Snellville.Talk

By AD

April 11, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this

Like it or not, demographics play a large part in this issue. To ignore that fact is somewhat unrealistic.

By guessing here

April 12, 2007 5:18 AM | Link to this

There are places that get robbed and there are places that the robbers live. They may rob in nicer areas but they live in trashy ones—the nice areas keep there overall appeal but the places where these people live are probably ghettos. That’s the way I see it anyway.

By FedUp

April 12, 2007 7:55 AM | Link to this

The crime has skyrocketed where I live in Lilburn, though you would never know it by the news. It’s mostly word of mouth by the victims, myself included. What a shame. And yes I believe it is because the demographics have changed drastically in the last 3 years or so, I have lived here 14 years and see a huge difference. I shake my head when I see these sub divisions going up in the 400s+ and I think, the people buying them think they are moving to the wonderful Parkview district when, in fact the school is nosediving. I’ve have kids that go to Parkview and boy has it changed, it’s becoming a thug school. I truly understand wanting to move to a better area, and putting your kids in better schools but leave the thug ways where you came from. We’re outta here.

By harold

April 12, 2007 8:01 AM | Link to this

it all starts with walmart, krogers and publix. get an abandoned walmart/krogers/publix shopping center because they moved 1 mile down the road and things start decaying. soon there comes a tipping point where the local government just lets it go for a while so when their “bulldoze all of it and redevelop” solution is announced it is praised and embraced rather than fought by people wishing to save their communities. everybody thanks the rich white dude who redeveloped. instead they should crucify him and his local political buddies (a media crucifixion of course) for letting the area go to hell in the first place.

By woodie

April 12, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

I personally think drugs are the biggest problem behind crime. An addict will do anything for drugs. The best way to keep control on crime is to have an effective drug program. The other problem is the general disenchantment of youth. Good part-time jobs are very hard to come by for most underprivleged youth. Many of the jobs are filled by illegal aliens. So crime is often caused by communities who are not successful at addressing the root causes of crime. Gwinnett is a hotbed for all these problems. I expect to see more and more crime like this until the people in Gwinnett wake up to the realities around them.

By Lea

April 12, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

I have lived in this area for over 20 years and to my sorrow have seen a decline. The blame can be pointed in several directions but I feel like the officials we chose to elect have let us down. People need to be aware of where their local politicians stand because it is a known fact that politicians come out of office much richer than when they went in. Because I have been in area awhile I have seen politicians turn their heads many times and look away when some of the big real estate developers/agents get greedy and build, build, build. I believe the county had discounted the Centerville area long ago and now they chose to turn their heads again. We have empty stores, homes and then crime moves in because the price is ripe for the picking. Even the churches in the area haven’t been free of crime which is really sad. I want to feel comfortable where I live but I hate to admit times have changed in our area and it makes me sad.

By Gloria

April 12, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

I’ve live in Gwinnett County Snellville area all of my 60 years and I cannot describe to you in a few words the horror and depression I feel in seeing the decline in my area and County brought about by crime and diversity. Actually, our society is to blame . . the entitlement attitude that diversity brings with it and the constant cry to give everybody the “American Dream” … well in my opinion the American Dream is there for those who would work for it; we shouldn’t be giving it to everybody. There is no reason this day and time for people not to work for what they want. Robbing, murdering, cheating, committing fraud or doing whatever it takes to have it is not the answer. I think there are those who chose to blame others and do not accept responsibilty. I grew up without a library, without a park and without the amenities that young people have today. I grew up poor but never ever thought about robbing or murdering anyone.

By Gloria

April 12, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

I’ve live in Gwinnett County Snellville area all of my 60 years and I cannot describe to you in a few words the horror and depression I feel in seeing the decline in my area and County brought about by crime and diversity. Actually, our society is to blame . . the entitlement attitude that diversity brings with it and the constant cry to give everybody the “American Dream” … well in my opinion the American Dream is there for those who would work for it; we shouldn’t be giving it to everybody. There is no reason this day and time for people not to work for what they want. Robbing, murdering, cheating, committing fraud or doing whatever it takes to have it is not the answer. I think there are those who chose to blame others and do not accept responsibilty. I grew up without a library, without a park and without the amenities that young people have today. I grew up poor but never ever thought about robbing or murdering anyone.

