Druid!Hills!Survey! On!Annexation/Cityhood!Choices! Final ... ·...

Druid Hills Survey On Annexation/Cityhood Choices

Final Report Nov. 26, 2014

Background on the survey In the months ahead, Druid Hills may be facing a historic decision. Briefly, it has three choices:

• Seek annexation to the city of Atlanta. • Join with Briarcliff and Lakeside in forming a new city. • Remain part of unincorporated DeKalb County.

In defining its own role in this historic decision, the Druid Hills Civic Association sought to hear from Druid Hills residents about these choices in a survey conducted from Oct. 31 to Nov. 10 (10 days). The DHCA Survey Committee managed the survey process and design. It was designed with four values in mind:

• To be objective, so that it did not steer people to one choice or another. • To be reliable, so that we could be assured that only Druid Hills residents took the

survey and the results were safeguarded from “ballot stuffing.” • To be realistic. It was designed knowing that many residents still occupy a “low-‐

information” environment about Druid Hills’ choices. Thus, we asked questions about outcomes and factors, not about what is still largely unknowable, which is how residents might vote in a hypothetical referendum at a future date.

• To be user-‐friendly. We wanted a survey people could take easily, asking questions that any resident could answer.

We settled on a two-‐part effort: To queue the survey and provide a security mechanism, we sent postcards to every household in Druid Hills. Each postcard contained a unique login code. Recipients were directed to an online survey. To take the survey, they had to enter their login code.

Druid Hills Survey on Annexation/Cityhood Final Report

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We mailed postcards to all Druid Hills residents, including those living in Atlanta and Decatur. The login codes allowed us to segment Atlanta and Decatur respondents from those who may actually vote in a referendum (the residents of unincorporated DeKalb County). Here is a breakdown of postcards mailed, surveys taken, and the response rates.

Postcards Responses Resp. Rate

Atlanta 526 53 10%

Decatur 9 1 11%

Unincorp. 3141 828 26%

Total 3676 882 24% As you can see, the overall response rate was 24%, which is considered very good for this kind of survey. Worth noting: 85% of the postcards were mailed to unincorporated DeKalb addresses but 94% of the respondents were from unincorporated DeKalb. Since this is a decision that affects only the unincorporated areas, this is exactly what you would expect. The survey asked two types of questions. First, it asked about the respondent’s “level of comfort” with each of the three choices Druid Hills faces. Second, it asked how respondents would rate five factors in considering the options facing Druid Hills. Each question could be answered using a five-‐point scale from “Highly important” to “Not important at all,” or “Strongly agree” to “Strongly disagree.” Finally, the survey offered space for optional comments. There were eight questions in all. We estimated that it took the average respondent five minutes or less to answer all of them.


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The choices facing Druid Hills In the first set of questions, we asked recipients to describe their level of comfort with the three choices. Here is how the questions were worded:

1. I am comfortable with Druid Hills joining the existing city of Atlanta. 2. I am comfortable with Druid Hills joining Briarcliff/Lakeside in forming a new city. 3. I am comfortable with Druid Hills remaining part of unincorporated DeKalb County.

Each question was followed by five answers: Strongly agree, Somewhat agree, Neutral/Not sure, Somewhat disagree, Strongly disagree. For the purpose of analyzing the results, we turned these responses into a 1-‐5 scale, with 1 being “Strongly disagree”, 5 being “Strongly agree” and 3 being “Neutral/Not sure.” The results We wanted to know the mean or average for each answer, using our 1-‐5 scale. (Again, 1=Strongly disagree, 5=Strongly agree). Here are the averages:

Annexation 3.13 Cityhood 2.16 Unincorp. 3.16

This indicates to us that annexation or remaining in unincorporated DeKalb are acceptable outcomes at this point to most taking the survey, but joining Briarcliff/Lakeside in forming a new city is not. We also wanted to know the range and depth of opinions on these choices. Were there deep divisions about these choices or did people pretty much feel the same way? Here is the distribution of opinions for each choice:

Annexation

Strongly Agree 243 28% Somewhat Agree 210 24% Neutral/Not Sure 96 11% Somewhat Disagree 83 9% Strongly Disagree 250 28%


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Our interpretation What do these results tell the DHCA Board? We draw four conclusions:

• There is little desire among Druid Hills residents to join Briarcliff and Lakeside in creating a new city. The DHCA Board may wish to notify the organizers of that effort that they should not include Druid Hills in their initiative.

• At this point, Druid Hills residents see annexation into Atlanta or remaining in unincorporated DeKalb County as acceptable.

• There are, however, strong differences of opinion on both these outcomes, and particularly on the annexation option. 28% of those surveyed said they “strongly disagreed” with the annexation outcome; another 28% “strongly agreed” with it. (Opinions were a bit more moderate about remaining in unincorporated DeKalb.)

• A referendum on annexation into Atlanta is likely to produce strong debate for and against. This makes it, in our opinion, highly important that the DHCA Board define its role carefully in events leading to a referendum decision and during the referendum campaign itself.

Cityhood


Unincorp.



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Atlanta-‐DeKalb divisions Were there differences in how Druid Hills residents already in Atlanta viewed these options compared to those in unincorporated DeKalb? There were (they tended to more strongly favor annexation, more firmly oppose cityhood) but their numbers were not great enough to affect significantly the overall results. Here are the mean or averages for the three options:

Annex Cityhood Unincorp. Atlanta residents 3.57 1.77 3.21 Unincorp. residents 3.10 2.19 3.16 Combined 3.13 2.16 3.16


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Factors residents see as important The second set of questions asked residents to rate a group of factors that they might use in considering the choices facing the neighborhood. Here’s how these questions were phrased:

In considering the options facing Druid Hills, these factors are important to me: 4. The school system that Druid Hills’ schools (Druid Hills High, Briar Vista

Elementary, Fernbank Elementary) belong to. 5. The effect the decision has on the taxes I pay. 6. The effect the decision has on public safety and other public services. 7. That Emory University’s campus remains in the same jurisdiction as the Druid

Hills neighborhood. 8. The jurisdiction’s commitment to preserving the Druid Hills Historic District.

