WHERE: Dunwoody Library
WHEN: May 3, 2017
WHAT TIME: 6:30 PM til 8:00 PM
Bring your questions and your comments
More info via Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1798043007190489
The latest updates from SDOC Publishing Internet Solutions for our clients, our community, and the web design field. Our Dunwoody, Georgia studio serves clients all over the United States and Canada.
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
Town Hall with Commissioner Jester Wednesday May 3
WHERE: Dunwoody Library
WHEN: May 3, 2017
WHAT TIME: 6:30 PM til 8:00 PM
Bring your questions and your comments
More info via Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1798043007190489
Sunday, April 30, 2017
Wildcat Golf Classic for Dunwoody HS Football
When: Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Where: Rivermont Golf Club
How do I sign up? http://birdeasepro.com/wildcatclassic
Enjoy golf and other fundraising events in this gala to support Dunwoody Football. Please see the info in the image below for details.
Where: Rivermont Golf Club
How do I sign up? http://birdeasepro.com/wildcatclassic
Enjoy golf and other fundraising events in this gala to support Dunwoody Football. Please see the info in the image below for details.
Thursday, April 13, 2017
NEWS FLASH: Dunwoody Community Devel. Director resigns
Details to follow when available.
Comments are open for more input. If you are adding details, please include some form of verification.
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Dunwoody Government and Home Business: "Rooney Eats it!"
Let's review the last six months.
December 2016: Dunwoody's 3rd ever SLUP application to see customers is heard in the usual public proceedings. Applicant jumps through excessive hoops to prove he respects his neighbors and the integrity of said neighborhood.
In spite of neighbor support, the usual suspects circulate petitions, trespass on the applicant's property to take photos, and lie through their teeth about the homeowner's intentions to city council to oppose the application.
January 2017: City council lines up behind the idea that since the business itself didn't fit the "comprehensive plan" the permit should be denied. ** The actual facts of the application were ignored in favor of a personal value judgement with a personal interpretation of a city planning document. All city council members were unanimous in their support.
February 2017: Community Development Director Steve Foote proposes removing ALL "Type B" home businesses and removing the application process from the municipal code.
March 2017: Steve presents these edits to the Dunwoody Homeowners Association monthly meeting. The proposal is received like a fart in church.
April 2017: Planning Commission and City Council process the ratification of scaled down edits that include limiting the hours that a homeowner may see a customer and limiting the types of businesses that may bother to seek a Type B license.
During this time, the home business map is getting updated. So far I had been keeping up with licensed businesses in a list generated by Economic Development and local business directories like the AHA Connection and NextDoor. I added to this a systematic review of corporation records taken from the state registries. Specifically, I looked for corporations registered to a home address. I've only gotten to the "P"s and the number of home businesses documented (and active) has doubled.
In the mean time, there have been no complaints against home businesses filed since June 2016. The last code violation confirmed against a home business was February 2016.
That's two complaints filed in 14 months, with only one violation. If we were talking about animals or pets, city council would dismiss these as exceptions.
In spite of Mayor Shortal's pontificating about "protecting the community", there is apparently nothing to be protected from. These code updates are not solving a problem. They are a threat against anyone who would dare to submit a "Type B: application.
What makes this scenario funny is that nothing will change. City Council passes their rules and congratulates themselves on their service. While all ONE-THOUSAND-PLUS households in this image will continue to do whatever the hell they please because they are clearly not bothering anyone. Including seeing customers or holding meetings.
**In a couple of weeks, the "strict interpretation of the comprehensive plan" applied to home business owners will be thrown aside so council members may enact a "pet" project. Stay tuned.
December 2016: Dunwoody's 3rd ever SLUP application to see customers is heard in the usual public proceedings. Applicant jumps through excessive hoops to prove he respects his neighbors and the integrity of said neighborhood.
In spite of neighbor support, the usual suspects circulate petitions, trespass on the applicant's property to take photos, and lie through their teeth about the homeowner's intentions to city council to oppose the application.
January 2017: City council lines up behind the idea that since the business itself didn't fit the "comprehensive plan" the permit should be denied. ** The actual facts of the application were ignored in favor of a personal value judgement with a personal interpretation of a city planning document. All city council members were unanimous in their support.
February 2017: Community Development Director Steve Foote proposes removing ALL "Type B" home businesses and removing the application process from the municipal code.
March 2017: Steve presents these edits to the Dunwoody Homeowners Association monthly meeting. The proposal is received like a fart in church.