By Gloria

April 12, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

I’ve live in Gwinnett County Snellville area all of my 60 years and I cannot describe to you in a few words the horror and depression I feel in seeing the decline in my area and County brought about by crime and diversity. Actually, our society is to blame . . the entitlement attitude that diversity brings with it and the constant cry to give everybody the “American Dream” … well in my opinion the American Dream is there for those who would work for it; we shouldn’t be giving it to everybody. There is no reason this day and time for people not to work for what they want. Robbing, murdering, cheating, committing fraud or doing whatever it takes to have it is not the answer. I think there are those who chose to blame others and do not accept responsibilty. I grew up without a library, without a park and without the amenities that young people have today. I grew up poor but never ever thought about robbing or murdering anyone.

By Gloria

April 12, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

I’ve live in Gwinnett County Snellville area all of my 60 years and I cannot describe to you in a few words the horror and depression I feel in seeing the decline in my area and County brought about by crime and diversity. Actually, our society is to blame . . the entitlement attitude that diversity brings with it and the constant cry to give everybody the “American Dream” … well in my opinion the American Dream is there for those who would work for it; we shouldn’t be giving it to everybody. There is no reason this day and time for people not to work for what they want. Robbing, murdering, cheating, committing fraud or doing whatever it takes to have it is not the answer. I think there are those who chose to blame others and do not accept responsibilty. I grew up without a library, without a park and without the amenities that young people have today. I grew up poor but never ever thought about robbing or murdering anyone.

By Chuck

April 12, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

The bottom line is that you can run but you cannot hide. I’ve been in Norcross for 23 years, and when things began sliding nearly 10 years ago, we got in gear. As a result our area has enjoyed a 20% decrease in graffiti and trash and such (and most of the crime with it), while the rest of the county has had a 25% increase. A hundred thousand or a half million bucks each, any neighborhood can succumb if residents are asleep at the switch and look to others for solutions. Government cannot wipe our butts for us - get up, get out and work to fix it yourselves.

By Sheila

April 12, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

USA Today has good article today about ARMs, foreclosures, and the negative impact on communities (sorry AJC, you missed the scoop). I live in south Gwinnett and have since 1976. All the comments are right. More people, more diversity, more crime, more poverty, and crooked politicians all play into it. Chuck, however, is especially right. It’s time to fight back because unless you live in the sticks, these problems are everywhere.

By Stan

April 12, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

Politicians have definately let us down. Lilburn’s council would rather antagonize law-abiding bar/restaurant owners and patrons than take substantive action to curb gang activity.

By Katie

April 12, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

I agree with Gloria. The mortgage companies and banks will give anyone a loan to purchase a home, whether they can afford to pay it back or not. These new homeowners know they can’t afford to keep their home, so they just don’t maintain it. Then everyone else in the neighborhood suffers because their homes lose value. It’s said when someone who only works part-time can still qualify for a home loan. I guess the government funds the rest.

By brian

April 12, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

why dont yall stop using key words such as diversity and thug, and say what you are really talking about…… blacks and mexicans.

maybe if yall stop running further north to be with “your” people then true cityhood can be established, and a sense of pride can be established with everyone.

By Shannon Richards

April 12, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

Now I think everyone is being a little judgemental. Who said the crimes are being committed by non-whites? With your diversity comments, it is obvious that your problem is not with the “crime” but with the “color”. It is called white flight. Instead of accepting diversity and learning to deal with people that are not like you, you pick up and leave. I live in Snellville. I have one daughter in South Gwinnett Highschool and another in Snellville Middle School. I am constantly asked if the school is safe by parents with younger children. I am constantly asked when am I going to move. I am not going anywhere. I love my community. I love my neighbors (even the ones that are diverse). I am willing to fight to keep my neighborhood safe and secure. I am not going to pick up and move to Grayson or Loganville like so many others are doing. People get a clue. If you are moving because of diversity, guess what, those same people have cars and jobs and can buy houses in Grayson and Loganville just like you and I can.

By Ari

April 12, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

Unfortunately, Brian, the reason why many people are using the terms “thug” and “diversity”, is because many blacks are too sensitive about the realities of what’s going.

By Sherman

April 12, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

Just keep on white flighting onto the coast and get on a boat and leave. Lol!!

By quantavious

April 12, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

it be bad in snellville.