Each question was followed by five answers: Highly important, Somewhat important, Neutral/Not sure, Not very important, Not important at all. For the purpose of analyzing the results, we turned these responses into a 1-‐5 scale, with 1 being “Strongly disagree”, 5 being “Strongly agree” and 3 being “Neutral/Not sure.” The results We wanted to know the mean or average for each answer, using our 1-‐5 scale. (Again, 1=Strongly disagree, 5=Strongly agree). Here are the averages:

Schools 4.30 Taxes 4.21 Services 4.49 Emory 3.74 Historic Dist. 4.08

This indicates to us that all of these factors are important to Druid Hills residents and should form the basis of conversations with the city of Atlanta and DeKalb County officials. As with the annexation/cityhood options facing Druid Hills, we wanted to know the range and depth of opinions on these choices. Were there deep divisions about these choices or did people pretty much feel the same way? Here is the distribution of opinions for each choice:


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Schools

Highly Important 535 61% Somewhat Important 198 22% Neutral/Not Sure 65 7% Not Very Important 43 5% Not Important At All 41 5%

Taxes


Services



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Our interpretation What do these results tell the DHCA Board. We draw three conclusions:

• These five factors will be important to Druid Hills residents in making their own decisions about what the neighborhood should do in the future.

• Unlike the choices about annexation, cityhood and unincorporation, there is little divided opinion about these factors. The factor that ranked lowest (remaining in the same jurisdiction as Emory University) had only 18% of respondents who considered it “not very important” or “not important at all.” A clear majority considered it “somewhat important” or “highly important.”

• These factors could form the basis for the DHCA Board’s role in the annexation discussions to come. That is, one role could be to investigate and report on how annexation or continued unincorporation would affect these five factors.

Emory


Hist. District



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Atlanta-‐DeKalb divisions Again, we wanted to know if there were significant differences between how Druid Hills residents already in Atlanta viewed these factors compared to those in unincorporated DeKalb. There were some (they were less concerned about the schools but more concerned about the Historic District) but the differences were not enough to affect significantly the overall results.

Schools Taxes Services Emory Hist.Dist. Atlanta residents 3.89 4.06 4.53 3.83 4.42 Unincorp. residents 4.33 4.23 4.50 3.74 4.07 Combined 4.30 4.21 4.49 3.74 4.08


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Optional comments We included a text box on the online survey for respondents to offer optional comments and suggestions. 294 of the 882 respondents offered a comment (33%). The vast majority of comments were about four subjects: the choices facing Druid Hills (i.e., for or against annexation, cityhood or remaining unincorporated); the factors that residents will consider (schools, taxes, services, etc.); other ideas (such as joining Decatur instead); and DHCA itself (both praise and criticism).

Important note: City of Decatur officials made it clear in a conversation with DHCA Board members that they had no intention of annexing substantial portions of Druid Hills. They specifically asked that annexation to Decatur not to be included in this survey.

Below is a sampling of comments from these four subjects. The full list of comments is included in an appendix. Comments about the choices These were by far the most heated. As the data indicated, Druid Hills residents have strong opinions for and against joining the city of Atlanta, and for or against remaining part of unincorporated DeKalb. Here is a sampling:

We feel that there is no best option given that DeKalb county government is dysfunctional and broke financially. There seems to be no political leadership. Given this reality, we think that joining the city of Atlanta is the best solution. We feel that nothing would be gained by being a city or by joining another city. In particular, we do NOT want to be part of Atlanta. The idea of having to go to downtown Atlanta for minor things that we now can do in Decatur. LEAVE THINGS ALONE on this issue! We believe Druid Hills Historic District and unincorporated DeKalb county should go to the city. The public services are much nicer. Maybe Briarcliff road will get good sidewalks in the City of Atlanta, and streetlights are needed down Lullwater Rd especially. Villa Park should also be reestablished. Vehemently opposed to joining city of Atlanta. It would be the worse thing Druid Hills could do. We must oppose joining Atlanta. We would be crazy to do so. Unincorporated DeKalb is much better!! We affirm that Atlanta is moving in a good direction and we would welcome the opportunity for DH to join it. The city's initiatives around important issues such as public transit, infrastructure investment, school reform, and neighborhood-‐level planning are the primary drivers of our position. I will sell my house and move to Vinings before I'll be annexed by the city of Atlanta. I refuse to be governed by its incompetent, racist, high taxes administration, but wait, I'm already in a jurisdiction with a government with all those attributes, plus criminal.


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Comments about factors Some respondents took the opportunity to express their concerns about some of the factors included on the survey. Here is a sampling:

We are interested in Druid Hills joining the city of Atlanta as long as Druid Hills schools (Fernbank, Druid Hills High), go with us and the Druid Hills Historic District is preserved.

We moved to Druid Hills for Fernbank Elementary School for our children. I am a graduate of ATL Pub Schools & my mother was also a teacher there. APS schools have mediocre teachers and apathetic parents/children. PLEASE do not allow Fernbank to become polluted in the same manner that so many APS schools are. The school district is the most important. We have been told by home appraisers that the value of our home is dependent on the school district in which we reside. We are low income seniors and have a DeKalb County H4 property tax senior exemption with no school taxes. We don't want to be a part of ANY city unless we would also not have to pay the city school taxes. If our property taxes go up considerably, we will have to move from our home of 28 years. The taxes are the single most important consideration. Although the DeKalb administration leaves much to be desired, there's no guarantee that higher taxes through Atlanta annexation will bring any benefits.

Taxes and safety are our biggest concern. It seems that splitting up unincorporated DeKalb would predictably increase taxes, provide uncertainty regarding public safety and degrade our schools. Emory University, CDC, Historic Druid Hills neighborhoods and our schools must remain together no matter what. Our community draws its strength from this synergistic relationship. The concept that Emory University should be able to dictate the municipal character of Druid Hills is offensive. It should be subject to the will of its neighbors -‐ not the other way around.

Comments offering other ideas Some respondents had suggestions beyond what was offered on the survey. Here are two:

Situation is a mess because of "land grab" going on. State legislature should stop entire process. Staying in unincorporated DeKalb is fine but not if inaction makes us worse off. We shouldn't miss the boat on others incorporating around us. The entire mess is a real "prisoner's dilemma." Our first preference would be to join the City of Decatur. They have a wonderful community and a strong commitment to an excellent school system, resulting in a thriving city. Whatever happens with Druid Hills, we hope it looks something like that.

Comments about DHCA Finally, there was praise and criticism for DHCA itself. Here are a few examples:

Thank you Druid Hills Civic Association for soliciting the opinions of the residents of Druid Hills. Your efforts to represent us are appreciated.


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Thank you DHCA for taking leadership in this matter. We are particularly interested in having more control over planning and zoning and having strong public education. We hope future surveys will allow each adult in the household to respond in order to better reflect varying views. Thanks for all the work on this issue. It seems that DHCA communications are somewhat biased toward joining city of Atlanta. It is important that the DHCA represent the views of all residents, not just perspectives of some. This survey is a step in the right direction. The Civic Association seems to be pushing the City of Atlanta option. You have not made the case as to why this is the best option. I'd follow your lead, but it isn't clear why any of the options are better than the others. Thus, I'll stick with the status quo.


