Gardens * * Healthy Belvedere * Farmer D * Gaia Gardens * Southeastern Horticultural Society * Decatur and East Lake Farmers Markets * Wonderland Garden * Captain Planet Foundation * * Keep DeKalb Beautiful * Scott Fertilizer * DeKalb County Parks and Recreation
Register to win door prizes and much, much more!
New Charter School to Open
According to the DeKalb Neighbor, a new charter school, Peachtree Hope, will open this fall, located TBD.
I am a huge school choice fan. I think Charter schools are wonderful and a way of forcing the public schools to remain competative. Problem is that most school boards/administrators don't realize that THEY are the problem and fight to keep Charter schools out and avoid competition.
We have dumbed down our school systems and Charter Schools raise the bar. I am sure that reasonable people can disagree on the benefits of school choice. As a public school graduate myself, I firmly believe in a public school system,just don't believe in one that is "standardized".
We should be empowering our teachers to teach to teach and not teach to test. We have lowered the bar and it is going to take new leadership, new attitudes and new ideas to make our public school systems the shining star that they once were.
Until then, let competition happen, it will create better teachers, better administrators, better parents, better students, and a better future for us all.
I am a huge school choice fan. I think Charter schools are wonderful and a way of forcing the public schools to remain competative. Problem is that most school boards/administrators don't realize that THEY are the problem and fight to keep Charter schools out and avoid competition.
We have dumbed down our school systems and Charter Schools raise the bar. I am sure that reasonable people can disagree on the benefits of school choice. As a public school graduate myself, I firmly believe in a public school system,just don't believe in one that is "standardized".
We should be empowering our teachers to teach to teach and not teach to test. We have lowered the bar and it is going to take new leadership, new attitudes and new ideas to make our public school systems the shining star that they once were.
Until then, let competition happen, it will create better teachers, better administrators, better parents, better students, and a better future for us all.
Doraville Citizen Police Academy Starts March 4th
The next Doraville Citizen Police Academy starts March 4th 2010! For more information or to request an application please call Sgt Brandi Rogers at 770-451-6817 or email brandi.rogers@doravillega.us.
New Years Resolution (Delayed)
Here is my 2010 Top 10 Wish list for the City of Doraville, our City Council, residents, and business owners:
10. The City address the entrances into the city and our neighborhoods. Clean/landsacpe the entrances ramps at 285 and Buford Highway and Peachtree Industrial. Invest in some new signage welcoming people into Doraville.
9. That the Doraville Busines Association will get more active and have regular meetings and work on promoting the city. Maybe a map and legend of restaurants in Doraville as a first step?
8. That the City will have more community events like Movies Under the Stars, Doraville Days, and maybe some new ones like Easter Egg hunt, Breakfast with Santa, Jack-O-Lantern Carving Contest, etc.
7. The City implement a city-wide curb-side recycling program.
6. City Council come up with a unified vision for not only the GM Plant but the city as a whole.
5. City Council establish a set of architectural standards for new construction and major renovation projects.
4. City invest in a marketing campaign to promote Doraville. We have a new logo and a great website, lets put it to use.
3. City try and annex those properties around Doraville again. I hate thinking that DeKalb and Dunwoody control how 1/4 of Buford Highway looks as well as several entrances into our city Doraville.
2. City hire an economic development director to talk with and recruit new businesses, study the city's demographics and neighboring demographics and develop a comprehensive plan on revitalizing our business community.
1. That we work together to make Doraville an example of what to do and not what not to do.
Do you have others?
10. The City address the entrances into the city and our neighborhoods. Clean/landsacpe the entrances ramps at 285 and Buford Highway and Peachtree Industrial. Invest in some new signage welcoming people into Doraville.
9. That the Doraville Busines Association will get more active and have regular meetings and work on promoting the city. Maybe a map and legend of restaurants in Doraville as a first step?
8. That the City will have more community events like Movies Under the Stars, Doraville Days, and maybe some new ones like Easter Egg hunt, Breakfast with Santa, Jack-O-Lantern Carving Contest, etc.