By Louis

April 12, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

Well said Mrs. Richards …. You’ve hit the nail dead on the head. If you’re the type of person who is scared of diversity then you should pack up and leave but understand those same diverse people are right behind you BUT if it’s crime that bothers you then you need to ban together with your neighbors and fight to protect your community and make it a better place to live…so quit looking to blame someone and do something about it!

By brian

April 12, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

mrs. ari, you shouldnt throw stones and hide your hands. it has nothing to do with sensitivity. it has to do with being real with yourself. if you dont want to live around blacks or mexicans, just say “i continue to move northward because i dont wanna live around blacks or mexicans.

its as simple as that.

By Chuck

April 12, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

Perhaps I should have mentioned that I live in what has been described as one of the two most diverse neighborhoods in the southeast - by my choice. Once again, it isn’t the politicians or banks or whatever driving “us” to ruin, it’s “us” handing over control to them, out of apathy or ignorance. We chose not to go that route, and the turnaround has been incredible.

By Katie

April 12, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

Great - Thanks Mrs. Richards - now everyone will want to move to Grayson.

By Ari

April 12, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

To clarify my earlier statement, there are some realities that I’ve observed: many people with similar socioeconomic backgrounds, tend to behave similarily. We need to have open and honest dialogue about which groups tend to commit the most crimes. Lower income people of all races. I think that many whites in the 60’s and 70’s fled the city because many didn’t want to live near or associate intimately with blacks. They were afraid, they hated us , they didn’t want their children associating with us. Of course some wanted cheaper housing away from the crowded city as well. I think the reasons are different today for many whites. I feel it’s more about some of our behaviors, our aggressive stances, neo ghetto attitudes and tactless communication as well as the cheaper housing. I feel that many of us are way too sensitive. All races have their idiosyncrasies and issues, and I think good, law abiding citizens of all races, don’t want scum in their neighborhoods. We need to clean up our own “backyards” first. The so called “black leaders” should put just as much time and effort to address issues in our communities that are probably doing us more harm than any name calling would. Our teens are dying at the hands of other black teens, it’s not Imus or the typical suburban white family that’s doing it, it’s us and until the so called black leaders rise up against that, our poor school performance and the sad, sick ways that we’re treating our women, then I don’t want to hear about “white people using code words to describe us or Mexicans, that’s NOT the issue.

By Gloria

April 12, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

Like I said . . I’ve lived in all of my 60 years. Longer than I would dare to say any of you who are commenting. I’ve seen it all! I could have moved, but have chosen not to. This is where my family has lived for generations they are buried in cemeteries all over this county. When I hear the local news and see that most of the crime reported on the news involves minorities, please tell me what am I to think. When I know what this county use to be insofar as crime what am I to think. I don’t intend on moving to the coast and getting on a boat nor do I ever intend to white flight. I was here first and I intend to stay even though I put my life out there when I go shopping, fearing a carjacking or robbery and even when I live in my own house fearing a home invasion.

By Gloria

April 12, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this

Like I said . . I’ve lived in all of my 60 years. Longer than I would dare to say any of you who are commenting. I’ve seen it all! I could have moved, but have chosen not to. This is where my family has lived for generations they are buried in cemeteries all over this county. When I hear the local news and see that most of the crime reported on the news involves minorities, please tell me what am I to think. When I know what this county use to be insofar as crime what am I to think. I don’t intend on moving to the coast and getting on a boat nor do I ever intend to white flight. I was here first and I intend to stay even though I put my life out there when I go shopping, fearing a carjacking or robbery and even when I live in my own house fearing a home invasion.

By Regular Joe

April 12, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

Diversity is a code word sometimes used for “blacks”.

Unfortunately we do have a few low-class black criminal folks who have moved to Gwinnett homes recently, thanks to unsavory lending practices by mostly white folks.

We have have had some illegal immigrant Hispanics come to Gwinnett and help raise the crime rate, thanks to mostly white folks hiring them.

My point is some of you complaining about crime, turn a blind eye to some of the causes for the increase in crime. Why? Because it is “Dad” or “Uncle Bubba”, selling “interest only loans” and hiring illegals.

The solution is like Chuck said, when you see illegal behavior, instead of whining, do something about it. I have some great black, white, Hispanic and Asian neighbors in a middle class area of Gwinnett. If I witness or suspect any behavior that will makes me feel my family is unsafe or the neighborhood is being trashed, I’ll make it a problem for them.