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Optional Comments And Suggestions

The online survey included a text box for respondents to offer optional comments and suggestions. 294 of the 882 respondents offered a comment (33%). A sampling of the comments was offered earlier in this report. Here is the complete list of comments. We'd love to become part of Atlanta.

We would 1 with any decision that lessens the quality of the schools that Druid Hill is zoned to, but also would not be in favor with any decision that significantly increases taxes.

We support Druid Hills being proactive to become a part of the City of Atlanta, rather than waiting to see what happens to the Druid Hills community. We have more in common with Virginia Highland, Lake Claire and Morningside that we do with Briarcliff and Lakeside.

We strongly support being annexed by Atlanta.

We say fix DeKalb, not take on more government. Even if we're annexed into Atlanta, we'll still be in DeKalb. What happened to the idea that we could be annexed into Atlanta and stay in the DeKalb school system? And if we were annexed, would we be able to decide who oversees our historic district?

We live in Druid Hills BECAUSE it is in unincorporated DeKalb County. Colleagues at Emory suffer nightmarish problems when they work on their homes due to slow, inept City of Atlanta departments. Atlanta's utilities, roads, et cetera need a billion dollars of work, and I do NOT want to pay for it.

We have the best of both worlds already: minimal level of bureaucracy (unincorporated DeKalb County) & an Atlanta address (so people can find us on the map along with New York, Los Angeles, etc.)

We have a number of friends who live in the City of Atlanta. Numerous conversations lead us to believe that we wod see an increase in taxes and a decrease in services. We also plan to retire in Druid hills and the senior tax exemption is importantly. As it stands it looks like no option is ideal

We feel that there is no best option given that DeKalb county government is dysfunctional and broke financially. There seems to be no political leadership. Given this reality, we think that joining the city of Atlanta is the best solution.

We feel that nothing would be gained by being a city or by joining another city. In particular, we do NOT want to be part of Atlanta. The idea of having to go to downtown Atlanta for minor things that we now can do in Decatur. LEAVE THINGS ALONE on this issue!

Appendix


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We do not want to belong to or be forced to belong to the City of Atlanta. We definitely need to stay away from Atlanta in regard to taxes and services. Our neighborhood did not choose to be part of Druid Hills Historic District. We were put in it.

We do not want the creation of a new city -‐ the region needs fewer, not more, municipalities. Emory is an important part of our neighborhood and we already are a part of the city of Atlanta. Atlanta's governance is far preferable to further Balkanization to satisfy the political ambitions of a few

We do not need more government but more community action and involvement. I would say to leave this neighborhood in Unincorporated DeKalb. I'm very happy the way it is now. No need for change.

We do not believe that adding another layer of government will solve any of the existing problems.

We Believe Druid Hills Historic District and Unincorporated DeKalb county should go to the city. The Public services are much nicer. Maybe Briarcliff road will get good sidewalks in the City of Atlanta, and Streetlights are needed down Lullwater rd especially. Villa Park should also be reestablished.

We are very against joining Briarcliff/Lakeside and do not think it is a good idea. If we have to join a city, Atlanta offers the best option. The status quo has been fine, however, and will continue to be fine.

We are strongly opposed to joining any new incorporated city. No need to add yet another set of administrative burdens, with new politicians ultimately focused on their own personal interests.

We are strongly interested in joining City of Atlanta and believe it would be best for Druid Hills long term.

We are satisfied with the current situation in unincorporated DeKalb. However, if we are going to be part of a city, we want to be part of Atlanta, not Briarcliff or Lakeside!

We are perfectly happy with public services as they currently are and have no interest in becoming part of the City of Atlanta or incorporating in another form. Thank you.

We are not interested in joining the City of Atlanta. Our belief is that Atlanta will immediately re-‐assess the Druid Hills properties to higher values with the result of increased property taxes. APS has just as many, if not more, problems than the DeKalb County school system.

We are concerned that a new city would mean a new bureaucracy with duplication, added costs & great uncertainty regarding effectiveness, start-‐up, etc. Also concerned w/ inadequate DeKalb policing.

We are against the city movement and believe that the duplication of funds it requires is a waste. We question the social politics (racial) of the movement. Our preference would have been more strongly to the status quo except the city movement is a threat to services, taxes and that stability.

We affirm that Atlanta is moving in a good direction and we would welcome the opportunity for DH to join it. The city's initiatives around important issues such as public transit, infrastructure investment, school reform, and neighborhood-‐level planning are the primary drivers of our position.

Very opposed to new city

Vehemently opposed to joining city of Atlanta. It would be the worse thing Druid Hills could do. We must oppose joining Atlanta. We would be crazy to do so. Unincorporated DeKalb is much better!!

Unincorporated DeKalb is my ultimate preference. Thank you for reaching out to me for my opinion.

This panic to be part of a city seems very knee jerk. No desire to jump into the tax pool insanity of Atlanta/Fulton county. APS is not an advantage to our kids.

There is no indication that the public services we would receive from Atlanta would be superior to those we are receiving now, and we would be stuck with an equally bad government and double the property taxes. The other two cities are unknowns and there is no assurance of better services. Ruth


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There are very few DeKalb police cruisers that patrol our area/The DeKalb ZBA does not follow recommendations of the Historical Board/DH Middle school is not an appealing choice for families with children/Very little money goes into infrastructure improvements (The By Way). Yes, its time to leave.

The status quo is unacceptable. DeKalb County has failed us. We owe it to our community and three school age children to join the City of Atlanta for positive change and for the long term viability of Druid Hills

The services in unincorporated DeKalb are adequate; the schools are good and enhance our property value, and the tax situation is superior. We would prefer that the neighborhood remain unincorporated

The only thing I can say for sure if my residence gets voted into City of Atlanta I would sell it IMMEDIATELY!!

The issue of higher taxes with Atlanta has been overblown. A major concern is preserving Druid Hills; if DeKalb approves the Clifton Ridge subdivision, we would not want to be part of DeKalb.

The current situation (Unincorporated DeKalb) is very satisfactory. Change will not bring about a positive impact; we are currently in a positive situation. It appears that the proposed changes have an underlying agenda of increasing taxes and adding a layer of bureaucracy. Please DO NOT change.

The current government of DeKalb County is an embarrassment, but it may be a temporary one. A permanent solution to what may be a temporary problem is a step to be taken with great care. To join Decatur or Atlanta might be wiser than BC/LS which has a somewhat cobbled-‐together look.

The City of Atlanta is broke and is doing everything possible to build mix use complexes to increase the tax base. This is clear evidence the city would drastically increase the property taxes.

