Clayton.Talk

By love my neighbors

April 23, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this

I have to admit we were a little apprehensive when the first Mexican family in our ‘hood moved in next door to us several years ago. We went over and introduced ourselves As it turns out they have been the best neighbors! We watch out for them when they go to Mexico for weeks during the summer and they watch our house AND take care of our dogs and cats when we need to go out of town. We have cookouts together, go to the parks and have a great time.
On the other hand…we too live on a street that is a cut through. This has caused many problems, including 2 break ins. I would get offensive to ANYONE looking like they want to cut thru my yard. We have since put up a fence and gotten two guard dogs. No more problems.

By Donna

April 23, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

I have been reading the Clayton County blogs this morning and have become extremely frightened! My husband and I recently purchased a home in Riverdale after visiting on a few occasions, we just loved the area where our new home is. Is there really that much crime in the Clayton COunty area? Having done some research before making the decision, I had not come across any negatives until today. Help! Do we really have a major concern on our hands?

By Steve

April 23, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

As Kimberly alluded to, owner occupancy is key. People who own the homes they live in care about their neighborhoods and about getting involved. Renters tend NOT to. Yes, there are exceptions, but they are few and far between.

A lot of people in Clayton County these days seem to be all about jumping ship at any cost, and this often means putting a home on the market without prettying it up first and then jumping at the first investor who waves a cash offer under their noses. Talk to your neighbors. Drive home the fact that a home that’s been fixed up and a yard that’s maintained may take a bit longer to sell, but will sell for more money because it will most likely be bought by an owner occupant and not by a low-balling investor who’s out to rent to Section 8 tenants.

As far as minimizing ‘cut-thru’ traffic (vehicle AND pedestrian), here are a couple other ideas, in addition to fences and dogs:

1) Organizing your neighbors to make a case to local government about getting speed humps, or at least more 4-way stops, installed. 2) Motion detector lights to cut down on pedestrians using yards as a cut-thru at night.
3) Security system stickers (ADT, etc) on doors and windows, even if you don’t have a security system. 4) “Fake” security cameras that aren’t hooked up to any monitor but will still “follow” everyone that gets in their line of sight, and will do so quite audibly. These are available via various websites for as little as 20 dollars plus shipping.

When all else fails, it never hurts to pack heat and be schooled on how to properly use it. I know it shouldn’t come to this, but as several of my suggestions above involve bluffing, you can always play pretend with this one as well if you’re not comfortable with the real thing. As a former ‘urban pioneer’ in a transitional southside Atlanta neighborhood, I once had a sign on my back door that read “This house protected by Smith & Wesson three days a week. You guess which three!”

Never had any problems. :)

By Alexander

April 23, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

In response to Donna, yes I would say you should be concerned. The good news is, a neighborhood can only deteriorate so much before concerned citizens (and there are a number of those in Riverdale, despite what you may hear) finally feel compelled to pull together and take action. A lot of times, new residents are instrumental in facillitating this, as they often possess an idealism that veterans may have lost. If you want to protect your investment, by all means, get involved and help motivate others to do the same. All it really takes is a group of people who are willing to devote several hours a month to neighborhood cleanups and the like, and you will start seeing results in a matter of months, especially once word gets out and the number of people involved starts to grow. Best wishes.

By posterchild

April 23, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

Donna:

From where are you moving? Do you have children?

By Nikita

April 23, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

Yes, I know my neighbors. They are in general good neighbors. I have had a run in with one couple because they neglected to let me know that they were going to do work in their backyard that would affect mine (we live in a townhome community in Clayton County), and I had to become a bit more formal and a little aloof because of the response I received when I wrote a letter to them congratulating them on their new improvements and asking them when would the work be finish. Let’s just say that the response was disrespectful and assumed a lot, but in large part, no problems.

By Ms King

April 23, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

I have lived in the Clayton County area for the past 15 years, and I absolutely would not live anywhere else!!!! The only complaint I have is the traffic during RACE WEEKEND!!! Other than that … I am glad I chose to raise my daughter in Clay Co.

My sisters live in different counties, and for a while it was a running joke to ask me “what the heck is going on in Clay Co today.” There was a lot of news surrounding crimes in the area … but you have to realize that there is crime all over metro Atlanta.

My daughter and I have lived in a house in Clay Co since 1992, and our home would be the spot for all the youngsters. Basketball goal, trampoline, enclosed patio, etc. etc.

