Clayton.Talk

By sv

April 2, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this

I moved to the most southern part of Clayton County in 1994, near Lovejoy. At the time, there was a lot of open land, low noise, low crime, and the schools were good. Wildlife was abundant whereever you were. Lovejoy High School was ranked in the top 20 of the state. Adults and children were respectful, teachers loved teaching and good administrators were able to do their jobs. Now, with new homes and rip-off home buying contracts offered, an influx of people who once weren’t able to purchase a home, were able to. And they brought their lifestyle and attitudes with them. We now have had great teachers and administrators leaving since 2002, crime has gone through the roof, high gang activity is present, and SWAT has been called on more than one occasion so far this year at LHS. One, its sad those who moved here accept and practice this lifestyle as a way of life and brought it with them, but also that its forced alot of good people to leave the area. Clayton County is now the “new Dekalb”.

By Joe

April 2, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this

Clayton County is home and has been for my family sience 1908. I’m not running but staying. The fact that other cultures are here, we are all made in God’s image. We are all heires of the same King. Forest Park First Baptist and Jonesbor First Baptist are on fire for the good of the entire area through the teachings of Jesus. Come join us?

By William

April 2, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

I was born and raised in Clayton County. I am proud to be here. HOWEVER, I am NOT HAPPY with all the people who have moved here. I hear complaints all the time from people who have moved here within the last five years. If you don’t like it, move away and leave us alone. I don’t want more houses. I don’t want more stores. I don’t want a commuter rail. I really don’t want more people here that can commit more crimes. I just want it to be the quiet county it once was. I’m also tired of people moving here and trying to change things around because they don’t like the way it was (example would be trying to rename all the roads in the area that have been landmarks for decades).

By Love my home, not my neighbors

April 2, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

I agree with William. I love my home, the history in my area, the memories of Morrow High School being a School of Excellence Award winner. I am not at all happy about my dirty, public bus riding, section 8 neighbors who don’t care about or take care of their children or property. People need to take pride in what they have, even if it’s not much.

Kimberly Allen, Are you embarrased by the race baiting questions and generally lame questions that you are throwing out to us??? I will say I’m embarrassed that YOU live in Clayton County.

By Sir Laughsalot

April 2, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

Who wouldn’t be embarassed to be connected to a county whose reputation stinks to high heaven! Crime is up, gangs abound, foreclosures are every where, and the general state of the community is in decline; but, my hope is that the peace and good order that exists in my little part of the county will spread and begin to take over. I’m not real optimistic about that, but I refuse to concede just yet.

By KRM

April 2, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

No I am not ashamed to say I live in this county. I am a Realtor and believe me Clayton does not have near as many problems as some of the other counties. I specialize in foreclosures and some other counties have communities where every other home on the market is a foreclosure or is going into foreclosures. As far as crime is concerned I have never been afraid to go out and about in Clayton but there are some parts of Fulton, Dekalb, and Gwinnett I will not even ride through. People need to stop believing everything that they see on the nightly news because they only focus on certain parts of the city but crime happens in every county everyday. I know teachers in several different counties and most public middle and high schools have several problems. So people please stop believing the hype that Clayton is the worst county because if it was I don’t think Henry county police officers would be living in my neighborhood with their families.

By GH

April 2, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

I am not happy with this county that I grew up in but I don’t really see any great alternatives. Would I move from this county to another metro county? No, that just seems crazy, after all I watch the news every night and I don’t think that there’s any metro county not showing up there with violent crimes. I read the Henry vent where they are also complaining about gangs and section 8 housing. Yeah right now I hate admit that I belong to this area known as Atlanta.

By angwith2

April 2, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

If it wasn’t for the horrible school system and administrators, I would stay in Clayton Co. BUT….I need to put my children first so the house goes on the market this month…..after 8 years, I’ve had enough.

By Stephanie a Signle Mom

April 2, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

I have lived in Clayton County since 1986 and I have to say I love my county. Yes, it has it problems but what are we as a community doing to help make it better.

My children go to North Clayton High & Babb Middle and they are both great schools. If you would volunteer sometimes you will see the difference, it is only a hand full not all.

Get out and volunteer instead of complaining all the time. Also just a little piece of knowledge, WHATEVER HIGH SCHOOL YOUR CHILD GRADUATES FROM IT IS GOING TO SAY THE SAME THING AS IF THEY ATTENDED A HIGH SCHOOL IN CLAYTON COUNTY, THAT DIPLOMA IS MADE OFF THE SAME PAPER AND SAYS NOTHING DIFFERENT IF YOU TAKE THEM TOA SCHOOL IN FULTON, COBB, DEKALB, HENRY OR DOUGLAS COUNTIES. THE SCHOOL SYSTEM IS ALWAYS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS.

By Old Timer

April 2, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

I am a Black female who has lived in Clayton Co. since 1984. First in Riverdale and then moved to Jonesboro so my kids could attend Lovejoy. Lovejoy, along with the rest of Clayton Co. has gone DOWN. Fulton Co. opened up the doors and let the riff-raff run from the projects to Clayton. Just because you come from welfare doesn’t mean you have to stay. We want our community back.

By A. Epps

April 2, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

Moving here from the North in 1990 i believed in Clayton County and still do if we can’t make it here and help with what is happening to our town well it mean this is what you will do anywhere you go. Help to keep your neighborhood safe and clean. Make a point to see if the teachers are in need of your input talk to your children until they get it and believe me they will. I promise you things will change and you will be proud to say you live here.Lets make the News worth talking about.