The city of Atlanta can not keep the street lights working on Ponce . One Mayor in recent times has gone to Federal prison along with the CAO and city council members .The city school system is in court with a wide spread cheating case involving: the staff, principals and teachers . Leave it alone

The advantages of being part of Atl. Schools have been overstated. APS's problems are more than the cheating scandal. There is a culture of mediocrity, at best. People want out of Inman and Jackson as much as they want out of DeKalb middle schools. Druid Hills Cluster is biasing this discussion

The "benefits" for Druid Hills in joining the City of Briarcliff, at least according the pdf presentation are generic and weak. It looks like my kids put the document together. I don't see any real compelling reason.

Taxes, infrastructure, and schools are all a big concern. If we had to vote today, we would chose annexation by the city of Atlanta

Resident in unincorporated DeKalb County, strongly prefer low taxes and current jurisdiction. Don't see why City of Atlanta annexation, and paying much higher taxes overall, would be of any benefit.

Re: #3 Am I comfortable with DH staying part of Unincorporated DeKalb assuming everything else stays the way it is now or if there are 1-‐2 new cities and we are left without those areas in Unincorporated DeKalb? Who's to say? DeKalb won't look the same with the new city (ies)

Please get off this "City of Atlanta" thing. It is a failed government entity, no more effective or honest than DeKalb County. Let's stay in DeKalb County, hold the elected officials accountable, outlaw nepotism, be proactive in our own community and not align with another terrible bureaucracy.

Our current status is fine with me. I see no change as being necessary. However, none of us can be happy with the current political problems with DeKalb county re the charges against the former CEO. Also, the construction problem on Clifton Road never should give happened. Need to rid potholes.

Of the proposed options, City of Atlanta annexation seems to offer the most potential benefit to the Druid Hills community. I identify as an Atlantan and support the direction that the City of Atlanta government is taking the city.


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Not a good idea to add another layer of government-‐-‐better to work together to improve DeKalb Co. government.

No city of Atlanta. I lived there for 17 years -‐ unincorporated DeKalb is far far superior in every way. endemic problems at city of Atlanta related to water and code enforcement make the idea of becoming part of the city completely non negotiable and unacceptable please no city of Atlanta EVER

Would like us to consider annexation by City of Decatur.

We would like the DHCA to get a CLEAR and DEFINITIVE answer from the City of Decatur on whether Decatur is interested in the Druid Hills neighborhood.

TOP CHOICE IS DECATUR! Survey is day late & dollar short. It's not reliable b/c it excludes City of Decatur annex option. CoD may reconsider annexation b/c of need for school facilities. Also, survey is unlikely to impact Briarcliff/Lakeside compromise map due few days after survey closes. Pity!

Too many unknowns. Real fear that overly rosy predictions are driving this and we could end up worse off. Can threat of city hood allow Druid Hills get a better deal from the county?

The real problem isn't fixed with realigning boundaries and jurisdictions. We need to engage instead on eliminating the corruption, acrimony and complacency of the current 'employed' AND elected government staff who continue to take advantage of the county's taxpayers and resources. Shame on us.

The Druid Hills Historic District has proven to be a failed venture. It's arbitrary and inconsistent enforcement has not improved the character of the community.

The current druid hills middle and high school are not acceptable and very low rated. We are highly considering moving to city of Decatur so that we can have better schools. Druid Hills needs to do more for education. Higher taxes have done amazing things for city of Decatur.

The comments on the Druid Hills website about whether Decatur would welcome Druid Hills being annexed contain conflicting information about whether this option is viable. This contradiction needs more clarification before a reasoned decision can be made about joining Atlanta vs. joining Decatur.

The best solution would be a City of Druid Hills. Emory is not our friend cannot be trusted. City of Atlanta will mean higher taxes; does not represent the demographics of Druid Hills. Merger of City of Decatur, Avondale Estates and Druid Hills. Staying with DeKalb is a long term loser.

Situation is a mess because of "land grab" going on. State legislature should stop entire process. Staying in unincorporated DeKalb is fine but not if inaction makes us worse off. We shouldn't miss the boat on others incorporating around us. The entire mess is a real "prisoner's dilemma."

Our first preference would be to join the City of Decatur. They have a wonderful community and a strong commitment to an excellent school system, resulting in a thriving city. Whatever happens with Druid Hills, we hope it looks something like that.

We would prefer to follow Emory's path; whatever the university does is what we would like to do.

We would not want any change to protections afforded by Druid Hills Historic District ordinance for our entire neighborhood. The importance of the Druid Hills Historic Legislation is essential for preservation of this community. Any effort that would change this will be opposed by this household.

We would like to be re-‐zoned for access to better public schools. Briar Vista Elementary where we are zoned ranks very low and Druid Hills Middle is not much better. We need better public schools.

We must have continuation of protection against nonhistoric development in Druid Hills. It is critical that the total Druid Hills community remains intact. This is DHCA's most important job. Why are we having questions about Lakeside when Emory won't allow us to have that option?


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We moved to Druid Hills for Fern Elem School for our children. I am a graduate of ATL Pub Schools & my mother was also a teacher there. APS schools have mediocre teachers and apathetic parents/children. PLEASE do not allow Fernbank to become polluted in the same manner that so many APS schools are.

We bought our house on upper Emory Rd 7 years ago without having children yet because of the strength of Fernbank Elementary. I hope my daughter gets to go there. We made this investment with Fernbank as the anchor for maintaining property value. #1 to me is upper Emory Rd stays with Fernbank Elem.

We attend a DeKalb County Charter school. It is very important for us to remain at this school should we be annexed into City of Atlanta! We hope there will be some sort of grandfather clause addressing this issue which faces many families.

We are very concerned about Clifton Ridge and the negative effect this will have on our community. This makes us uneasy about the comment DeKalb county has to preserving our neighborhood.

We are low-‐income seniors and have a DeKalb County H4 property tax senior exemption with no school taxes. We don't want to be a part of ANY city unless we would also not have to pay the city school taxes. If our property taxes go up considerably, we will have to move from our home of 28 years.

We are interested in Druid Hills joining the city of Atlanta as long as Druid Hills schools (Fernbank, Druid Hills High), go with us and the Druid Hills Historic District is preserved.

We are hoping that if we become part of the City of Atlanta, that our street, Normandy, would be redistricted into SPARK or Fernbank instead of remaining in Briarvista. This would increase our property value greatly and would make the increase in property taxes palatable.

We are concerned about the lack of tax exemptions for Senior Citizens in the City of Atlanta. The tax difference between DeKalb and Atlanta is significant for home-‐owners 70+ years old.