By Publius

April 12, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

Do some research into the demographics of those with 30078 addresses recently being booked into the Gwinnett County jail.

The facts are the facts even though your “political correctness” would have you believe otherwise. The criminal elements from Fulton county, Dekalb county, and south of the border are ruining Gwinnett. They are coming soon to your “hood.”

By brian

April 12, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

mrs. ari, i agree wholeheartedly, and wish everyone in all dear races would think that way, but many…..oh so many tend to see the news of someone being robbed that happens to be black, and look at you funny when u move into the neighborhood. whether you share some of the same cultures of being black or not. i am from louisiana, and we share many of the same cultures of georgia, politically, socially, and racially, so i see the same thing everyone else sees, just from different spectrums. im not the one to blame whites for the plight of blacks, but i do believe that until whites feel comfortable around blacks, many problems will never cease. we are too busy trying to please whites, and they are too busy trying to run from us. its sad that a new face in the neighborhood brings about frowns. regardless of the financial stability of the family. i am an educated young teacher who tries to help to bridge the gap between my students, but no matter what i do…the cafeteria will still be racially divided. yes, white people have many more resources than blacks, and have higher educations, and kids go to better performing schools, so dont you think that many blacks want the same thing, and sometimes (not all the time) just sometimes that door is slammed shut in our faces…and then what are we to do………………….starve.

By Gloria

April 12, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

Enough is enough. People need to accept responsibility for the crimes their race commits. Look at the local news. . read the newspapers. Stop blaming the other race for your problems. I don’t blame anybody for any of my problems . . I accept responsibility. Bill Cosby said it all, but his own race denounced him as being “too white” (whatever that means) because they want to blame the whites for the crime in their communities and all of their shortcomings. The opportunities are there for them. Some take advantage of them and succeed. Many do not. Look at the school drop outs among minorities. I worked for 35 years with many of all races, a number of minorities in higher positions than I . . whom I greatly respected. Many were college educated and came from families who were far better off than what I grew up in here in Georgia.

By Katie

April 13, 2007 6:12 AM | Link to this

Gloria, you said it, good for you. I agree. Blacks need to step up and help themselves, opportunities are there. You just have to have a willingness to improve yourself and your situation. Stop blaming everyone else for your problems and downfalls.

My advice to all races: -if you dont’ have a job, keep your legs closed so you don’t become a welfare mom -get a stable job -be responsible for your actions -appearance does matter, no matter what your mother told you (first impressions stick with people for a very long time) -be honest and sincere -not everyone will like you and that’s just a fact of life, just move on -the rich are not trying to keep you down, they don’t care about you so stop acting so self entitled -you have to work for what you want, there are NO freebies -you are NOT entitled to anything, you must work for everything -you don’t deserve respect, respect is earned—period -cars are a privledge, not a right (the same goes for spandex) -nobody owes you anything, no matter what you are taught at home -the situation you are in is 100% in your control -if you are underprivledged only you can change your situation, other races did not put you there. -if you can’t afford a college education, make the best of your educational experience in high school, you may just get a scholarship. -everything isn’t always about ‘you’ -practice what you preach

have a nice day

By Katie

April 13, 2007 6:25 AM | Link to this

Okay, a few more:

-you will not always make it on the team, it’s a fact, except it and try again next year -the chances are very very slim that you will be a movie star, the next top idol, a rapper, a professional basketball/football/hockey player or lottery winner. Face it, you’re the same as everyone else and your chances are the same.
-always have something to fall back on -treat others as you would like to be treated -violence is for losers, learn the ability to have a heated discussion or argument without picking up a gun or hitting someone -no matter how good you think you are at something, there is always someone out there who is better at it than you -no matter how good looking you think you are, you are probably not attractive to everyone, deal with it

climbs off soapbox and goes back to work

Have a nice day

By aw

April 13, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this

We too have lived in Gwinnett a long time and have seen our neighborhood go down the toilet. Since when is this “our” problem? All of us suffer. Our housing prices dive, our crime goes up. I don’t blame one person or group. There are many to blame. We have been fighting this battle for years and years. It never gets better. The police are no where and I don’t even feel safe in my own home anymore. Our only crime is moving to Gwinnett to begin with. If only we all had crystal balls. We are with a lot of hard working, law abiding soon-to-be Ex-Gwinnett residents. We too are “outta here!”. Wake up and smell the trash..because sooner or later they’ll be moving into your neighborhood too!