By s

April 2, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

Yes, I am embarrased that I live in Clayton County. I hate that mexicans and chinese people have literally taken over with the clutter in their yards—all those bamboo and corn stalks in their front yards—and their stinking grocery stores. And I do mean “stinking” literally. I’m ashamed of the black race and the crap that they do. The crime committed by these children is just absolutely ludacris! There is no reason for these kids to behave the way they do. They have more than we could’ve ever dreamed of as kids in the 60’s and 70’s. The parents of these children just let them run wild. They don’t check on them to see what they’re doing when they’re in school, and they definitely don’t check to see what they’re doing when they’re out and about in the neighborhoods. The effects of kids having kids is affected the black community in the most horrendous way. The boys with the sagging pants and over-sized shirts just epitomizes ignorance.

By hatetosayit

April 2, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

I grew up in Clayton County and graduated from Morrow High School in the late 90’s. It used to be a nice place to live and now you couldn’t pay me to raise my children here. I do agree with GH that the crime and bad schools are everywhere in Atlanta. That’s why I live outside the metro area and commute in.

By HT

April 2, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

Some of those who’ve posted indicate that Clayton County isn’t as bad as other counties today. Who cares… That doesn’t justify anything. The current state of Clayton County is unacceptable, especially when raising children. The problem is that we’ve had people move to this county where low to non-existent parental involvement, teen mothers, high crime, gangs, and poor school expectations were the norm. They’ve brought those attitudes and way of life with them and are now bringing better neighborhoods down to the same level they came from. Just because there may be less problems than in some areas doesn’t mean its acceptable and OK. We should expect our schools and neighborhoods to be like Starrs Mill, McIntosh, etc. Those that have been year for decades are seeing this once wonderful county turn into Southwest Dekalb.

By William

April 2, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

I have something to add to Love my home, not my neighbors. Why is someone (Kimberly Allen) who moved here in 2004 trying to stir up so much trouble in this area. SHE is exactly like one of the people I DON’T want here. Why should she even bring up the question of renaming things and asking if we are embarassed to live here when she has only been here since 2004?

By GH

April 2, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

My SIL moved to almost Alabama to get her kids out of Clayton. She now drives everyday to Atlanta so that means middle school children left on thier own for hours before she gets there, not the alternative I want either. Besides she thought if she got her kid out of Clayton County schools he wouldn’t be bad and that he’d be smarter. Turns out he’s still bad and dumb.

By tiredofit

April 2, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

Here we go, another race-baiting question from Kimberley. Don’t you have an original thought in your head? You don’t have to be a genius to see that Clayton County has gone down the tubes since Atlanta cleaned house for the 1996 Olympics.

By GH

April 2, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

Hey Kimberly, did you come here from New York just to save us? Funny, we seemed to be doing alright before you yankees got here to teach us the right way.

By cairo

April 2, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

I agree with sv. I moved to Clayton County in 1993. My motivation was the reputation of the schools and the growth. Kids were respectful and so were the neighbors. I just recently bought another new home in Clayton and before I could make my first mortgage payment, I had the back window of my SUV smashed out while parked in my drive way. I lived in my old neighborhood for 13 years and never had any trouble. However, in the last six to seven years, I began to see more police activity and the need for it. My reasons for staying in Clayton is because I truly believe that it can become what it once was… a great place to live. Together, we all can make a difference.

By WTF?

April 2, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

WTF does how long a person lives in the area have to do with anything? I’d welcome the POSITIVE opinions & hopefully assistance to make this place better from ANY person living here, regardless of race or city of origin. The only mention of race has been in various responses to this article, so why even go there?

Anyway … I am not a Georgia native but do like living in Clayton (for past 6 years). Never had any problems. Admittedly I’m happy my children are grown so I don’t have to deal with the educational system here which really stinks. But I do look at this as an investment … got my house cheap & know eventually things will turn around & my investment will pay off big. The question then would be, do I stay & reap the rewards, or move on to somewhere that could be going through what Clayton is now? Either way, I can’t wait to see Clayton progress & watch the faces of those who ran when the going got tough, although if you have school aged children I can see why you would.

By WTF?

April 2, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

Oh let me just add - I DO believe that TOGETHER we can ALL make a difference in Clayton, regardless if you are a local/native or a relocated family.

If you’re used to living decent, you will want that regardless of where you came from or where you live today, those are the people we have to get active in the community to help make a difference!

By Vexorg

April 2, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

I am not ashamed to say that I am a homeowner who lives in his home in Clayton County. What does concern me is the “get even with whitey” and “I’m entitled” attitude of certain ethnic groups that have moved in.

Whatever happened to judging a person based upon their abilities and not their skin color, regardless if they are black OR white or, what the preachers seem to forget to preach about the Golden Rule of “treat others as they would treat you”???

By mind your business,

April 2, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this

Thank goodness i didn’t move to clayton, I just knew there would be ignorant people like GH, S & WILLIAM living there. Yes i would of been embarrass to live there.

By Jamie

April 3, 2007 7:30 AM | Link to this

I am just disappointed that a person living in Clayton would have such a title of her article if she actually likes living here. This is my first time reading an article by Kimberly, but now I know to steer clear. Kimberly what did you hope to accomplish with this blog? Kimberly, are you embarrassed and what are you doing to make your neighborhood, subdivision, school system, community, etc a great place? Please include that in a statement or two and I would be very appreciative.