Understand MS Elementary is better than the DeKalb alternatives but assuming CoA annexation will result in higher property prices is anecdotal. DHCA should ask an appraiser to do a real assessment. CoA's property tax hike is very disturbing to us. The other cityhood movements aren't impressive

This is a complicated question. We need to continue to learn more about the Atlanta City option and we need to clarify what Emory University want/plans to do.

There is too much unknown to proceed with a change. I really don't think there will be any benefits to change.

The taxes are the single most important consideration. Although the DeKalb Admin leaves much to be desired, there's no guarantee that higher taxes thru Atlanta annexation will bring any benefits.

The subjects of the questions are very important to defining our community. It is unlikely that joining the city of Atlanta will result in improvement in government transparency or municipal services

The situation with the schools is my main concern.

The school system is of the utmost importance to me and should be one of the first things that is defined as incorporation and/or annexation issues move forward. The original feasibility studies should be reviewed again and updated so that residents understand finances and/or increased tax burden.

The school district is to remain as a single entity. Do not break apart our schools. Druid Hills school system is a communal effort and that is the reason why we have chosen to live here in this community. Please do not make this a political circus. Thanks

The school district is the most important. We have been told by home appraisers that the value of our home is dependent on the school district in which we reside.

The school district is by far our most important factor.

The position of Emory should hold a very minor place in this decision. The lives of Druid Hills residents should not be manipulated by an educational corporate giant


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The impact on the school system is of highest importance for us. I know being annexed into Decatur is highly unlikely but that would be ideal for us.

The effect of jurisdiction decision on tax base and public services (including schools) is of major importance to us.

The effect of annexation on Fernbank Elementary (preserving the existing attendance zone and faculty) is the most important thing to us. We also don't want annexation to negatively affect the Fernbank Science Center.

The decision re joining a city has to be defined in specifics related to school districts or plan to improve existing schools.

The concept that Emory University should be able to dictate the municipal character of Druid Hills is offensive. It should be subject to the will of its neighbors -‐ not the other way around.

The best thing for Druid Hills would be if Fernbank could become again K-‐8. That configuration made this a strong neighborhood once. Please keep that goal paramount in any negotiation with the City of Atlanta. If that possibility evaporates, I think we should reconsider.

Taxes: regardless of final decision, I suspect that taxes will increase. Schools: new cities, absent legislative changes, will not form independent school systems (ignoring issues re charter schools). Regret: possibility of hasty decisions based on trend toward cityhood and county governance woes

Taxes and safety are our biggest concern. It seems that splitting up unincorporated Dekalb would predictably increase taxes, provide uncertainty regarding public safety and degrade our schools.

Schools most important to me. Public safety comment: my fire alarm went off a few years ago. No one was home so the alarm company dispatched. A truck was sent from Stone Mountain. Took nearly 30 minutes, when I live a half a mile from va. hi. station. Luckily it was a false alarm.

School systems and their quality are dependent on local taxes and parent involvement. Atlanta seems more open to Charter schools as compared to DeKalb County, but they segregate communities.

School issue is so important to my family. We have a 5-‐year-‐old starting at Fernbank in 2015 and another to follow 2 years later. FES is why we bought our house. It's also very important that DH middle and high school be given every opportunity to improve for the utilization of the surrounding community.

School is the important factor as it affects not just our children but our property values. This needs to be resolved before any annexation/incorporation. What's the actual middle school situation, not wishful thinking, and where are additional students coming from to populate the high school?

School bus service East of the RR tracks on E Lake Rd is a concern as part of Atl. State Law won't allow school buses to cross RR tracks. Today buses go around W Parkwood, up on E Lake to pick up school children & turn around at the MARTA station. I doubt the City will give the same consideration.

Rumor has it Emory most likely will go with Atlanta. Besides the taxes, I wish I had a better understanding what we would gain or lose by joining Atlanta. Despite DeKalb's political issues, the curbside services (lawn/trash/recycle) has been great. DeKalb water service remains? Atlanta rates?

Re: schools. We're interested in annexation. But we'd oppose annexation if kids were to stay in DeKalb School District, with APS contracting out.

No higher taxes.

We have been EXTREMELY disappointed with the DHCA and the very BLATANT bias towards joining the City of Atlanta. We want our civic association to present us with the facts on all sides they do not need to put items in bold to emphasize that their personal biases are with joining the City of Atlanta


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We are dismayed by the information presented in the link attached to this survey. As with the Druid Hills Charter Cluster initiative, the supporters presented biased information that supported their position without full representation of alternative opinions.

The responses above are based on the info we have, which is rather limited and imprecise. Surveys such as this one will be more meaningful when the community has been more fully informed.

The presentation of the options has been heavily skewed to joining the City of Atlanta. There have not been enough open forums to discuss all the options and present a balanced view.

The Civic Association seems to be pushing the City of Atlanta option. You have not made the case as to why this is the best option. I'd follow your lead, but it isn't clear why any of the options are better than the others. Thus, I'll stick with the status quo.

Thanks to whoever is doing the work creating this survey and compiling and publishing the results.

Thanks for all the work on this issue. It seems that DHCA communications are somewhat biased toward joining city of Atlanta. It is important that the DHCA represent the views of all residents, not just perspectives of some. This survey is a step in the right direction.

Thank you for your time.

Thank you for seeking input from residents. I am an older adult and have no school age children, but I am very concerned that the children in Druid Hills have the very best public schools. To me, our schools and historic district are the most important issues.

Thank you for all you do!

Thank you Druid Hills Civic Association for soliciting the opinions of the residents of Druid Hills. Your efforts to represent us are appreciated.

Thank you DHCA for taking leadership in this matter. We are particularly interested in having more control over planning and zoning and having strong public education. We hope future surveys will allow each adult in the household to respond in order to better reflect varying views.

Still unsure. While the website has information on what the differences might mean for me I still would like it broken down into even simpler terms. Also, what is the reason for the change and why even consider it? Maybe even just a quick pros and cons of each decision.

Need more info to determine if it's best to join the city of Briarcliff or Atlanta

With the power of Druid Hills residents, I personally feel we can rise up as a community to aid, cultivate, and evolve the Atlanta Public School system for the future of our children, and for our future neighbors who will call Druid Hills home.

Whatever happens just hope we can retain same address & postal code. Apart from the usual re-‐printing, changing addresses for magazines and digitally is a nightmare!

What about a City of Druid Hills to include the Historic District and surrounding areas?

We must act to join city of Atlanta or Briarcliff/Lakeside asap.

Unfortunately I do not know enough about this subject and if there have been any neighborhood meetings regarding this subject, I have been unaware of all of them. We are new to the neighborhood.

This wouldn't be a difficult decision if we only had responsible and honest government in DeKalb County. My goodness, how did we get to a position where joining Atlanta is even a consideration?