By brian

April 13, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

thanks for the tidbits katie, but no one on this board likely needs your advice.

By Katie

April 13, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

Brian, my statements were directed to the whiners above. So there are people here that should be reminded of life rules.

By susan gast

April 13, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

There’s been some interesting discourse here, but we’ve had to remove a few entries because they crossed the line of civility. We need to keep it clean or the blog will be shut down. My original question was why some areas with crime develop image problems while others — where crimes also are occurring — do not. I thought the comments about apathy and about fighting to preserve your neighborhood were interesting. Wondered if there are examples where people have made progress doing that. How have they gone about it?

By Mason Allen

April 13, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

Shut down the blog if you can’t handle the truth.

By AD

April 13, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

Agree with Mason’s entry above. There is a big elephant in the room, and we all know it is there but it is inappropriate to acknowledge its presence. But this is a done deal. I own a home in a very nice subdivision in South Gwinnett, but for the most part you have to GIVE your home away to sell it. And that is partially due to the fact that the Shiloh school cluster has degenerated from one of the better ones in Gwinnett to one of the worst. I believe that the latest SAT scores were worse in only one other cluster - Meadowcreek. No one wants to move to an area where the schools are inferior. I have witnessed a rapid deterioration in the area cine ‘98 when we bought the house there. With a power structure like the one in Gwinnett - What can anyone do other than to cut their losses and run? In an unincorporated area such as this with minimal representation, and rampant low-quality development, I feel no inclination to do anything, since it would be like trying to swim against the current. Let’s get real here.

By MB

April 13, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

Susan, to your question - Centerville, Snellville, South Gwinnett have not “managed” their images particularly well. While there is crime elsewhere, white flight is real, and as people have moved they’ve given reasons such as have been detailed above. Well the affected communities have not put in place Norcross-like improvement plans, or Decatur-like neighborhoods. Graffitti has stayed on buildings too long, and “bad behaviors”, whether driving or home upkeep have not been addressed by neighbors or neighborhood associations.

In other areas civic leadership has worked with politicans to push forward positive imaging. In the southern Gwinnett area, Snellville politicians are mainly focused on their downtown and highway 124’s development and the county commissioner doesn’t live in the area, so….the leadership will need to spring from a diverse (and I mean integrated, socially, religiously, and economically varied) and committed group of folks who’ve moved beyond fingerpointing and moved toward positive change.

The neighborhood(s) will not be what there were, and that’s not all bad. But they can certainly be better, and that takes work.

By Gloria

April 14, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

Poor disillusioned people. 78 Hwy and 124 from Lithonia to Snellville is another Memorial Drive (from Atlanta to Stone Mountain) waiting to happen. With vacant boarded up shopping centers and homes not maintained. Memorial Drive once was a thriving beautiful area. The decline did not happen overnight but it happened. What is going on now in Gwinnett has not reach its worst; there is more decline to come. And it will come. It is time to face reality. All the hope and wishful thinking will not change the reality.

By Michael

April 15, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

The current stats at the Gwinnett jail show over 50% white and that speaks directly to the reality vs. perception problem. http://www.gwinnettcountysheriff.com/asp/JailstatsRaces.asp

By G-man

April 15, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

If we compare the Centerville vs. Brookwood areas, I believe recent crime in both areas has created more of an image problem for Centerville because:

(1) A Centerville armed robbery resulted in a murder;

(2) Brookwood has a more affluent population and perceived better schools than the Centerville area;

(3) Centerville area has experienced more white flight than Brookwood in recent years;

(4) Centerville is closer to Lithonia/Stone Mountain/Dekalb County, a section that has many nice folks but has also developed an image as a breeding ground for criminals;

(5) Centerville sits right on highway 124, which has become a 4-lane easy access and fast getaway route for Dekalb thugs and even Atlanta thugs who slink in slide away on I-20.

By G-man

April 15, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

This is not directly on the subject of this blog, but I disagree with the negative comments posted a few days ago on the blog by “Fed Up” about Parkview HS.

Fed Up describes the school as being “in a nosedive” and “a thug school.”