By Shawn

April 3, 2007 7:32 AM | Link to this

I’ve lived in Clayton Cty since 1994. I like the place (other than the increasing traffic) but have noticed the overall decline that has gone on. In the schools its the problem of teachers being so inundated with additional paperwork and not being able to discipline that academic progress is slowed. In the community it is the small element that don’t want to act right, don’t keep their children in check, don’t help with the community that are causing degradation in quality of life for everyone else.

For those above who argue otherwise, it’s not about race, it’s about behavior. So save that BS about the black race. I’m black, take care of my home, and put two children through college that never committed a crime (besides speeding) in their life. So s, GH, and Love my Home Not My Neighbors can just hush.

By sr. citizen

April 3, 2007 8:32 AM | Link to this

Have lived in Clayton since 1972. Worked in Clayton from 1965-1988. Daughter was (1987) graduate of Jonesboro High School which prepared her well for another successful career at Univ. of Georgia. I was volunteer for several county events each year. Was good life. Now, I feel i dont belong and now, other than Church, I participate in no activites in Clayton. I do think a “stigma” attaches when i tell others I live in Clayton County (they’re usually sympathetic but at the same time wonder why I do)

By Dekalb is Greater

April 3, 2007 8:44 AM | Link to this

HT, don’t put down Dekalb: with your ignorant self. Just because Clayton sucks with all of its violence and crimes, Clayton will never compare to the award winning county that Dekalb is. Dekalb has a cluster of more affluent blacks who have taken up residents in South Dekalb than any other county in the nation. Also, let me remind you,these blacks know how to take care of their kids and support their communities. Not just sit on a blog and vent. So, let me ask you what are you doing about the situation. Finally, if you haven’t been to South Dekalb lately please take a visit..”Us black Folks are taking back our communites and are on the move for excellence.

By Gregg

April 3, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this

“Clayton County is now the “new Dekalb’.”

Clayton could only be so lucky for this to be true. Chamblee, Lakeside and Dunwoody high schools are rated among the top public high schools in the country. One of the largest retail areas in the metro area, home to thousands of corporate jobs.

Sure, I would like to see the Memorial Drive area cleaned up but don’t flatter yourself. Clayton is in a class all by itself when it comes to proverbial “armpit communities”.

By Ken

April 3, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this

The problem is the high number of young black men without fathers. 70% illegitimacy is a problem. While this problem isn’t unique to Clayton, it is worse because of the concentration. They roam the streets in packs, looking for trouble.

Young black boys AND girls have to be taught manners. They need to learn how to speak English. They need to learn boundaries. With a church on every corner I wonder what’s being taught within those walls. Black people(young) are getting crazier by the day.Stop making excuses.

Before you get angry, this is said by a 30-something black man who has worked hard to get an education and buy a home on his own. I’m embarrassed just as Dr. King or Malcolm X would be embarrassed.

By Rick

April 3, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this

Why be embarrassed by things one can’t control? Clayton has undergone a significant change in demographics in a very short period and with such change comes the stresses we now see. We seem to have a racial confrontation that far too many people are more interested in continuing rather than ending and that applies to both black and white. Too much finger pointing and not enough honest discussion on how to move forward. I have lived here since 1985 and there is no doubt that Clayton has become more dangerous, but then so have all of the surrounding counties. As long as people continue to prejudge others because of the color of their skin rather than on who they are we will face this stress. We are all in this together and it’s high time we start acting like grown ups instead of a bunch of whining b*** children.

By Greater In Decatur

April 3, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

Thanks to all my South Dekalb residents, i have lived in South Dekalb for more than 20 years, raised my two adult children, who attended Southwest DeKalb & Lakeside High School, who are productive & registered voters, i would not live anywhere in the metro area, but South Dekalb, like all of the Metro Area there are problems, so please Clayton stop comparing yourself with South Dekalb you have a long way to go to catch up with us, and i mean that in a positive way.

By mozymozart

April 3, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this

I lived in clayton county while attending FPHS. I’m embarrased to say I lived there and hate that it has turned out to be such a dump. The county has not been taken care of despite the new businesses….what does that say about tax dollars? I refuse to shop or even come close to it again.

By Penny for my thoughts

April 3, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this

What? I moved from South Dekalb to Clayton county. While I admit Clayton has it’s problems, there aren’t any places I am afraid to go. Crime was a HUGE issue for us in Dekalb. You are blessed to have such productive citizens as children. However, that’s not what I saw in my old neighborhood.

By Penny for my thoughts

April 3, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this

What? I moved from South Dekalb to Clayton county. While I admit Clayton has it’s problems, there aren’t any places I am afraid to go. Crime was a HUGE issue for us in Dekalb. You are blessed to have such productive citizens as children. However, that’s not what I saw in my old neighborhood.

By Clayton Better Half

April 3, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

I have something to add to William and Love My Home, Not My Neighbors: I have been a taxpaying, law abiding citizen of this county for years which gives me and anyone else that lives in Clayton (no matter how long) the right to voice our opinion, talk about and ask anything we want regarding Clayton or any other county in Georgia. Can an article ever be written or a question asked without people like you turning things around so YOU can stir up trouble. I wonder if it weren’t for the pen you hide behind would you even have the nerve to open your mouth. So here’s my opinion WILLIAM - its deed-seeded racist jerks like you that I DON’T WANT HERE!