The maps showing the proposed Briarcliff city is very large. I don't understand why Historic Druid hills would be included in this district. It seems to me that our area would not be gaining much.

The houses located in DeKalb county on the west side of Briarcliff Rd. become annexed to City of Atlanta. These homes are located much closer to those schools than to Briar Vista and Fernbank.


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Seriously!? 300 characters for comments!? You obviously do NOT really want to know what we think.

Sequestering the wealthier residents of northern DeKalb into independent jurisdictions would drain away tax resources that help to sustain the less-‐wealthy residents of southern DeKalb. Cityhood movements are motivated by greed and a shameful lack of compassion for our less fortunate neighbors.

Q#8 is a question based on a faulty premise. Both potential jurisdictions have historic commissions.

Property values and the economic base of the neighborhood assure the long term stability and strength of our neighborhood.

Prefer to remain unincorporated,... but if that becomes untenable we believe the Atlanta option is the next best.

Prefer to be in City of Decatur 1st. Don't want DeKalb Unincorporated if surrounding new city is formed and other areas annexed. We can't handle the tax burden and decrease in services, etc. Schools are very important and so is historic preservation of all of Druid Hills, not just some areas in DH.

Prefer the City of Decatur. If not, then remaining within the Fernbank district boundaries will be best for property values. Joining Atlanta will negatively impact property values.

Prefer no city at all -‐ ATL or new concept. It disenfranchises unincorporated areas; that's negative for everyone long-‐term. But, better to be "IN" than "OUT". If cityhood is unavoidable, ATL is preferable to new concept, and being part of EITHER city is preferable to being left out entirely.

Please note that this survey is not accessed through the URL listed on the postcard. I had to type in a search on the site to find it. If response is low, this may be a reason.

Please do what's best for hard working tax payers.

People most interested in forming cities seem not to be thinking about the welfare of the entire county. DeKalb is not perfect but has a long history of blacks and whites interested in working together. We should build on that history and work together to make this county attractive to everyone.

Our property is in one of the areas that the City of Decatur is trying to annex. We would choose the City of Decatur over the City of Atlanta.

Our household belongs to Fernbank Elementary. Is it possible to make sure that if we are to join Atlanta, the exact plan regarding how school system (school boundaries, preK-‐8the option) will be specified and agreed on by Atlanta officials before the final vote takes place.

Our home is in the proposed Decatur annexation area. We strongly prefer being annexed by Decatur rather than Atlanta. Our primary concern is that if we're annexed by Atlanta, they may later reassign our children to other lower-‐quality Atlanta schools.

Our Historic Dist. means nothing to DeKalb Cty Gov't which has totally ignored the regs that they put in place. Our n'borhd will lose its identity/character staying in DeKalb Cty/city of Briarcliff.

Other considerations: skills and experience of the various jurisdictions in managing city services; the slate of services any jurisdiction would provide; geographic connectivity to any jurisdiction.

My preference would be for things to stay the way they are. I would have a preference to see about the possibility of interesting Decatur in annexing Druid Hills.

My philosophy is that the devil you know is better than the one you don't know. And then the frying pan and the fire. I do not know whose idea this was. And politics is politics wherever you find it I am ok with DeKalb services and am sure they will be cleaning house. Leave us alone please

My personal druthers would be for Emory to claim city good and we could join it. Saying that, I've always been proud to be an Atlantan and am ready to take the plunge.


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My home is in the City of Atlanta. My main concern is the integrity of historic preservation rules/regulations so that the Olmisted Park and that legacy is preserved. I am opposed to increasing the density of residential lots within the historic district.

My experience with the City of Atlanta for 20 years in Morningside is that the city water bills are in disarray and nearly 2-‐3 times higher than current Druid Hills. The solid waste bill or tax is outrageously high compared to DeKalb and both are about the same level of service.

Much unknown about Atl, services, schools, zoning, Sr. exemptions. Politics similar to DeKalb, w worse services, higher taxes. like new city; Briarcliff not Lakeside. Hold off till issues are clarified. Don't like cherry-‐picking by Brookhaven, Decatur, or Emory's undue influence. HP is critical.

Let us first try to clean up DeKalb County. Cityhood will provide an additional layer of government subject to mismanagement and corruption.

Lessons learned from Brookhaven/Sandy Springs? State of Atlanta infrastructure not given appropriate weight. Bond initiatives addressed but infra problem not fully scoped. Atlanta politics not clean. APS cheating scandal. Atl as tainted as DeKalb. Comparison of school systems by impartial body?

Leave well enough alone.I made serious life decisions to move here based on the as is. Just because Dekalb County schools shot down your charter cluster does not mean we need to leave the union. You cannot be serious about wanting what Atl City and APS have to offer. At. is a mess!

Kudos to Matt Lewis!

Keep Druid Hills cluster schools together. We want to go to Druid Hills High School with similar educational options (IB, AP, etc.). Keep other schools in cluster in discussion. Many purchased homes specifically for Fernbank. Give excellent teachers the opportunity to stay with the cluster.

Joining Atlanta means rewriting our Historic District Guidelines to include zoning. Could we negotiate for Division 1 to leave Atlanta and join the rest of us in the City of Lakeside or Briarcliff? Let's ask those residents if they would do this and carve out the newly built City school.

Joining Atlanta is a poor idea. Our voice would speak for less than 5% of the population and make our community irrelevant. A combination with the Atlanta Public School system would further erode the reputation of our system. This proposal is a win for Atlanta and a loss for Druid Hills.

Joining a new city involves many unknowns and no guarantee that we would receive better service while adding another level of bureaucracy. We lean towards joining Atlanta or possibly staying with Dekalb.

Its an economic impossibility to both create a new layer of government out of thin air and more cost effectively improve services at the same time. I will also add we have nothing in common with the districts to the north that the Lakeside\Briarcliff entity represents.

It's troubling for senior citizens in Druid Hills that we may potentially lose school tax and HOST exemptions or they may be lessened resulting in many of us having to leave the neighborhood. You can always be annexed at any point in the future but can never leave if unhappy with Atlanta/Lakeside.

It's extremely unfortunate that DHCA chose to fund the Briarcliff cityhood initiative last year. DHCA can never again claim impartiality on this issue. The fact that they couldn't raise the necessary funds on their own was a strong indicator of the value of their endeavor.

It seems unthinkable for Druid Hills to be left behind as other reasonably affluent neighborhoods peel off. Joining the half of Druid Hills that is already in Atlanta makes the most sense to us.

It seems to me that clarity on the school situation has to be brought about sooner rather than later if wish to convince people to make the switch.