We have lived in the Parkview area for 12 years and love it.

Our daughter graduated from PHS in 2003. She did well there and was well-prepared for college, where she has excelled (graduates in May).

Our son is a junior at PHS and is doing very well in school, theater, and athletics. We know he will be well-prepared for college.

I asked him if he thinks PHS is in a “nosedive” or is a “thug school” and he said “no way.”

Like many public schools throughout the county and Atlanta metro area, PHS has gained a little more of the “thug” element over the years, but it’s hysterical to call the entire place a thug school.

Wonder if Fed Up is involved at all with the PHS as a parent volunteer in some capacity. If he or she is involved and enjoys it (as we do), I think it would be harder to make the statements he or she made on this blog.

The Parkview area and school have become more diverse over the years but it is still a great place to live, and PHS is still an excellent school with a strong principal who is good to everybody but takes no stuff from anybody.

You don’t have the kind of excellence in academics, athletics and performing arts Parkview has if you’re in a “nosedive.”

Good luck to Fed Up on his or her way “outta here.” (His or her squawkin’ sounds like another white birdie taking flight.)

Hopefully he or she can lose the negativity and apparent bitterness on the way to elsewhere. We sure don’t need it here.

By Statistician

April 15, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

Sorry Michael, but you need to read the stats of the Gwinnett County Jail population a little more carefully. The white population number includes Hispanics (including illegal immigrants).

By Lisa

April 15, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

I understand that we all have the right to our opinion, but reading some of the comments (especially from Katie) left me in complete shock. I am a black female and my husband and I are professionals who moved to snellville 6 years ago. I too have been concerned about the gradual change in this area, however, I have not pointed fingers at the shift of cultures moving into the area as the cause. It amazes me how “whites” quickly point the finger at other races without taking a look at a broader spectrum. About 2 years ago, my husband caught a “white” guy trying to steal one of his cars. So we put cameras around the house. A year later we, caught 2 “white” guys drilling a hole in our SUV to disarm the alarm system. Around the same time in my very nice, safe, and diverse neighborhood there where a number of car thefts. Let’s just say the cops chased and caught three “white” males. At my daughters school, a “white” student brought a weapon. I say this not to be harse, but to allow those people who are pointing fingers at other races for the change in snellville to understand that things are not always as they appear. All of our races have bad people. My races does and yours too. The media publicizes the wrongs that are done by “blacks” and “hispanics”, but you did not hear one thing about what the “white” culprits did in my neighborhood or at my child’s school on television nor the paper. For some things are kept quiet, to ensure that the race continue to appears to be nonthugish, pure, and without bad seeds. In my line of work, I come across just as many thug ” white” kids as I do “black” and “mexican”. I come across just as many “white” single moms with multiple children as I do other races. I hear the loud “gangsta” rap music blaring from the cars of “white” teens just as much as I do other races. So, if we open our narrow minds and really take a good look at the real world as it is, we would see that the major problem is values. We do not teach our youth respect and values. We have lost touch with our children. When I grew up, the neighbors corrected us if we were doing something wrong. However, you can’t do those thing today, parents become upset. Parents buying kids alchohol, allowing sex at home, young girls wearing loads of makeup and not saying “yes” but instead “what” when their parents call on them. It’s not all about race, because if you look around it’s the adults that are yelling the “race” card while our children are hanging out together in diversified groups as friends. Instead of writing messages like I read above pointing fingers at “thugs and diversity” ask yourself do you really know what your child is doing when you are not around?

By Lisa

April 15, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this

Sorry for the typos in my previous message. It’s kind of late, but instead of typing so fast I should have proofread first:0)

By tina

April 16, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this

lisa you made a valid point there are couple crimes that tookplace in my area by four white kids and you did not hear any thing about it in the news. i really feel it is the grown that always plays the race card what about all those white folks that has those meth labs in upscale neighborhoods .and guess what i am white not hispanics or black.

By Libby

April 16, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this

I’ve lived in Snellville for 18 yrs. I’ve seen lots of changes too! 124 used to be a 2 lane rd. My son attends S. Gwinnett. Daily, he comes home with stories of Gang beatings or threats IN THE SCHOOL! We’ve had Gang grafiti on a stop sign in the neighborood..we were told not to panic, that there were no gangs. This bad element comes to Snellville because they aren’t afraid. The police & Mayor need to let them know NOT to come to Snellville, but they are doing nothing to stop it.