By DAN

April 3, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

WE LEFT THAT NIGHTMARE IN 06 AND MOVED TO FLORIDA. I WOULD MUCH RATHER DEAL WITH HURRICANES THAT THAT THIRD WORLD SEWER.

By Love my home, not my neighbors

April 3, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this

Thanks for helping with my point Shawn. I never mentioned race as the downfall of the county. It’s the neighbors who don’t care that make me crazy. I said the questions posted here are race baiting and YOU proved it by throwing the black word out there. My neighborhood has it all, whites, blacks, mexicans, asians, some good, some bad. It’s not a race thing for me. For the record, most of the blacks in my area are from Ft. Gillem. They have respect, discipline, control of their children and PRIDE! I have no problems with them.

By Greg

April 3, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

I know that my comment is going to be inflammatory but it is the truth. I grew up in Clayton County. I lived there from birth in 1966 through 1995. Clayton was once a nice suburban area with good schools, safe streets, and a decent to excellent quality of life. I wouldn’t dare think of living there now. I do feel the decline of the county coincided with the influx of blacks. My family and friends have all moved out. We were part of the white flight. Now, having said that I will say this, last week I drove through the areas where I lived in Riverdale. I noticed that while the neighborhoods did not look as nice as they did when I was a child, they did look better than they had the last time I took that same drive perhaps 5 to 7 years ago. Perhaps the influx of blacks and other races brought uncertainly, instability and thus reduced investment in the area. It appears that perhaps the areas are stabilizing and investment is increasing. Investment appears in many forms. It can be new construction, it can be grooming a lawn, or it can be painting a house. I saw many different examples. It appears that the people who live there now want the same thing I do, safe clean streets, good schools, and no/low crime. I still wouldn’t want to live in Clayton, but at a glance the areas where I once lived seemed to be improving into nice neighborhoods once again.

By Patrick

April 3, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

I was raised in Clayton County and I graduated from Morrow High School. I now live in Midtown Atlanta and I am always embarassed to tell people where I grew up. I always tell them it was nice when I lived there. My parents now live in Henry County (which btw, I wouldn’t live there either). The old restored neighborhoods in the midtown area are virtually crime free, our schools Morningside Elem,Inman Middle and Grady High are some of the best in the state and we have close commutes to our jobs and the best restaurants and shopping in the south. So am I embarassed to say I am from Clayton County? Yes, I am. But nor would I live in any other suburban Atlanta county either. ITP is the place to be!!!

By Amy

April 3, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

I don’t live in Clayton County but I got a rental car that had a Clayton County tag and I thought… “oh great people are going to think I’m from Clayton”. It used to be a good growing county. Now all I think about when I hear Clayton is gang violence and crime. I don’t think I would ever want to visit there. They need to make some changes. I feel bad for all of the good people that live in Clayton. Its sad that bad eggs give a place a bad rep.

By Love my home, not my neighbors

April 3, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

I don’t hide my opinions or anything else behind my keyboard. I open my mouth often at board meetings and have for several years. Would you like to meet for coffee after one?

By Heather

April 3, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

I grew up in Clayton County. I graduated from Riverdale High School in the mid-eighties. When I was in school Clayton County was comprised of mostly blue-collar workers employed by the airlines or Ford Plant. People worked hard, went to church, raised their kids to respect themselves and authority.

We moved to the south end of the county in 1989. I, too, enjoyed the wide-open spaces of the Panhandle area. I, too, was excited about my children attending Lovejoy High School and even took pictures for my preschool aged children to be able to see when they attended Lovejoy what it looked like during construction.

Unfortunately, Lovejoy was a nightmare for my caucasian children. My youngest son is autistic and the staff of Lovejoy Middle School failed to honor the education plan developed for him. He was frequently attacked and beaten up by other students. My middle son was taunted as racially motivated - anti-white documentaries were broadcast to the entire school.

We left Clayton County last summer. I am still paying for a home there that I can’t sell but it’s worth every dime to give my children a better chance. My youngest son remarked on his first day of school in Cherokee County: “mom, the teachers here SMILE at you”.

By al

April 3, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

I am 24 years old, and at least 20 of those I have lived in Clayton County and I have never seen anything go from great to horrible so quickly. Honestly it has nothing to do with race. I enjoy meeting people here. THAT SPEAK ENGLISH!!! And you know what else is sad??? I had a bum ask for money from me at a gas station of WALT STEPHENS RD.!!!! The last remaining descent area of Clayton County. I would rather live in Dekalb than Clayton!

By WTF?

April 3, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

Love my home not my neighbors - thanks for proving that you, via your comments, are actually the one starting the race baiting in this forum. Race was never mentioned in the article & barely mentioned in posts, but you just keep on bringing it up. The author can’t be held responsible for ignorant rants & thoughts of racists on this or any other online forum.

By JT

April 3, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

I’m even embarrassed to say I live in the county next to Clayton. Clayton is the armpit of the metro area and you are a fool for moving there. Now, unfortunately, Henry Co. is getting infected by Clayton’s funk.

By ClayCo. Native

April 3, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

Native of Clayton County, J’Boro grad class of ‘81. The fact is is that Clayton County has become a Hip-Hop dump. Drive thru Riverdale, Morrow or Forest Park and you’ll see. Almost nothing but a bunch of multinational homies, punks, thugs & wannabe’s. I’m not hatin’, just stating the truth. Live in Henry now and we’ll be having this same conversation in 5 years as the downhill crap roll continues down Hwy 42.