It seems that the Druid Hills Civic Association has already made a decision about the issue and is in effect lobbying for the Druid Hills area to join the city of Atlanta. There are many problems with the DeKalb County government and school system but joining the city of Atlanta is not a panacea.


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It is my understand that Emory University, et all, do not want to have anything to do with any 'new city'; that they wish to stay as they are currently.

It is important to keep the ENTIRE Fernbank school district -‐ even the parts that are not within Druid Hills Historic District. We should be good neighbors to places like Clairmont Heights.

It is critically important for our neighborhood that it does not become a conduit for pass-‐through traffic. Crime and safety, accidents, safety of children and pets, and ultimately property values are directly affected by traffic. We would like to see measures taken to affect this.

Is there a township or other option that will allow us to stay in unincorporated DeKalb Co. yet not susceptible to future annexations?? I would be highly in favor of anything of that sort..

In regards to school districts, joining the Atlanta Public School system would exchange a bad situation for a worse situation. Same with the Water departments.

In principal, I object to the creation of small selfish enclaves trying to capture a tax base and avoiding the real issue which is reforming county governance. It can only lead to an impoverished remainder of DeKalb with even poorer schools, opportunities, and services. Segregation all over again?

In our opinion, getting into City of Atlanta has its own merits (regardless of schools, taxes, Emory). Getting out of DeKalb County is important but not important enough to join Lakeside/Briarcliff.

If we were to enter the City of Atlanta, we would be a very small component with little power but higher taxes. However, if we join a new, modest-‐sized City of Briarcliff/Lakeside, we would have a much larger voice and more CONTROL.

If we are left out here alone we may have a problem in the long run with taxes and services. Unincorporated DeKalb has to become more transparent and honest in its dealings and government activities for the people who pay the fees that keep them afloat. The City of Atlanta may not be a bad outcome.

If there's a chance that the charter school cluster can be re-‐addressed, we would be for the option that would make that more likely. It would answer many of these questions. It would increase the tax base, raise home values and development, and provide a stronger sense of community.

If schools are not decided before vote I would not vote for anything. I think schools cannot be left out of the discussion.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. We like it the way it is. We don't need more professional politicians added to the payroll.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

If Druid Hills joins one of the cities, this should be done in a manner that is not perceived to be a version of "white flight." Racial issues in Dekalb country is a strong undercurrent of the "cityhood" movement and I believe it should be addressed openly in any decision made by Druid Hills.

If City of Decatur were an option it would be by far the choice I would support the most!

If annexed, the property taxes on some homes will only be in the hundreds. If the value of your home is more, the property tax will change by a thousand or so. There is a difference here. Just noting but excited about getting annexed.

If annexed to Atlanta, where would children attend middle school? If annexed to Atlanta, would we have to pay the stormwater fee -‐ billed in addition to property taxes?

If a choice, I would prefer joining the City of Decatur for many reasons, chiefly due to its school system.

Ideally, Clifton towards Decatur joins Decatur (including Emory Village). Am happy to separate from Emory. Concerned that Atlanta will be worse the DeKalb County based on 20 years of working in Atlanta. Who on the city council will represent us? How do our concerns compared to others in Atlanta?


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I've heard that Briarcliff/lakeside isn't an option any more -‐ is that correct?

I'm pleased with the delivery and price of services DeKalb County currently provides. I don't want to be involuntarily gerrymandered into the City of Atlanta or a new incorporated municipality.

I'm only for annexation to Atlanta IF and only IF Fernbank becomes a K-‐8 school; otherwise, I'm not certain there's anything to gain.

I'm not sure I understand the last question. Why would any of the options proposed affect the historic district? (Other than perhaps the homeowners property taxes.) Personally, I cannot see any real advantage to the formation of a new city or Atl annexation.

I'm for improving resources and services for all DeKalb residents, rather than breaking up into self-‐interested entities.

I'm already in ATL, so my schools, etc. will not change. I think it would be better for DH to be in 1 jurisdiction & ATL has a better track record on preservation than DeKalb (e.g. Clifton Ridge).

I'd prefer a unified county or region. But that now seems impossible, and our neighborhood must protect itself. At present my choices in order would be Decatur or Briarcliff.

I would strongly favor the "lightest" form of a governing envelope to keep the identity of Druid Hills. How could a "town" keep the county emergency services, utilities and county services while protecting itself from the unease of being part of unincorporated DeKalb? No cluster schl w Cit of Atl

I would like to see DeKalb County revitalized and improved, but I have concerns about being left in unincorporated DeKalb if most of North DeKalb forms cities.

I would have a very positive opinion of Druid Hills coming under the governance of Decatur even if it meant that Emory would not participate.

I would do just about anything to avoid having to deal with the City of Atlanta. I believe both DeKalb Co government and the Atlanta City government are rotten at the core, but Atlanta is worse.

I would be interested in learning more about how annexing into the City of Atlanta would possibly change our neighborhood's school districts.

I would be interested hearing reasons for joining the City of Atlanta. Though DeKalb County has much room for improvement, I see no benefit whatsoever to becoming a part of the City.

I worry that joining City of Atlanta comes with much higher bills and lack luster services. Having owned and currently owning homes in City of Atlanta I can say that it comes with cost. I hope that the neighborhood strongly considers staying unincorporated DeKalb County.

I will sell my house and move to Vinings before I'll be annexed by the city of Atlanta. I refuse to be governed by its incompetent, racist, high taxes administration, but wait, I'm already in a jurisdiction with a government with all those attributes, plus criminal.

I was told by a DeKalb Tax office supervisor that I would lose my senior citizen exemption if Druid Hills joins City of Atlanta, and that I would have to pay school taxes. This would be devastating to my finances and might require my moving out of the area...an area I first moved to 43 years ago.

I was born in DH. I lived in Atlanta from 1968-‐2002. We moved back to Oxford Rd. and I vowed to never own property in Atlanta again. I will sell my home, to remain in DH, elsewhere if this happens

I want it to remain in unincorporated DeKalb County. Thank you for the opportunity to take this survey.

I urge that you use the findings of Oliver Porter when he worked with Eva Galombos in creating that new city. He has become a world known adviser in creating new cities and has traveled to several foreign countries. It is my understanding that if Emory can keep the Atlanta address.

I think everyone involved in this survey has done an excellent job. A great big thank you to all involved.


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I think being in a strong school district is important. I feel the Unincorporated DeKalb County leadership has declined in the last 10 years and I don't feel it is necessary to remain there. I don't think the tax differences are enough to make it a primary factor.

I think all of these cityhood/annexation/charter schools initiatives are knee-‐jerk reactions to the terrible governance we've experienced in DeKalb. I doubt that enough time has been taken to truly research what it takes to ensure a stable city gov. and school system under any of these proposals.