7. The City implement a city-wide curb-side recycling program.
6. City Council come up with a unified vision for not only the GM Plant but the city as a whole.
5. City Council establish a set of architectural standards for new construction and major renovation projects.
4. City invest in a marketing campaign to promote Doraville. We have a new logo and a great website, lets put it to use.
3. City try and annex those properties around Doraville again. I hate thinking that DeKalb and Dunwoody control how 1/4 of Buford Highway looks as well as several entrances into our city Doraville.
2. City hire an economic development director to talk with and recruit new businesses, study the city's demographics and neighboring demographics and develop a comprehensive plan on revitalizing our business community.
1. That we work together to make Doraville an example of what to do and not what not to do.
Do you have others?
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Hockey in Doraville?
A few weeks ago Councilman Roche posted a link to a hockey blog with a teaser about hockey in Doraville? You had to dig through the comment sections to find it, and sure enough, someone did, sarcastically, talk about building a new hockey arena on the GM site.
I don't believe that that is even a remote possibility. But what is a possibility, and I believe that Councilman Bates has been floating the idea, is a multi-purpose arena (much like Gwinnett) that can be converted to hockey, basketball, concerts, etc.
The other thing to consider, if we want Doraville to be a destination, is to have events that draw people in. Ice arenas are very popular and the number of youth leagues continue to grow. I did my research on this, and I believe that there are only 4 facilities in Atlanta that have ice skating/hockey: The Forum in Duluth where the Thrashers and the Gladiators practice; the Ice Forum in Kennesaw; the Marietta Ice Center; and the Cooler in Alpharetta.
All four are well outside the perimeter and make it impossible for kids who live in Buckhead, Druid Hills, Chamblee, Doraville, Highlands, Midtown, etc. to join a team, skate, etc. because of distance. Having an arena on the MARTA line would certainly be an advantage as well (more so for spectators than players who would still have to lug their equipment).
So as I was doing my research, I uncovered this tidbit. Georgia Tech has a club hockey team. Where do they play you ask? Well, according to their website:
Whether you are a Georgia Tech fan or not, wouldn't it be cool to be the "Home of Tech Hockey" I certainly do and it would be a helluva lot closer than Alpharetta!
I don't believe that that is even a remote possibility. But what is a possibility, and I believe that Councilman Bates has been floating the idea, is a multi-purpose arena (much like Gwinnett) that can be converted to hockey, basketball, concerts, etc.
The other thing to consider, if we want Doraville to be a destination, is to have events that draw people in. Ice arenas are very popular and the number of youth leagues continue to grow. I did my research on this, and I believe that there are only 4 facilities in Atlanta that have ice skating/hockey: The Forum in Duluth where the Thrashers and the Gladiators practice; the Ice Forum in Kennesaw; the Marietta Ice Center; and the Cooler in Alpharetta.
All four are well outside the perimeter and make it impossible for kids who live in Buckhead, Druid Hills, Chamblee, Doraville, Highlands, Midtown, etc. to join a team, skate, etc. because of distance. Having an arena on the MARTA line would certainly be an advantage as well (more so for spectators than players who would still have to lug their equipment).
So as I was doing my research, I uncovered this tidbit. Georgia Tech has a club hockey team. Where do they play you ask? Well, according to their website:
Where do you play home games?
Home games for the 2008-2009 season are mostly at the Ice Forum in Kennesaw. Some are also at "The Cooler" in Alpharetta, and others are at Atlanta Ice Forum in Duluth.
Whether you are a Georgia Tech fan or not, wouldn't it be cool to be the "Home of Tech Hockey" I certainly do and it would be a helluva lot closer than Alpharetta!
Massage in Doraville
Today I was playing with Yelp, which is an amazing thing. If you have not been on the site it is pretty nifty.
Here is a link for the Chinese Restaurant Review that I completed.
So then, based on the recent discussions that the city has had, and allowing two additional massage parlors in the city, I decided to see what Yelp had to say about it.