By Lisa

April 3, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

I must say that I have always liked Clayton County. I actually purchased my house 9 years ago and with a 1 year old at the time wasn’t even thinking about the schools. My child attended Pre-K in Clayton county and since then has been in Private school. She is actually AFRAID to go to the school in our area. So as it goes Clayton county is good take away the illegal aliens, drug activity, and gangs.

By Jenny

April 3, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

Well, where do I start. Why is Clayton County so embarassing to live in??? Well, they want to change the name of historical highway to some woman who wouldn’t listen. The international park(Atlanta Beach) is more like a public bath. The schools are worse than prison. The Flint River is just a sewage ditch. And nobody in the state of Georgia moves to Clayton County unless they got kicked out of there section 8 housing in another county. Illegals are everywhere. No one speaks english, that includes the ebonics I cannot understand. Sherriff Victor Hill is one brain cell away from wearing a bib and a helmet!

By Love my home, not my neighbors

April 3, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

Yes, I’m the one guilty of bringing up the “county’s current image”, changing names of streets that is all racially motivated, etc. I did all that. I also break into my own home just so I can have something to complain about.

By WTF?

April 3, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

Love my home - if we keep ignoring the problem & not even talking about it, how is change supposed to happen? Is Tinkerbell gonna swoop down with her wand & change it - no. I don’t like the county’s current image either but hopefully starting a dialouge will help bring about change & make people want to get involved. I am sometimes embarassed to say I live here & I think that’s a REAL life thing for many residents whether they care to admit or not.

The reason things are so bad here & all over the country is because for YEARS folks (elected officials & citizens alike) swept problems under the rug & pretended everything was fine until the negative knocks (no bangs) on their doorstep. Talking about problems or issues doesn’t make it racial baiting, try stepping into the new millenium for awhile, you may find its not so bad here. Also if you knew anything about journalism you’d know that some subjects are broached to get folks to talk.

Real racists will find & perpetrate the negative in ANYTHING no matter what you talk about or how positive it is, & that goes for black, white, purple & blue people.

By weezie

April 3, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

S Since you don’t like minoriites living in Clayton county, you should move to Forsyth county. The will welcome you with opened arms.

By weezie

April 3, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

S Since you don’t like minoriites living in Clayton county, you should move to Forsyth county. The will welcome you with opened arms.

By Born and Raised

April 3, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

I am 43 years old born and raised in Jonesboro. I despise what has happened to our county. Let’s not talk about race but character. If you dress like a thug looking punk you will be profiled, if you talk like an illiterate, you will be stereotyped. I agree with Ken. Why don’t we start a local group meeting for those of us that want to make a difference and get to know each other? As far as race goes, I think it would be good for us all to join together and learn from on another, who knows, some new found friendships could be waiting. We can take back our community!

By jaim

April 3, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

GEEZ,is it really that bad?

By JR

April 3, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

I’m embarrassed to say I grew up in Clayton County. I always tell people that I lived there “before it got so bad”. I have been trying so hard to get my parents to move out of that hellhole county to no avail. Their house is paid off so they want to stay put. Even when I started 1st grade in 1980, my parents had the sense to send me to private school instead of North Clayton. Clayton County has continually gone downhill and is a true embarrassment to Atlanta.

By Morgan

April 3, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

Yes, It’s an embarrasment to our people as a race, and we are letting our communites go down. We need to come together on one accord ASAP….. WE WANT OUR CHILDREN AND COMMUNITES BACK….

By GRAYNETT

April 3, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

FOR ALL THE NEGATIVE RESIDENCES OF CLAYTON COUNTY, WHAT ARE YOU DOING, TO IMPROVE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD? HAVE YOU EVER WENT TO ANY OF THE THE CITY COUNSEL MEETING? DO YOU TALK TO LOCAL GOVERMENT THAT YOU PUT INTO OFFICE. STOP COMPLAINTING. START DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT. DO YOU TALK TO THE POLICE OFFICER THAT YOUR TAX DOLLARS ARE PAYING FOR. DO YOU KNOW WHAT COMMISIONERS ARE IN YOUR AREA? IF YOU DON’T LIKE WHAT GOING ON REMEMBER YOU ARE PAYING FOR IT. VOICE YOUR OPINION TO YOU OFFICIAL. I HAVE BEEN IN CLAYTON COUNTY FOR 4 YEARS AND I WOULD NOT NOT LIVE ANYWHERE ELSE. MAKE A STAND TAKE YOUR COMMUNITY BACK.