April 2017: Planning Commission and City Council process the ratification of scaled down edits that include limiting the hours that a homeowner may see a customer and limiting the types of businesses that may bother to seek a Type B license.
During this time, the home business map is getting updated. So far I had been keeping up with licensed businesses in a list generated by Economic Development and local business directories like the AHA Connection and NextDoor. I added to this a systematic review of corporation records taken from the state registries. Specifically, I looked for corporations registered to a home address. I've only gotten to the "P"s and the number of home businesses documented (and active) has doubled.
In the mean time, there have been no complaints against home businesses filed since June 2016. The last code violation confirmed against a home business was February 2016.
That's two complaints filed in 14 months, with only one violation. If we were talking about animals or pets, city council would dismiss these as exceptions.
In spite of Mayor Shortal's pontificating about "protecting the community", there is apparently nothing to be protected from. These code updates are not solving a problem. They are a threat against anyone who would dare to submit a "Type B: application.
What makes this scenario funny is that nothing will change. City Council passes their rules and congratulates themselves on their service. While all ONE-THOUSAND-PLUS households in this image will continue to do whatever the hell they please because they are clearly not bothering anyone. Including seeing customers or holding meetings.
The complete map with legend: here
Go ahead, Rooney! You just keep chasing Ferris. We know how this ends.
**In a couple of weeks, the "strict interpretation of the comprehensive plan" applied to home business owners will be thrown aside so council members may enact a "pet" project. Stay tuned.
Sunday, April 9, 2017
Sermon on the Mount - 21st Century Style
I needed to see this today as I help run a political forum in the midst of hyperpartisans and other knee-jerk-reactors. Not to mention our own city council and their contradictory decisions.
"Treat others as you would be treated". The Golden Rule. In Christian doctrine, it comes from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, in the gospel according to Matthew.
Every major religion has some ideal analogous to this. Yet it always keeps getting lost.
So fresh and new for the 21st century is a new term for an ancient ideal: Emotional Correctness
"Treat others as you would be treated". The Golden Rule. In Christian doctrine, it comes from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, in the gospel according to Matthew.
Every major religion has some ideal analogous to this. Yet it always keeps getting lost.
So fresh and new for the 21st century is a new term for an ancient ideal: Emotional Correctness
Thursday, March 30, 2017
I-85 bridge collapse; DeKalb County Schools Closed
I-85 impacts the region so much that all traffic AROUND it will be snarled for months.
DeKalb just threw in the towel and cancelled the last day of classes before spring break.
My son is going to take his train set and fix the bridge tomorrow. Don't worry, he's got this.
His sisters are pissed (Catholic school in Johns Creek)
Take care if you have to travel tomorrow.
DeKalb just threw in the towel and cancelled the last day of classes before spring break.
My son is going to take his train set and fix the bridge tomorrow. Don't worry, he's got this.
His sisters are pissed (Catholic school in Johns Creek)
Take care if you have to travel tomorrow.
Friday, March 24, 2017
Please Contribute to Dunwoody HS Student's Funeral Cost
A former Dunwoody HS student was killed in a collision on 400 this week.
His family has set up a GoFundMe promotion to assist with funeral expenses.
I made a contribution this morning and I encourage our community to do the same if they have the means.
This is what a community "family" is supposed to do for each other. It's a great way to counteract the negative epithets brought to light in my previous post.
https://www.gofundme.com/mauricios-funeral-expenses
His family has set up a GoFundMe promotion to assist with funeral expenses.
I made a contribution this morning and I encourage our community to do the same if they have the means.
This is what a community "family" is supposed to do for each other. It's a great way to counteract the negative epithets brought to light in my previous post.
https://www.gofundme.com/mauricios-funeral-expenses
Thursday, March 23, 2017
More Dunwoody Than You - The Next Generation
More of that "family" sense that Mayor Shortal was talking about during the State of the City.
This screenshot was taken from Stan Jester's blog. The discussion is regarding questions about a new group that apparently has succeeded the old Dunwoody-Chamblee Parents Council.
Most of the Dunwoodians involved are from the far-left whack job sector, aka the east side.
I’d like for city council to reconsider the city borders and draw the line at N Peachtree or maybe more to the west. I think people over there may be happier as residents of Doraville or Chamblee.
The next time Districts 1 and 2 need support on a city initiative, or zoning, or whatever comes up (like the Dunwoody Club Forest rezoning or the Manget Way group home conflict) I'm going to whip this sucker out and remind the mouthpiece that elements of their community think the "whack job sector" isn't "really" Dunwoody....