According to Yelp, there are 13 massage/spas within walking distance of downtown Doraville.
And I know there are more because it didn't include the newest one at Plaza One or Royal Spa on Shallowford. Come on City Council!!! We don't need any more! I have a post coming on what I hope you can accomplish this spring. Stay tuned!
Here is a link for the Chinese Restaurant Review that I completed.
So then, based on the recent discussions that the city has had, and allowing two additional massage parlors in the city, I decided to see what Yelp had to say about it.
According to Yelp, there are 13 massage/spas within walking distance of downtown Doraville.
And I know there are more because it didn't include the newest one at Plaza One or Royal Spa on Shallowford. Come on City Council!!! We don't need any more! I have a post coming on what I hope you can accomplish this spring. Stay tuned!
Chamblee Noise
Over the last several months several Northwoods residents have been complaining about noise coming from the Chamblee Flea Market at Buford Highway and Chamblee Tucker.
I don't know that there is anything Doraville officials can do, since it is not in our jurisdiction. Perhaps Northwoods residents could get a petition together and present it to the Chamblee City Council during a council meeting?
Perhaps that would encourage a meeting with Chamblee Councilmembers and let them "hear" for themselves the noise and work on a compromise?
I did suggest that at a minimum Chamblee request that the speakers be turned so they don't face Doraville, aim them towards PDK. Not sure that is enforcable though.
Anyone else have suggestions on tactics to address this quality of life issue?
I don't know that there is anything Doraville officials can do, since it is not in our jurisdiction. Perhaps Northwoods residents could get a petition together and present it to the Chamblee City Council during a council meeting?
Perhaps that would encourage a meeting with Chamblee Councilmembers and let them "hear" for themselves the noise and work on a compromise?
I did suggest that at a minimum Chamblee request that the speakers be turned so they don't face Doraville, aim them towards PDK. Not sure that is enforcable though.
Anyone else have suggestions on tactics to address this quality of life issue?
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Council Agenda Set for 1/4/10
January 4, 2010 Council Meeting 7:00 PM City Hall
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. MAYOR’S COMMENTS
4. Swearing In New Council
5. Approve Minutes for 11/09/09, 11/30/09, 12/07/09, 12/14/09
Booting and Impounding of Vehicles
OLD BUSINESS
6. EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION-Donna Pittman
7. PUBLIC FORUM FOR BUSINESS CONCERNS & ISSUES-Pam Fleming
8. BONITA HOFFMEISTER-Violation of Federal Civil Rights by Enforcing Quality of Life ordinances directed towards specific individuals while ignoring similar violations in rest of City.
9. DEANE STOKES-Variance requirements for dumpster housing 5859 New Peachtree Road
10. NUISANCES CLEANLINESS ORDINANCE-Murray Weed
NEW BUSINESS
11. CITY INITIATED 5849 PEACHTREE ROAD RE-ZONING TO M-1 LIGHT INDUSTRIAL WITH CONDITION OF NO ADULT ENTERTAINMENT-Bob Roche
12. 2008 MORATORIUM HEARINGS-Pam Fleming
13. CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION ON CIVIL DISCOURSE-Bob Roche
14. STRATEGIC PLANNING MEETING-Karen Pachuta
15. CITY SIGNAGE-WELCOME SIGNS, NEIGHBORHOOD SIGNS, PARK AND ORDINANCE SIGNS-Brian Bates
16. COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS-TIME AND QUANTITY LIMIT-Brian Bates
17. STREET LIGHT AT CARY REYNOLDS (Aztec Road between Pine and Stewart)-Brian Bates
18. STREET LIGHT AT SEQUOYAH MIDDLE SCHOOL AT STEWART ROAD DEAD-END-Brian Bates
19. POLICE DEPARTMENT COMMENTS
20. ATTORNEY COMMENTS
21. DORAVILLE CITIZENS COMMENTS
22. ADJOURNMENT
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. MAYOR’S COMMENTS
4. Swearing In New Council
5. Approve Minutes for 11/09/09, 11/30/09, 12/07/09, 12/14/09
Booting and Impounding of Vehicles
OLD BUSINESS
6. EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION-Donna Pittman
7. PUBLIC FORUM FOR BUSINESS CONCERNS & ISSUES-Pam Fleming
8. BONITA HOFFMEISTER-Violation of Federal Civil Rights by Enforcing Quality of Life ordinances directed towards specific individuals while ignoring similar violations in rest of City.