My daughter and I are probably one of the original families in our subdivision. The youngsters that grew up w/ my daughter are now gone and have been replaced w/ disrespectful younger people that are lacking in self respect and self esteem.

I try to be “neighborly”, but it’s hard when the neighbors are changing every six months or so … investors by the home/land, and rent to people not interested in making a home.

I have enjoyed living in Clayton County very much … and it helps when the neighbors are nice.

By Donna

April 23, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

To Posterchild:

I am moving from Pennsylvania. My children are adults who live in other states. However, I am looking forward to my grandchildren visiting us in GA.

By posterchild

April 23, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

Donna:

As long as you don’t have to worry about children being in school, then it won’t be that bad. I grew up in Riverdale (as did my mother), and it is a far cry from the place that I know and love. But, like the comment above said, it can only get so bad (hopefully) before things start looking up.

Where in Riverdale will you be calling home?

By julie

April 23, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

Donna: my brother is a Clayton County police officer and yes the crime is bad in Clayton County.

By WTF?

April 23, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

Her police officer brother should also mention that no area in metro Atlanta is crime free. Donna, sounds like you will be an asset to your community. Riverdale and/or Clayton co. is NOT all bad regardless of what the media and naysayers would have you believe. Contrary to popular belief there are plenty of good hardworking folk in Clayton county & we welcome those like you & your family who can only make the area better.

the one thing that is not like other metro Atlanta counties is the school system … that needs a major overhaul. I’m wondering did you research the school system before moving here? Schools are the only reason I wouldn’t move to Clayton if I had children. Otherwise I think the media plays a big part in Clayton’s negative image, some of which is deserved. Some is no better or worse than any other metro atlanta county in my opinion. Overall Donna I think you will like Riverdale & Clayton if you give it a chance and get involved in making your area better. Even the best most expensive neighborhoods need community involvement to help keep it the best and most expensive!

As far as my neighbors, yes I know them. I introduced myself at the first opportunity. One even bought us dinner when we moved in. I have their phone numbers and they have ours.

We don’t socialize at all but they have invited me to their BBQs, more out of courtesy I’m sure so if the party gets a little loud I won’t complain (never has gotten out of hand). But we are courteous and watch out for each other’s property. that’s about all you can ask of any neighbor. If you get more than you are a lucky person.

By Donna

April 23, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

Posterchild and all: We are moving into the Autumn Hills section.I thank you so much for your comments and insight. It sounds to me, that like most places you live, involvement can only be beneficial. I do intend to be involved! One of the first things we plan to do is introduce ourselves officially to our neighbors.

By Vexorg

April 23, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

Good fences AND well trained BIG DOGS, ensure that your “good neighbors” remain good law-abiding neighbors!

By New home owner,

April 24, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

I feel you should at least know who your neighbors are. Some might not be friendly but some might.I have NO problem with neighbors approaching me, But i don’t think i would approach them,I feel if they see you are new in the neighborhood they should come and welcome you, I wouldn’t want them to think here she comes bothering me already. LOL I have been thinking about putting up a fence, especially now that i have a dog, But I feel a fence will take so much away from the view of my home, I have decided to put bushes instead, If you put them close enough it will work like a fence. These bushes will grow 3 to 4ft. I will have to wait and see the outcome.

By Liberal Drive-by

April 24, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

For all:

Check I-neighbors.org to see if your neighborhood has established an online community.

By James

April 24, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

I wish my neighbors were pleasant. They moved in 6 months ago and have already destroyed the yard and much of the house.

By Phaedra

April 25, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

DONNA:

Clayton County and Riverdale is the equivalent of moving to Compton or Watts!! Westside!! Yes, it’s true that crime is everywhere in Atlanta, but Clayton County is known for SERIOUS crime and it’s not just the media…half of the crime in this area is not even reported on. Actually, you can tell the areas that are ideal for living, because when crime happens in those areas, they ALWAYS make the news.

By WTF?

April 25, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

Donna, if what Phaedra says is correct, then Riverdale is an ideal place to live. Unfortunately Riverdale & Forest Park seem to get the most news coverage.

I disagree that Clayton County and Riverdale are equivalent to moving to Compton or Watts though. That’s an exaggeration during my time living in Clayton. So called “serious crimes” also happen in other counties regularly as well. Watch your local news and judge for yourself.