By j

April 3, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

Think about this long and hard: if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck then it’s a duck… Demographics can be the savior or killer of a county or city. Why does Buckhead flourish? Why does Vinings flourish? Why does Virginia Highlands flourish? Why is Canton booming? Why does Alpharetta flourish? I know they all have crime, etc. But seriously, what seperates these places from Clayton or the other “bad places”? It’s the demographics. The demographics are made up of cultures that have been raised a specific way. Some cultures have 30 people and 14 trucks to a small house and then paint the house hot pink. Some cultures had rather have a $70k truck or $1k car with $9k (good investment) in rims instead of having a nice house in a good neighborhood or a 401k. Some cultures perfer to concentrate on living in a clean, safe environment and working hard. My taxes are nearly what my mortgage is because I have to pay for women who can’t stop having babies! I have to dodge potholes where I live because these baby machines need food stamps. The county can’t fix the roads but can support these people and programs. I need a program for me!!!
Until the attitudes of certain cultures change, it will stay the same. Cultures bring with them what they cultivate be it gangs, babies, drugs, soccer fields, nice homes, jobs, etc. From there, our law enforcement officials cannot enforce our laws b/c people scream racism. I laugh so hard when a person screams “racism” while being arrested by an officer of their own race. That’s the true ignorance. In order to move on, we need to drop it. Just drop it. Dunwoody could turn into Clayton Co. if given a chance. It probably won’t as its citizens will not allow it. Just look at home prices and you’ll find where the nice hoods are…which will be seperated by deomgraphics. I drive past the corner of West Wesley and Northside Drive every day while taking a short cut to 75. Young black males sit on the sidewalk in front of million dollar homes. They sit with their legs hanging in the road and will not move them for cars. Cars must go around them. Why? Are these guys sooo tough that they don’t need to move? Nope. It’s the culture. On my ride to work, the trucks with 20 Mexican men and 50 ladders on them clog our interstates by driving slowly in the fast lane. This creates road rage. Why do they do this? It’s the culture. At the mall in Alpharetta, white females with strollers think they can bump you out of the way. They also think its cute for 5 yr old “Taylor” or “Brandon” or “Britt” to come to your table and scream at you during dinner. Why do they do this? It’s the culture. Culture sucks…

By one

April 3, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

I read the writing on the wall in 1998 and moved out of Clayton…..and into southeast Atlanta, where for a number of years I had to deal with the same shocked look when I said where I live. Things have changed completely and now people tell me they’d like to move into my neighborhood but can’t afford it! So don’t despair….SE Atlanta fell ALOT farther than Clayton has.

By Pet

April 3, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

Clayton County has changed in negative ways. I’ve lived here since 1975. The kids in my neighborhood walk the streets all night and it’s sometimes difficult to pass them because they don’t want to move from the street. They feel that they have a right to get an attitude even when they are clearly wrong/disrespectful. Kids do like and what there parents do. Kids raising kids is really what this is all about. Stop using race as a behavioral trait. Bad kids are bad kids. Bad parents are bad parents. You can’t demand respect from your children when they become teenagers. The respect process starts when the child is born. I see to often parents become excessively friendly with their children, which sometimes fosters bad behavior. Don’t let a tragedy happen to get involved or concerned with your children/community. Love you all.

By TIM

April 3, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

CLAYTON WAS OKAY BEFORE ALL THE BLACKS.

By Mark

April 3, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

Forget complaining about the people in Clayton. Start at the top. At the people that govern for money, instead of a sense of public duty. At the “me” people that are running the county. Public servants my rear end. They can’t spare time to serve the public for fighting amongst themselves.

By Redclay

April 3, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

Wake up people!!! I currently reside in Clayton County and I love it. Crime is everywhere… you can’t hide or run from it. Also, everyone here complaining makes it seem like South Central LA or Watts, LA. “If you scared go to Church”

By GRAYNETTA

April 3, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

TIM GET A LIFE>>>>>

By Me

April 3, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

Why stop at Clayton County, I am embarrassed to say that I am from Georgia period. Now what?

By CJ

April 3, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

Okay..When I first read this question I was like..what a retarded question! It’s just worded ALL wrong. The question should have been are you afraid to live in Clayton county. Embarrassed? What are we in high school? lol! Anyways, my husband and I are looking for a home and we already agreed Clayton is out! We will be staying in the Fairburn/Union City area..a much better choice. There are too many jitterbugs hangin’ out and trying to take over Clayton county. The truth hurts.

By Me

April 3, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

CJ, what is a jitterbug?

By Podunk

April 3, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

Heather, I probably know you. I, too, graduated from the once-great Riverdale High School back when it was a Senior High (RSH - who ya rootin’ for?) in 1984. I echo most of your sentiments.

I met my hubby at Riverdale high, bore my two kids at Southern Regional Medical Center (AKA: Clayton General back in the day)

We lived in Pointe South from the time our children were born until 2 years ago when they were in High School. We did not participate in the early “white flight” because we wanted to stay and make a stand. We didn’t want to be reactionary and run in fear.

So, what finally precipitated our move? A slow progression of events that unfolded over our final three years there: 1. Drive-by shooting in our cul-de-sac (drug deal gone bad). Kid #1 was standing outside at the time getting an umbrella and could have been shot, but thank GOD wasn’t. 2. Kid #2 pulled out of the high-school due to sexual harassment and lack of a quality education due to: A. Constant talking and messing around by the thugs (absolutely no discipline whatsoever) B. All the teachers at this great new school were new teachers themselves because no seasoned teacher wanted to be there. C. Consequently, the quality of education in general at this “state of the art” school absolutely stank.

I blame the whites for running instead of staying. The early black “settlers” in Clayton County simply wanted what everyone else wants…a better life for their kids. When the whites “flew the coop”, this opened up the door to rentals and the riff-raff that goes with rentals.

I blame the “riff-raff” (not all black people…there are plenty of good folks out there!) for destroying my once-safe neighborhood.

What, at this point, can be DONE unless the change occurs in the CULTURE and in the heart of the individual? Can tax-dollars and welfare change the heart? I think the answer has to be ONLY GOD. Not just Sunday church-going…but REALLY abiding by the truths found in scripture.

