Tom Hogan Opposes New City of Brookhaven

Over the past several months I have been asked what I think about the proposed City of Brookhaven, and until now I have been mute on the topic.  As a citizen of Chamblee, I have been a part of a city for the past 10 years, and as a member of Chamblee’s City Council, I have given the concept of self-determination and Home Rule more thought than the average citizen.  I support the philosophy of Home Rule as one of the key foundations of American governance, and in that light I support anyone that wishes to organize with their neighbors to form a city.

I don’t want to say that my support is conditional, but as the concept of the City of Brookhaven has taken shape, the effort seems to have moved far away from the concept of self-determination, and become a commercial tax base “land grab” in effort to provide economic justification to support the efforts of a small number of people in the study-area.

I live in the part of Ashford Park that also lies in the city limits of Chamblee, so I often feel that I have one foot in Chamblee and the other in Brookhaven. Also, as someone who has been extremely involved in our community, few know as well as I the brand inequity between Chamblee and Brookhaven.  Never mind the recent Atlanta Magazine cover article naming “Bramblee” as one of the top 5 neighborhoods in Atlanta.  While Chamblee continues to see positive movement in the eyes of those in the Metro area, I believe Brookhaven enjoys the benefit of being a top-tier brand in the entire Metro area (on par with Vinings, but not quite Buckhead or Dunwoody).  As such, with localized services, I am sure incorporating as Brookhaven would strengthen/increase property values. 

However, as a policy maker, I view the situation a little differently.  I am a true believer of efficient and effective delivery of government services.  Taking the “name” out of the equation, I think forcing the creation of a city where there are really only neighborhoods is not the best choice to make.  Moreover, the notion of a rallying around a brand name to me is short-sighted and presents a false sense of political representation.  I don’t think it represents the foundation that an area needs to truly grow long-term.  I believe any argument boasting a resulting increase in property values is short-sighted and harshly underestimates the value of a 3-minute 911 response time.

If the residents of the unincorporated area want to produce a truly powerful result from this summer’s activities, with leverage at the Capitol and access to state resources for real economic development and improved public spaces, I think they should envision the long-term benefits of a larger City of Chamblee, with new found political influence to parallel other Metro Area cities, instead of potentially duplicating a government administration that is already in place, resulting is 2 relatively less significant DeKalb cities.

I am not suggesting that I have a perfect solution, and this letter to the editor cannot possibly approach the many topics this raises with the depth they deserve, however, I want to put my position on the record.  While annexing a new area almost always brings a short-term financial burden to the “old area”, I also currently believe that the City of Chamblee would benefit greatly in the long-term by being a bit larger, and I would currently support an effort to that end.

I welcome your thoughts.

Thomas Hogan
thogan@chambleega.com

Chamblee Business Association Releases Roundtable Summary

The Chamblee Business Association hosted a Economic Development Roundtable at its July General Meeting.  The Roundtable was part of the City of Chamblee's continuing process to update it's Comprehensive Development Plan.

Chamblee City Council voted in December of 2010 to budget the funds necessary to produce a Major Amendment to the CDP due to the recent annexation, the changing economic climate, and the requirement that an update be provided to the 2006 document.

The summary of the Chamblee Economic Development Roundtable has been prepared by Pond & Co., and is available on the Chamblee Business Association website.

You can view the report at the site: 
http://chambleebusinessassocia​tion.com/economic-development-​roundtable-discussion/

YOUR ACTION NEEDED
Please read the report and voice your opinion.  Comments can be left on the CBA site.  The more comments, the more value!

Chamblee Fireworks Make-up Date Announced

The City of Chamblee has announced on the Parks and Recreation Facebook Page that the City's fireworks display and festivities will be made up on Saturday, July 9.   Music and food vendors will start at 7:30 with fireworks at dark.  For more information about this event, you are encrouraged to call Chamblee City Hall at 770-986-5010.

See you at Keswick!

New Wine Shop Opens in Chamblee

From NeighborNewspaper.com, Nneka M. Okona (nokona@neighbornewspapers.com)

A new nook for vino lovers has opened its doors.  Le Caveau, at 5256 Peachtree Road in Chamblee, opened May 28.  The namesake of the wine shop is French for vault, the essence of what the shop hopes to become: a gold mine of fine wines to add to patrons’ cellars.

“We focus on Old World and natural wines, which translates into an European-dominated shop,” said Daniel Crawford, who handles wine sales and consulting. “Right now we have about 240 bottles and we are growing to have 400.”  Domestic wine selections are also available, along with some South American wines. South African wines will come in soon, Crawford said. Tote bags, decanters, polish cloths, reference books and wine glass charms are also available for purchase.

The business began as a result of a collection co-owner Eric Brown had formed. Brown began to collect wine a decade ago.  Brown and his wife Carrie, approached Crawford in November about starting Le Caveau.  “We have been hanging out and drinking wine together for a long time,” said Crawford. “We always kidded around about opening a restaurant or barbecue joint.”

The Browns reside in Chamblee, so opening there was a no-brainer.  “They live five minutes from the shop,” said Crawford. “That is what the business is about, serving the local economy and building a business within their own neighborhood.”

Bottles at Le Caveau start as low as $9.99.  “Within the world of wine, if you look hard enough, you can find very beautiful wines that are made naturally and are affordable,” said Crawford.

Le Caveau is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Information: (770) 837-0710.

Town Brookhaven to open Gallery

CALLING AREA WOMEN PHOTGRAPHERS

Town Brookhaven has asked Gretchen Roberts, President of the Brookhaven Arts Alliance, to use one of their retail spaces at the development to create a gallery. She is working with "Women In Focus" to create an exhibit celebrating women in photography. If you are an aspiring amateur or a professional photographer in the area, you are encouraged to contact Gretchen at gretchen.roberts@sembler.com.

They are planning an exhibit for October, in conjunction with Atlanta Celebrates Photography.  Please let her know if you are interested in helping work the gallery during the month of October.