By Akagi

April 25, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

WTF?:

It depends what you consider a metro Atlanta county. Clayton on a pure quantitative basis has a higher crime rate than most other metro counties. And if you compare Clayton’s crime rate on a per capita basis, it has the highest crime rate in the metro region. So yes, crime is very serious in Clayton—that doesn’t mean everywhere in Clayton is terrible—just as not everywhere in Iraq is so bad, but I wouldn’t be looking to by a timeshare there either.

There is no country that is crime free, but just because this is so doesn’t mean crime is of an equal degree in every county. If you don’t think Clayton has a crime problem or think that Clayton’s crime rate is no worse than any other county, then you are delusional.

By posterchild

April 25, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

Akagi:

To add to your point… if I’m not mistaken, Clayton had the distinctive honor of a homocide rate that doubled in a year. I think that at some point last year it had gone from 11 in 2005 to 22 in 2006… and there could have been more after that.

Like I said, I’d have to double check the facts, but I’m sure they’re out there.

By Akagi

April 25, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

Yes compared to another county I could name (my own) that had one. Even if you adjust for population, Clayton County still had a murder rate seven times greater than my own county—so to say “All counties have crime” is simply a ridiculous statement. Be no different than saying Iraq isn’t so bad—there are bombings everywhere just look at Oklahoma City.

By Akagi

April 25, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

Also these 22 are just for the county and doesn’t count places such as Riverdale that had three murders of its own in 2006 or Forest Park that had two murders that same year.

By WTF?

April 25, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

You know, I wish folks could spew positive statistics about Clayton like they do the negative. Folks who don’t even live here spend more time talking bad about Clayton than those who do live here. I’m not delusional, just get tired of hearing the one-side opinions - I DO live here & see it’s not as bad as media or statistics claim.

I’ll bet just like folks claim all crime isn’t reported in Clayton, all crime isn’t reported elsewhere either.

By Akagi

April 25, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this

Yes, the FBI UCR purposely over reports the crime rate in Clayton and underreports the crimes in say Dawson County just to make Clayton look bad.

I think WTF, you are a textbook example of someone that is delusional.

And you are right I don’t live in Clayton—for good reason.

Unlike you, the UCR doesn’t lie. I don’t know about you but I don’t want to live in a county that has a murder rate as high as Clayton and then there is the school system that is in free fall, but of course what is really critical is to rename Tara Blvd. as soon as possible because once that is all done, life in Clayton will approach nirvana.

By sachi

April 26, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

I’m not sure if the statement that “it’s a rarity for your neighbor to own there homes”. Everyone in my subdivision…Clayton Ridge…on my block and and across from me ……own their home, keep the yards cut and for the most part try to watchout for each other. If our society stopped being so self centered and disconnected, we would have safer communities. Make a friend in your neighbor and when their kids act up you will know who to take the problem to

By WTF?

April 26, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

Akagi, if you don’t even live here (and are obviously so happy about that) then get a life and don’t bother commenting about what’s going on in Clayton. Enjoy living in your nirvana. You must have SOMETHING better to do with your time and life than banter about an area you don’t live in and obviously detest.

By Noble

April 27, 2007 7:42 AM | Link to this

I’ve just finished reading all of the comments (some good, some bad, some just plain ignorant) and agree that everyone is entitled to his/her opinion, but those that don’t reside in Clayton County should put their negative comments elsewhere. I’m a native Atlantan and can remember when Clayton County was considered a getaway from the city; a nice, plush suburban area. Clayton County on a whole gets a bad rap from the news media and often the subject of the lead story on the news. I have a sibling that works in metro Atlanta in the 911 office that will comment on the crime that goes unreported in the Buckhead and nicer areas of Atlanta. I have a very nice home in a good neighborhood in Clayton and have neighbors that are professionals. We have a neighborhood association that only a small portion of the neighborhood participates. Why? I don’t know. The association fees are probably the lowest in the county? Maybe the non-participants don’t have the discretionary income to pay the yearly dues, or maybe they feel that since it’s not mandatory, then they shouldn’t be involved. We have a few neighbors that always complain and spew negative comments about this or that in the neighborhood and claim they are leaving; however they are the same people who don’t mow their lawn on a regular basis and/or have cars in their drive-way that aren’t driveable. These are also the same neighbors that won’t attend the neighborhood association meetings or pay the association fee. To sum it all up, I’m happy with Clayton County, my kids attend a new school that full of educators that are optimistic and energized, and ALL counties whether Fayette, Forsyth, or Fulton have some flaws and aren’t perfect. BTW, I decided to put up a fence after my neighbor abruptly decided to move to Fayetteville and rent his house out to a Section 8 family. The kids were horrendous and constantly walked across my backyard and the last straw was when I was having dinner at my kitchen table and the kids were walking across my yard up to the point where they were a few feet from my bay window.