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
"He makes you look like an ass, is what he does, Ed."
Second verse, same as the first.
Hundreds of home business owners are once again put under collective suspicion. Not because of a spike in code complaints. The last code complaint filed against a home business was more than 6 months ago. Not because of some newsworthy disaster. All is quiet.
No, the latest proposed edits to the Chapter 27 covering home business activity are designed specifically to further chastise a friendly, law-abiding resident who admitted that some of his visitors would seek physical therapy. And to threaten other counselors and related practitioners already active in the community.
The original edits distributed (and saved for posterity) legally banned all customer contact for these enterprises. Mr Foote was advised at the last DHA meeting that not only is this a significant enforcement problem, it created a perception and support problem as well.
The latest edits, released this morning, scrap the scorched earth approach and zeroes in on Mr. Roberson's application as a physical therapist.
The ordinance goes on to define what is "acceptable" use of your home. Behind your closed doors.
None of this is new but the unwarranted scrutiny and hypocritical prejudice by our government officials is getting really old. Home businesses and all of the activity that goes along with them are a part of Dunwoody's neighborhood fabric and have been for decades. Even for someone like me whose home business is "acceptable" by the new definitions, I would have to spend money on a legal process, endure abuse from my local HOA, and tolerate wild speculation from residents all over town for the "right" to have people in my office. Which could ultimately be denied for any reason or none.
So tonight let's pop some popcorn, order a growler from Empire State, and watch the circus that is Planning Commission discuss this agenda item. Winners in the pool for individual votes and vote spread will be notified by email in the morning. Whatever happens with this ordinance, life isn't going to change. The more our city government tries to apply judgments to otherwise legal livelihoods, the more they end up like Principal Rooney chasing Ferris Bueller around Chicago.
Hundreds of home business owners are once again put under collective suspicion. Not because of a spike in code complaints. The last code complaint filed against a home business was more than 6 months ago. Not because of some newsworthy disaster. All is quiet.
No, the latest proposed edits to the Chapter 27 covering home business activity are designed specifically to further chastise a friendly, law-abiding resident who admitted that some of his visitors would seek physical therapy. And to threaten other counselors and related practitioners already active in the community.
The original edits distributed (and saved for posterity) legally banned all customer contact for these enterprises. Mr Foote was advised at the last DHA meeting that not only is this a significant enforcement problem, it created a perception and support problem as well.
The latest edits, released this morning, scrap the scorched earth approach and zeroes in on Mr. Roberson's application as a physical therapist.
The ordinance goes on to define what is "acceptable" use of your home. Behind your closed doors.
None of this is new but the unwarranted scrutiny and hypocritical prejudice by our government officials is getting really old. Home businesses and all of the activity that goes along with them are a part of Dunwoody's neighborhood fabric and have been for decades. Even for someone like me whose home business is "acceptable" by the new definitions, I would have to spend money on a legal process, endure abuse from my local HOA, and tolerate wild speculation from residents all over town for the "right" to have people in my office. Which could ultimately be denied for any reason or none.
So tonight let's pop some popcorn, order a growler from Empire State, and watch the circus that is Planning Commission discuss this agenda item. Winners in the pool for individual votes and vote spread will be notified by email in the morning. Whatever happens with this ordinance, life isn't going to change. The more our city government tries to apply judgments to otherwise legal livelihoods, the more they end up like Principal Rooney chasing Ferris Bueller around Chicago.
Sunday, March 12, 2017
The Real Hazards of Working From Home
Forget self-righteous government officials and over-zealous HOA officers. THIS is every telecommuting or home-based entrepreneur's worst nightmare!
Saturday, February 18, 2017
City Proposes Limiting Allowed Paint Colors on Private Homes
From NextDoor
The City of Doraville has on its February 21 Council agenda a discussion of setting limits on allowed paint colors on private homes.
From the discussion via NextDoor (emphases added)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hello Doraville residents. I noticed in the agendas from the Work Session Meeting from 2/16/17 and for the upcoming Council meeting on 2/21/17, that there are proposals made by Sharon Spangler and Shannon Hillard for restricting the external colors that can be used for single home dwellings as well as restrictions for front yard gardens and the type of materials that can be used. There are no specifics listed in the agenda as to what these restrictions could be. I strongly urge anyone who does not like the idea of adding more ordinances that restrict what we can or cannot do with our private properties, our homes, please attend this meeting and let your voice be heard. I will be there since I most certainly do object to this kind of nonsense.