9. DEANE STOKES-Variance requirements for dumpster housing 5859 New Peachtree Road
10. NUISANCES CLEANLINESS ORDINANCE-Murray Weed
NEW BUSINESS
11. CITY INITIATED 5849 PEACHTREE ROAD RE-ZONING TO M-1 LIGHT INDUSTRIAL WITH CONDITION OF NO ADULT ENTERTAINMENT-Bob Roche
12. 2008 MORATORIUM HEARINGS-Pam Fleming
13. CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION ON CIVIL DISCOURSE-Bob Roche
14. STRATEGIC PLANNING MEETING-Karen Pachuta
15. CITY SIGNAGE-WELCOME SIGNS, NEIGHBORHOOD SIGNS, PARK AND ORDINANCE SIGNS-Brian Bates
16. COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS-TIME AND QUANTITY LIMIT-Brian Bates
17. STREET LIGHT AT CARY REYNOLDS (Aztec Road between Pine and Stewart)-Brian Bates
18. STREET LIGHT AT SEQUOYAH MIDDLE SCHOOL AT STEWART ROAD DEAD-END-Brian Bates
19. POLICE DEPARTMENT COMMENTS
20. ATTORNEY COMMENTS
21. DORAVILLE CITIZENS COMMENTS
22. ADJOURNMENT
Dorablog Taken Down
During the Christmas holidays, an anonymous blogger made some really nasty and disparaging remarks regarding and towards one of Doraville's residents, a transgendered woman by the name of Stephe.
Not sure what has happened, but the old Dorablog site has been taken down. That leaves residents with only a couple of forums for posting comments. While this site is not a free-ranging post what you want, I will attempt to regularly post comments from a wide range of topics and stimulate some discussion.
I will make three promises:
1. Will never make negative comments towards residents, posters, elected officials, employees, etc.
2. Will remain anonynous to protect myself from backlash (should I ever post something controversial)
3. Will remove ANY attack postings as soon as they are reported to me or I find them.
I will not tolerate negative comments on this site. Don't like my philosophy? Don't read, don't visit, go start your own.
Not sure what has happened, but the old Dorablog site has been taken down. That leaves residents with only a couple of forums for posting comments. While this site is not a free-ranging post what you want, I will attempt to regularly post comments from a wide range of topics and stimulate some discussion.
I will make three promises:
1. Will never make negative comments towards residents, posters, elected officials, employees, etc.
2. Will remain anonynous to protect myself from backlash (should I ever post something controversial)
3. Will remove ANY attack postings as soon as they are reported to me or I find them.
I will not tolerate negative comments on this site. Don't like my philosophy? Don't read, don't visit, go start your own.
New Era for Doraville Begins
Karen Pachuta is being sworn in on Monday, January 4th as the newest member of the Doraville City Council.
She replaces Bob Spangler who she beat in the December runoff.
In addition, Donna Pittman will get sworn in, starting her second full term after beating two candidates, John Noonan and Stuart Anderson. Brian Bates will also get sworn in starting his first full term after beating Tom Hart.
Should be interesting to see how the new dynamics play-out. 4 women, 3 men (including the mayor who can only vote in case of a tie).
She replaces Bob Spangler who she beat in the December runoff.
In addition, Donna Pittman will get sworn in, starting her second full term after beating two candidates, John Noonan and Stuart Anderson. Brian Bates will also get sworn in starting his first full term after beating Tom Hart.
Should be interesting to see how the new dynamics play-out. 4 women, 3 men (including the mayor who can only vote in case of a tie).
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