By Naive AJC Liberal

April 16, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this

Gee, I can’t believe this area has “gone bad”. I use to live in the Stone Mountain area up until 1988 and I remember that Gwinnett was considered a really swell place to live back then.

What could have possibly changed in the last 20 years to make the crime rate so high?

By Mason Allen

April 16, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

I was intrigued by the comments provided by FedUp and G-man, so I decided to do some research. According to the GCPS Accountability Report issued 2006-07 southern Gwinnett has two of the top three performing schools by SAT score. 1. Brookwood with 1629, 80% tested 2. Duluth with 1593, 91% tested 3. Parkview with 1590, 100% tested I was surprised to find the schools where so many have moved not doing so great, Grayson with 1526, 78% tested and Mill Creek with 1508, 86% tested. Here are the scores for our other two schools, South Gwinnett with 1526, 69% tested and Shiloh with 1475, 95% tested.

By Mason Allen

April 16, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

I was intrigued by the comments provided by FedUp and G-man, so I decided to do some research. According to the GCPS Accountability Report issued 2006-07 southern Gwinnett has two of the top three performing schools by SAT score.

I was surprised to find the schools where so many have moved not doing so great, Grayson with 1526, 78% tested and Mill Creek with 1508, 86% tested. Here are the scores for our other two schools, South Gwinnett with 1526, 69% tested and Shiloh with 1475, 95% tested.

By Bob

April 17, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

I don’t know about y’all, but my neighborhood has gone to hell since the white families have moved in. The soccer moms in their SUVs, talking on their cellphones, every one of which has to drive her precious darling to school and pick him/her up because they’re too good to ride the bus, have clogged the streets and brought morning traffic to a near halt. The spoiled teens who are neither mature nor experienced enough to drive the high-powered cars Mommy and Daddy have bought them make our streets a dangerous place to live, and their weekend parties keep me up late at night. Our schools are overcrowded because everyone is convinced that this is the place to be. There are no trees left because we’re building a new subdivision in every nook and cranny for all the other white flight families. Save us all some trouble, skip us and go straight to Bethlehem.

By Ron

April 18, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

The difference between the communities that get negative press and those which don’t is directly related to the amount of activism and involvement by local residents in that community.

People are quick to condem the police and local politicians for any downturn. Look at yourself…YOU allowed it to happen. The residents make the difference.

Example: I have read the above statements and heard Brookwood High School mentioned several times. Why hasn’t their area declined? The answer is in the amount of time the residents fight for their community. If you want to change things:

Politicians WILL FOLLOW THE MAJORITY. YOU JUST HAVE TO SHOW UP WITH NUMBERS AND BE VOCAL. (I volunteered time a few years ago to work with Commissioner Dunn. You should see the panic when a hundred residents show up to fight a zoning change and show up with video cameras.)

Two months ago about 200 BHS residents showed up to fight a church from erecting a telephone tower next to a subdivision. Only about 8 homes were notified of the meeting and 200 showed up on about a 1 hour notice. These subdivisions had developed phone trees and email trees to alert all residents in their community about these changes. The County Commissioner showed up also.

I own a store in Lawrenceville and we were robbed at gunpoint. The police showed up within two minutes and they caught the criminals within 11 minutes. (For the record … 4 white teenagers with drug histories. One of which lived in a neighborhood where the homes sell for $400k to $600k). This info spread through the community residents quickly to deter other youths from trying. Within two days, I think everyone in the area knew the police will act quickly when a gun is involved. Incidentally, they were able to catch them quickly due to a local resident, whose subdivision has a Neighborhood Watch, who saw a suspicious car parked on his street when returning from work. He got a description, heard the commotion when 11 police cars showed up with lights on and came forward quickly. Like I said, 11 minutes later the boys were in handcuffs. DO YOU HAVE A “WORKING” NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH?

SO STOP RUNNING! STOP BLAMING OTHERS! IT’S YOUR COMMUNITY, DON’T LET IT HAPPEN.