I do not want to see such restrictions become a part of the city's ordinance code. I made a point of not moving into an HOA and certainly do not want the entire city to become one. There are enough ordinances regarding how we maintain our homes in Doraville as it is. I find these proposed types of restrictions a violation of my property rights and freedom of expression. If I want to paint my home purple (and I almost did), then it is no one's business if I do. Don't like it? Then don't look at it. There are far more important things to consider than what color someone's house is.
If I want to use old metal drums for planters or reuse/recycle other types of containers for a front yard garden then I don't see the issue. As long as it is clean and safe, who cares? Once again, how one decorates their home via house colors and gardening styles should not be restricted with very few exceptions in regards to public safety.
The words that are the city's motto, that are on the city's website, their newsletter are the following:
Diversity, Vitality, Community
Diversity:a range of different things; variety. How much variety will exist if everyone's home has to be a neutral color? Or can only be blue, green, or yellow? How different will one home look from another if all planters must be made of a certain material and can only be a certain size?? If all the flower beds are rectangles?
Vitality: the state of being strong and active; energy. And now opinions will vary on this one, but I find nothing so dull and lifeless as a bunch of identical homes with identical lawns. Do we not gain strength and life from diversity?
Community: a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. Now this one is even trickier. Does Doraville want a community of diversity and vitality where people of different cultures, with different opinions and ideas are able to come together to live in relative harmony? Or does Doraville want a different kind of community?
This is what happens when a city council has the latitude to edit property rights piecemeal according to the whims of small niche groups.
The City of Doraville has on its February 21 Council agenda a discussion of setting limits on allowed paint colors on private homes.
From the discussion via NextDoor (emphases added)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hello Doraville residents. I noticed in the agendas from the Work Session Meeting from 2/16/17 and for the upcoming Council meeting on 2/21/17, that there are proposals made by Sharon Spangler and Shannon Hillard for restricting the external colors that can be used for single home dwellings as well as restrictions for front yard gardens and the type of materials that can be used. There are no specifics listed in the agenda as to what these restrictions could be. I strongly urge anyone who does not like the idea of adding more ordinances that restrict what we can or cannot do with our private properties, our homes, please attend this meeting and let your voice be heard. I will be there since I most certainly do object to this kind of nonsense.
I do not want to see such restrictions become a part of the city's ordinance code. I made a point of not moving into an HOA and certainly do not want the entire city to become one. There are enough ordinances regarding how we maintain our homes in Doraville as it is. I find these proposed types of restrictions a violation of my property rights and freedom of expression. If I want to paint my home purple (and I almost did), then it is no one's business if I do. Don't like it? Then don't look at it. There are far more important things to consider than what color someone's house is.
If I want to use old metal drums for planters or reuse/recycle other types of containers for a front yard garden then I don't see the issue. As long as it is clean and safe, who cares? Once again, how one decorates their home via house colors and gardening styles should not be restricted with very few exceptions in regards to public safety.
The words that are the city's motto, that are on the city's website, their newsletter are the following:
Diversity, Vitality, Community
Diversity:a range of different things; variety. How much variety will exist if everyone's home has to be a neutral color? Or can only be blue, green, or yellow? How different will one home look from another if all planters must be made of a certain material and can only be a certain size?? If all the flower beds are rectangles?
Vitality: the state of being strong and active; energy. And now opinions will vary on this one, but I find nothing so dull and lifeless as a bunch of identical homes with identical lawns. Do we not gain strength and life from diversity?
Community: a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. Now this one is even trickier. Does Doraville want a community of diversity and vitality where people of different cultures, with different opinions and ideas are able to come together to live in relative harmony? Or does Doraville want a different kind of community?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This person's post is not hyperbole. Here is the Doraville city council agenda packet for 2/21 with all of the data on this question included.
Thursday, February 16, 2017
DeKalb Commission Meets in Dunwoody in February
DeKalb County commissioners are trying to make themselves more accessible to the public by holding their first evening meeting.
The DeKalb Board of Commissioners will convene at Dunwoody City Hall at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, one of three evening meetings scheduled this year.
30 minutes are available for public comment starting at 6:30 pm, presumably at the end of the meeting.
Monday, February 6, 2017
We're Still Proud
Thank you for a great season, Falcons! We'll be back in the fall.
(Patrick, listen up - I want a #11 jersey for Valentine's Day)
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