It’s just generally sad. I LOVED Clayton County and would have been content to live there for the rest of my life…I just didn’t want that life to be spent worrying about my kids’ safety and ducking and covering!!!!

By CJ

April 3, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

Me,

A jitterbug is a teenager. They’re everywhere!! AAAHHHH!!! They need to enforce a curfew and actually stick to it.

By CJ

April 3, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

j….wow!! How true! Thanks for the laugh. The way you worded it was pretty entertaining to read but sadly true.

By Podunk

April 3, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

This is for TIM in reference to this ignorant comment:

By TIM

CLAYTON WAS OKAY BEFORE ALL THE BLACKS.

Tim, if the whites hadn’t run in fear EN MASSE when a few black people started moving in, then there wouldn’t have BEEN thousands of rental properties and unsellable homes for low-class people to have MOVED INTO in the first place.

Black people didn’t ruin Clayton County….the financial and cultural instability that was caused by the massive reactionary white flight ruined Clayton County!

By Fayettedale

April 3, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

So I live in Fayetteville but I always read the Clayton County part of the paper. I wanted to say that Fayette County is turning into Clayton County on a daily basis. It seems like all of the riff raf has moved into the Pavillion and into South Fayette. I can’t even shop in the pavillion without seeing tags from Fulton and Clayton. I know Clayton has quality shopping because I shop up there all time. I also see a lot of other Fayette County people shopping up there as well. Clayton County use to be a great town to live in and hang out. Now I just run my errands and come home. When it gets dark at night I will go home and finish up my errands the next day. The town has become ghetto. Remeber Southlake mall??? That mall use to be wonderful to shop at. Now I would rather take the drive up to Cumberland or North Point. That mall has become an gansta haven. I even know some black people who hate going to that mall as well. People won’t can’t speak proper english or no english at all with their five screaming kids is not appealing. Even the movie theater is going down. You have the teenagers who just hang out in their gansta loving clothes trying to harrass the people who are tying to get into the theater. I have lived in Clayton, Henry and Fayette and the problem is growing. My next move will be out of Georgia because it seems like every place I move too it turns into a ghetto. I thought I had hope in Henry County. So I brought a house in the City Square subdivision thinking I would live there for atleast 10 years I couldn’t even make it ten months. The crime, the gangs and the school system was too much to take. I had to beg people to buy my house to get out of there. I thought Fayette County would have been a little bit better since I grew up there but now it has become a hot mess. The ghetto people are taking over and we have to stop it! Florida here I come!! Please don’t follow me…

By GO TIM

April 3, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

“Black people didn’t ruin Clayton County….the financial and cultural instability that was caused by the massive reactionary white flight ruined Clayton County!”

Because there weren’t enough whites left to work and pay for all the things the blacks take for granted??? You’re blaming whites for leaving??? And to set the record straight, it wasn’t a “few” blacks that started the white flight. There were always blacks from Fort Gillem and the airlines. The difference is that those blacks fit in since they were educated, proper and had some dang respect. Nobody has that anymore.

By Hmmm

April 3, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

Give it some time and there isn’t going to be anywhere for White people to live in America, what with all the minorites moving in and taking over. Oh well, I guess White people are going to have to go take over some other country. Maybe that is what George Bush is doing over in Iraq, because in a while, there won’t be anymore Iraqis alive. God Bless America!

By Ghetto Person

April 3, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

Hey Fayettedale, we’re right behind you.

By Well

April 3, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

If your ancestors would have left my ancestors in Africa, we wouldn’t even be having this conversation and you guys would be living in a crime free environment. Oops, i forgot about the Mexicans.

By WTF?

April 3, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

WTF? Mission accomplished to the earliest posters (S, GH & William I believe) you’ve managed to turn a someone civilized convo about why some are embarassed to say they live here into a conversation about race.

By Melissa

April 3, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

Considering I was car-jacked by 4 13-year old girls while several people sat and watched…I HATE CLAYTON COUNTY! I have lived in Forest Park for 12 years and can not wait til my house sells and I can leave this horrible town!

By Native American

April 3, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

None of you people belong here. You people murdered and stole the land from my people, so you deserve what you get!!

By na

April 3, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

crime is in all counties, we as neighbors need to keep a watch on each others and our surroundings. especially during work hours when you have drop out teenagers and aldults,watching our whereabouts, for break ins. i think also the patrol needs to be more visible in areas.

By outta there!

April 3, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

My family moved to Clayton County in 1976 when I was just a baby. I graduated from Morrow High School. I have (too many to count) fond memories of Clayton County. Parents dropping us off at the “Skate Palace” for those all weekend skates, and they didn’t have to worry about us. Hanging out at Southlake Mall, football games at Tara Stadium on Friday nights. I remember when (my) biggest fear whas whether or not I was going to pass Ms. (flunkin) Duncan’s english class.

I remember Mt. Zion blvd BEFORE it became an exit on 75. I remember when 675 was a dirt road. Clayton County was wonderful. I moved out of Clayton County because it just became too crowded. What once was “country” is now commercial.

There will be crime (of some kind) anywhere you go. It’s not about ethnicity it’s about population. With the shopping, and car dealorships, and fast food comes convinence, and people. More crime comes with more people. I currently live OUT of the metro area, because it is just so overpopulated.