WHERE ARE YOUR KIDS? DO YOU KNOW THEIR FRIENDS? WHERE DO THEY HANG OUT? DO YOU KNOW WHAT’S IN THEIR POCKETS? DO YOU KNOW THEIR TEACHERS? DO YOU SUPPORT EDUCATION OR EXPECT THE TEACHERS TO RAISE YOUR KIDS? CAN YOU NAME THE COUNTY COMMISSIONER? CAN YOU NAME YOUR KID’S PRINCIPAL? HAVE YOU EVER ATTEND A HOMEOWNER’S MEETING; A COUNTY COMMISSIONER’S MEETING; A ZONING MEETING; A SCHOOL BOARD MEETING?

LOSER’S BLAME OTHERS AND RUN. WINNERS FIGHT TO KEEP WHAT THEY HAVE. RUN NOW AND NO MATTER WHERE YOU MOVE TO, YOU’LL BE RUNNING AGAIN IN A COUPLE OF YEARS. OUR WORLD IS CHANGING FAST AND YOU CAN’T CONTINUE TO RUN AWAY!

LET’S ALL FIGHT TO KEEP WHAT WE HAVE!

By Len

April 18, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

Harold. “Crucify the rich white dude who redeveloped”? Wow!

By Chris

April 18, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

Wow. Based on what Ron said, it sure sounds like the Brookwood High School area folks don’t TOLERATE much. Hey Susan Gast - Perhaps the AJC should investigate how that area has maintained its “standards.” That would make for some interesting reading.

By Museq

April 18, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

I live in the HOOD, off I-20w, Ralph David Abernathy/Cascade area. My house does NOT have an alarm system, I have fallen asleep with my front door wiiide open and more than once, I’ve left the house and forgot to lock the back door. On occasion, someone may have their music a little too loud but overall, in my 7 years of living in the area, I have NEVER had a single incident. AND, I get home from work in less than 20 minutes, while so many of you spend an hour and a half trudging out to the ‘burbs to AVOID TRAFFIC. Oh well, so much for the stereotypes and prejudices that have eroded our common sensibilities.

By Mason Allen

April 18, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

Ron, you have a new mega church with 7000 members moving into your district at the old Ingles shopping center on FFT. The Wednesday night and Sunday traffic is going to be a nightmare. You have to be alert because it always starts at the fringes of your community. Looks like the Brookwood residents were asleep on this one.

By Robin

April 18, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

FYI - The old Ingles on FFT that you are referring to is just barely in the Brookwood district - on the fringes of Parkview. It would not suprise me if that area were redistricted soon!

Lots of $500K plus homes being built in Brookwood - that is the other key to their continued success.

By Robin

April 18, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this

In regards to the church issue - that is not a huge concern to Brookwood residents - most of whom attend many of the churches in the area.

That area (Ingles on FFT) can handle the traffic.

I live very near Brookwood High School and there are two large churches - Grace & Cannon UMC - with large (and growing) congregations with active Youth programs. Grace has a traffic “cop” on Wednesdays & Sundays - so that is rarely an issue.

Anyway, I personally don’t consider a church to be a “bad neighbor”.

By Ron

April 18, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this

Please don’t take me out of context. Churches are not a problem. If fact, most believe that churches will improve an area. This church I discussed above had worship services for 2000 coming and going DAILY DURING MORNING AND EVENING RUSH HOURS. That was the problem.

Thanks for the update. A church with after hours sermons on Wednesday and services on Sunday would be welcomed. 7000 seems like a huge number, but the roads should handle it around rush hours.

Also, be aware that under current zoning laws, churches can develop anywhere (I believe the requirement is 5 acres for land zoned residential) … including in residential areas, as long as they meet zoning requirements. Not a bad law unless it poses problems for the community. Let’s face it; churches are a good thing to have in residential areas. Beats the heck out of factories, apartments, or another Walmart.

Responding to Robin about the $500k homes. There is a reason why these homes are being built and people moving into them…. the community has controlled their zoning, actively participates in their schools, and takes an active interest in the community. All of this raises and maintains property values.

Support your schools, fight unwanted zoning requests no matter how small, and fight multi-family dwellings. Get involved.

Again, there is a school board meeting tomorrow night at Shiloh. When scheduled, residents are allowed to speak if they sign up in advance. The board meets regularly.

By johnny j

April 25, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this

Bottom line is that there are about 800,000 people living in gwinnett now. more people = more crime.

That’s the biggest part of the the demographics issue, yes some would say it might be race related… but the fact is that all races commit crimes. more people= more crime.