By myrall

April 27, 2007 7:54 AM | Link to this

I grew up in Forest Park and after college moved back to Jonesboro. I can say Clayton Co. has certainly changed a lot in those intervening years. However, I enjoyed living there. We lived on a dead-end street and knew most of our neighbors (some had been on that street for 20 years). We even had one neighbor that made it his business to walk the street every day to make sure nothing funny was going on. I never feared leaving for the week/weekend because he was there watching over us. We had many problems with the walk-throughs too. My husband somewhat solved this by racing out the front door and hiding behind the corner of the house. When the kids would come around the corner tromping through our yard, he’d jump out and scare them. I think those kids started to avoid our yard so they wouldn’t have to deal with the crazy white man. Ha ha.

After moving away, I realize how valuable all our neighbors were - black, white, and mexican.

By Clayton resident

April 27, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

WTF?,

I do hope you are taking your passion shown here about Clayton to county board meetings and anywhere else that opinions about clayton can be heard. We need more people who care about the county to speak out to let those in charge know we want and need changes for the better here. those who are renting will not do it because they can leave whenever they like. There are definitely not enough residents here who are willing to speak up, that’s why the officials get away with so much here.

As far as neighbors go, I have one who annoys me to no end, she complains about every thing. I always see her peeking through her blinds when I’m out and about on my own property, watching to see what I’m doing and then comes out to advise me how I should do things on my own property. I’d give her the what for if she weren’t elderly and alone. I think that’s the only way she can have human interaction with anyone is to harass. The house on the other side is vacant (foreclosed) now and I hope it stays that way for awhile because I’m afraid of what I’ll get.

By Akagi

April 27, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

Noble:

The reason people don’t join your association is because of a concept known as the free rider—why should they join when others will carry the burden for them? The only way to change this is to make the fees mandatory and having the right of the association to put a lien on a house whose fees have not be paid. To do this you’ll have to get the covenants changed (if you have them at all) and since this will require a majority (if not a super majority) of the homeowners to agree (many of which may simply be landlords and really could careless about the quality of your neighborhood), this will not be an easy task.

Also what do you mean many crimes are not reported? So the police in Atlanta and elsewhere are covering up crimes and not reporting the data to the FBI? Is this is what you are saying? Do you and WTF? hear black helicopters at night as well?

And as for this 911 operator you cite, does the term “anecdotal evidence” mean anything to you?

By ClayCoResident

April 27, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

The media hypes Clayton more than anything. I have co-workers who live in other popular counties and their kids call them at work about criminal activity taking place in the school that I never hear about on TV or the AJC. These are things that would DEFINITELY make the news in Clayton.

People used to think that police wouldn’t dare plant drugs on suspects to make arrests but what do we know now? People used to think that a school system would never underreport negative activity but what do we know now? People used to think that only black students carried guns to school but what do we know now? It happens and it happens all over.

By Akagi

April 27, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

So Clayco are you saying that a county say like Cherokee County than had 5 homicides compared to Clayton’s 22 simply covered them up? Meaning that Cherokee had 22 homicides like Clayton but they simply covered 17 of them up? What did the Sheriff Department do? Hide the bodies? Wouldn’t someone start asking questions about the rash of missing persons?

I guess you hear black helicopters at night as well.

Just take this one example:

Gwinnett County (which is no slice of heaven either) had 29 homicides in 2005 (seven more than Clayton County) but when you adjust for population, the true homicide rate in Clayton is close to three times the rate in Gwinnett.

But I guess Clayton reports accurately its crimes to the FBI while EVERYONE else underreports to skew the data in the UCR? This is a claim that seems to defy logic.

By WTF?

April 27, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

Clayton resident, yes I attend board meetings, HOA meetings, zoning meetings and any other meeting where I can find out what’s happening in this county and keep up.

I am also happy to see that I’m not the only one who recognizes that the media is aiding and abetting in Clayton’s negative image. We all can’t be making this stuff up or imagining things. And we all know when it comes to minority areas, things don’t always happen by the book.