Cobb County officials and some city officials have embarked upon a journey to buy and close down certain apartment communities that house lower-income residents. Higher-priced housing, multi-use developments and businesses are taking their place.
Ken Howell of Marietta-based Georgia Community Coalition and John Morgan, an advocate for temporary pod housing for the homeless have both gone before city and county officials seeking solutions.
One example of Cobb revitalization is the rebranding of the Six Flags community as the Riverview community, resulting in the demolition of the high-crime Magnolia Crossing apartments. Now known as 490 Riverside Drive it made way for a multi-use development of residential and retail.
Behind this effort are Six Flags Over Georgia President Dale Kaetzel and the South Cobb Redevelopment Authority. Kaetzel has said he did not want the Six Flags name to continue to be associated with crime news from the nearby Six Flags residential/retail area.
With Commissioners JoAnn Birrell and Bob Ott opposed, the authority was given $10 million in revenue bonds to buy Magnolia Crossing. Cobb County Economic Development Coordinator Sabrina Young has said the authority does not have enough money remaining to buy any more apartment complexes.
Young said Magnolia Crossing residents were given deposit refunds and financial incentives to help them move - many to neighboring apartments. One elderly lady moved into an apartment near the Marietta Square for $85 a month instead of the $500 monthly rent she had been paying at Magnolia Crossing, Young added.
Is the practice of demolishing low-income apartment communities a good way to deal with crime? Should local governments provide affordable housing and assistance to the homeless? Send comments to communitynews@ajc.com.
AT ISSUE: DID DECATUR MAKE RIGHT CALL WITH POLICE FIRING/REHIRING?
In October two Decatur police officers lost their jobs, at least temporarily, after taking $7 from a department patrol car. Subsequently Lt. Eric Jackson resigned and Officer Joshua Speed got fired. The removal of both from the force was signed off by Decatur’s chief and also recommended by an independent hearing officer who reviewed the case.
But nearly a month after losing their jobs Speed and Jackson were put back to work — albeit with penalties including a demotion and reduction in pay — when City Manager Peggy Merriss overturned the recommendations.
We asked if you agreed with Merriss’ decision, or even think it proper a city manager overrule her department head? Or, given the amount of money involved, should the terminations have happened at all?
Here are some responses:
No [they shouldn't return to work] because someone they probably wrongful arrested is missing $7. — Bubba Fleenor
I believe that the question in this case revolves around the issue of "the letter of the law" verses "the spirit of the law." The "letter of the law" is arbitrary, with little room for interpretation and, in this case, was used to "put it to" these police officers." In contrast, "the spirit of the law" allows for extenuating circumstances to be examined and provides for giving someone the benefit of the doubt. I feel that the decision of City Manager Peggy Merriss was in accordance with "the spirit of the law" and I think she should have gone even further by restoring the officers to their previous rank without reduction in pay or probation. — Jerry Schwartz
In regards to the police hiring/firing, there were reasonable arguments on each side. It was a no-win situation for all parties. As a 50-year plus resident of Decatur, I usually have confidence in the decisions made by our city officials and by our City Manager Peggy Merriss. In my opinion they made the right call on this case. — John C. Joyner
This is just about the most ridiculous waste of time, effort, and Decatur city funds I have encountered in a long time. I realize that there must be standards set and adhered to, but to make a "federal case" out of such an innocent mistake in judgement is beyond the realm of reality. The police forces throughout our country have much more serious issues to deal with instead of punishing their officers for something so trivial. [This] could have been taken care of by a simple "slap on the wrist," without all the publicity and damage to the officers' careers. Personally I think that the individuals involved should be restored their previous rank and the probation/reduction in pay should be cancelled. — Bob Grayson
I do not think that it was proper for the city manager to overrule the department head. It clearly sends a very bad message, not only to the public, but also to the entire department. If the [chief] made it clear that he will not tolerate any lying, theft or cheating, then the amount involved is totally irrelevant. If these cops were emboldened and lawless enough to steal such a small amount, what happens if they are involved in a search or raid where there may be thousands of dollars involved? What happens if their false testimony results in someone's liberty being unfairly taken? What is getting lost here is the lack of honesty and integrity displayed by these officers for such a small amount of money. There is no way these guys would have resigned or allowed themselves to be fired if they had not been guilty. They should not have been reinstated … their actions clearly portend of ingrained personal ethical issues. — C. J.
Lie, cheat or steal! None lied nor cheated. The other un-tolerated issue is stealing which in this case doesn't apply. The money was found away from anybody's wallet or appropriate safe place in a [department] car. What if the $7 was found on a train floor, or seat, or was found on the sidewalk. I treat money as bearer bond unless in an identifiable wallet or marked envelope or if 100 percent sure of the owner. In this case I find them not guilty of theft. Unless a rule exists that you have to report found items. — Julius Kiereini
This will come up every single time these officers testify in court. Their testimony and integrity will be questioned by every defense attorney and jury they come before. — Chad Myers
Bill Banks for the AJC
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