By grow up

April 3, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

Everyone always HAS to get there 3 seconds of fame in some how, Complaining about the mexican, DO THERE JOBS, oh you can’t, get rid of the blacks, oh there not going ANY where, Don’t speak english, it’s ok there staying REGARDLESS. whites are dumb , too bad that’s how they are. get over it, nobody is taking over unless you are weak and allow it. It’s sad to see how people that don’t speak english come here and buy there own houses and there own business, People born here are TOO lazy… that the only thing they could do is cry over other people coming to take there stuff which doesn’t belong to anyone. answer the question, embarrass ? YES OR NO…. simply minded people. GROW UP……. This is call life, THERE ALWAYS HAS TO BE A BALANCE, GOOD & BAD.

By Trevor

April 4, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

The post from “grow up” is a perfect example of why inarticulate, uneducated low-breeds should not blog. “Whites are dumb”? Whatever. I guess anyone who argues with an idiot is an idiot, right? Then again, what could we possibly expect from inhabitants of the new Clayton County?

By Dean

April 4, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

outta there: I agree that it is not about ethnicity (or race, for that matter), but it has a LOT more to do with culture than with overpopulation. Black, white, or whatever, most people in Clayton County these days subscribe to a way of living that is self-centered, careless, hedonistic, disrespectful, tacky and just downright dirty. THIS will be Clayton County’s challenge for the next 10 years - either educating this “class” of people or eliminating through Section 8 abatement and a mass drive to alleviate the multi-generational effects of welfare and other government programs that continue to foster this hideous culture of entitlement.

By GH

April 4, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

I wasn’t talking about race, never once mentioned anyone’s race. I did say yankees, if that’s code for AA, I didn’t know, so for the record I was talking about folks north of the Mason-Dixon Line. Especially New Yorkers.

By pat

April 4, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

yes i am the crime rate is bad and the police dept is corrupt and when you go to the commissioners meeting to voice your option nothing happens, but when its election time they all want your vote, the school systems need help,our new chief of police is all talk and no show,and its going to get worse.

By pat

April 4, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

yes i am the crime rate is bad and the police dept is corrupt and when you go to the commissioners meeting to voice your option nothing happens, but when its election time they all want your vote, the school systems need help,our new chief of police is all talk and no show,and its going to get worse.

By -R

April 4, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

“Weezie - S Since you don’t like minoriites living in Clayton county, you should move to Forsyth county. The will welcome you with opened arms.”

In a place like Clayton wouldn’t S be the Minority?

By WTF?

April 4, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

GH - if you think Northerners & especially New Yorkers give a flying flip what you and those like you think of them, I’ve got a nice sale on the whole Mason-Dixon line going on right now … CHEAP too.

By maggie

April 4, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

I agree with “go Tim’s” comment. If people conducted themselves with some class, etc., there would be no problem. My children grew up, went to school and graduated from Forest Park, the youngest in ‘92. They were safe anywhere they went and we didn’t have to worry about them. FP WAS a great place to raise children, and I hate what has happened to it, plus the whole county. However, I have no intention of moving. I was there first! I figure that what goes down has got to come up at some point. Hope it’s soon! PS—Kimberly Allen is an asset to Clayton County and so is her husband.

By BB

April 6, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

I have lived in Clayton County since 1982. The schools were excellent, there were many races, and we were happy. All of my children graduated from Mt. Zion HS, the last in 2000. I can’t even begin to figure out what has happened since then. I still love my home, feel safe & happy, but so glad my children are grown. I heard someone say recently, “You don’t find any white people left in Clayton Co. unless they are over 50.” I hope & pray that our county will improve & will work towards that goal by staying here!

By Steve

April 6, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

Despite all the BS from you nay-sayers who are too bitter to face the truth I agree with Maggie that Kimberly Allen is an asset to Clayton County. (1) Unlike most newcomers, she and her husband are decent, productive citizens and not riff-raff, and (2) if it weren’t for her throwing this question out there for discussion, some of you would still be deluded into thinking that Clayton County does not have some serious problems. I would hate for you to think that life in this county is no worse than anywhere else. People who think DeKalb is worse are only looking at the areas south of i20 - and even some of THOSE aren’t so bad. The fact remains that Clayton County has the worst overall standard of living of any metro area county now. Our countywide average home value are falling; almost no other area county can say that. Our average SAT score is almost as low as the city of Atlanta’s is - NO OTHER area county can say that. Crime, unemployment, prostitution, drugs drugs and more drugs, vagrancy, rampant section 8 tenancy, garbage everywhere, idiotic teenagers with no respect for authority or for education, single mothers with 15 children from 10 different baby-daddies and they STILL find some way to have a late-model Volvo with “bling wheels”, a do-nothing school superintendent, an idiotic self-serving jacka** of a sheriff who is costing the county millions of dollars thanks to these lawsuits, the list goes on. At least now it’s all on the table for discussion, and we have Kimberly to thank for making that possible through this blog. So all you people who rag on her and feel “insulted” by her questions and her “yankee naivete” or whatever the frick you call it, get a life and get over yourselves. If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.

By Joyce S.

April 6, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

I hate Clayton County mostly because of all the crooked police we have. For example, Lake City Police pepper sprayed my dog inside my fence. I’m moving.

By anna marie

April 6, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

I love Clayton, hate some of the things going on these days. But I’m praying for all of our sakes things will turn around eventually. If we all do our part, Clayton can become the envy of Metro Atlanta once again. Again, I love Clayton and I’m not going anywhere, signed Single White Female.