I support Druid Hills becoming part of the city of Atlanta.

I strongly oppose forming a new city for these reasons: 1. The uncertainty of taxes 2. The unknown costs associated with forming a police dept, etc and finally 3. Everyone in the world knows the city of Atlanta, no one will know what the city of Briarcliff is!! I want 2 keep my ATL address!!

I strongly favor Druid Hills' remaining in unincorporated DeKalb & 2nd choice part of Atlanta. Many Druid Hills residents have lived in Atlanta-‐inc. or uninc-‐our entire lives. Keep DH as DH.

I reside in an area of Druid Hills currently in City of Atlanta and De Kalb county jurisdictions. Will proposed changes impact the residents of this area with regard to taxes, schools and services?

I remain confused, but what I clearly know is that we do not want to remain in the county and get left behind. Also, clearly, we want to go as Emory goes. Carol Sandlin

I regret that DHCA has not presented a consideration of becoming a part of Decatur.

I moved into Druid Hills in 1978 partly to get out of Atlanta into a better situation. I have not been disappointed. I feel the best solution is to work to correct the problems in the county. I fear that Atlanta cityhood would present us with other new tough choices and not really improve things.

I lived in Fulton Co/Atl for 8 years before moving to Uninc. DeKalb. I have been more satisfied with the services in Uninc DeKalb than in Atlanta. I vote as I do in the hopes that our schools remain excellent or improve. As for my anti-‐new city stance, I would rather go with the devil I know...

I live in a section that was recently subject to be annexed by Decatur. I hope the civic association will soon make a decision to move forward before we are "picked off" by other cities.

I hope that this beautiful historic neighborhood is not destroyed by this latest controversy. We have witnessed a revival of this and other close-‐ in neighborhoods since the freeway was defeated. Emory's desire for a transit line seems to be the reason for the annexation to Atlanta push.

I haven't read anything about why Decatur is opposed to annexing Druid Hills. Seems like a short sighted view. DeKalb seems best as is with STRONG commitment on historic district and zoning issues.

I have yet to read something that adequately explains what happens to elementary school districts if annexed into Atlanta. "Significant changes" is not good enough. Will we remain in Fernbank, but it will now be controlled by APS, be redistricted into other schools, put in a newly created school?

I have two DHHS students and strongly supported the Charter Cluster initiative. I am hopeful that any changes will bring more support to our schools.

I have lived in the city of Atlanta and moved to Druid Hills to get away from Atlanta and the school system. I do not want to go back. The city pension system is underfunded. Taxes and school budget money go to prop up that fund. We can work together to return DeKalb to a good place to live.

I have lived in DeKalb County for 65 years. For some time now the county has been going to hell in a handbasket, and I have seen nothing that makes me think that this trend is going to change. So I'm not sure that any decision regarding the above is going to make a bit of difference anyhow.

I have lived in and owned similar fmv homes in the City and unincorporated DeKalb. My child went to both City and DeKalb schools. There is no doubt that DeKalb has better schools, police, fire and other public services. And, as a Senior, it is unrefuted that DeKalb taxes are significantly lower.


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I have lived here for 55+ years and have overall been pleased. I believe if it is not broken why fix it. I am fearful of joining a city that may not have this community's best interest at heart. I am also unsure of trying to establish a brand new government and all the problems that entails.

I have found it very difficult to find information on this subject and the implications of each choice.

I have a Decatur address and Druid Hills should be part of Decatur. It has become a destination city. Atlanta and DeKalb are both too large to handle our neighborhood concerns and schools properly. Emory and our local schools should also be part of Decatur. My second choice is Druid Hills as a city.

I hardly know how to answer the first three questions. I wanted to put "it depends" on every question. It looks like a crap shoot. I do have faith that the DHCA has the best interests of the neighborhood in mind.

I find it ridiculous that Druid Hills would try to form a new city with Briarcliff. I have absolutely no interest in any option other than joining a preexisting city or being unincorporated.

I feel that the preservation of Druid Hills Historic District is critical and that it should be an overlay within the City of Atlanta just like it is in Unincorporated DeKalb County.

I feel the worst possible circumstance is to remain in unincorporated DeKalb. Those remaining in unincorporated DeKalb will be forced to support a bloated legacy governing structure that will grow even larger.

I encourage the DHCA to strongly support the City of Atlanta option.

I do not want to be in City of Atlanta. I am concerned that if Druid Hills is left behind in the citihood race, we will find ourselves a forgotten and under-‐represented island in DeKalb County. Emory should not dictate their will on the residential neighborhood.

I could not afford to pay school taxes. I am 82 years old years. Currently my taxes are exempt from school taxes. The addition of school taxes would be considerable and I would have to move.

I believe that the DHCA is overstepping their bounds in sending this survey. Traffic has been mismanaged. I believe that this is a personal agenda and likely creates a conflict of interest.

I believe that Druid Hills has a unique opportunity to join a revitalized and growing Atlanta. I am all for it.

I am strongly in favor of Druid Hills being annexed into the City of Atlanta instead of any other proposed new cities or into Decatur. Continuity of governance with the portion of the neighborhood already within the Atlanta jurisdiction provides the best fit for the neighborhood in the future.

I am strongly AGAINST Atlanta because of its 1. Poor Public Education, 2. Taxes that are not justifiable, 3. Corruption and Reverse Racism. If not Briarcliff, Decatur is the best option.

I am somewhat confused and wish a letter clearly stating the pro and cons of each be available

I am not in favor of creating a new city in order to separate us from persons of color and I do not want to add to the proliferation of small towns and cities with duplicating services.

I am concerned that the charter cluster and annexation to Atlanta are intertwined. I am not enthusiastic about the charter cluster, and I wonder whether Druid Hills is being used as a land bridge to facilitate Emory's annexation to Atlanta and if this is all about the rail line Emory wants.

I am already in the city of Atlanta. I feel that DH is not well served by being in two governmental entities. The city of Atlanta is not perfect, but I feel it is the best option for our entire historic neighborhood.

I am a senior and have senior exemption from school taxes as unincorporated DeKalb. I understand that the City of Atlanta has school taxes and it is unclear if there is a senior exemption applicable to city school taxes.


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I am a bit leery about joining Atl schools, unless it is a charter agreement that grants autonomy. DeKalb is awful. Would love to leave! Taxes? If rate is about the same, who cares. Re the Historic commission. This would be a great time to dump this corrupt and capricious group.

I object to the vigor with which DHCA has opposed Clifton Ridge. I do not see how a handful of expensive new homes are a threat to the historicity of the neighborhood.

How do I know if my home will be affected?!?!?!?!?!?!

Historic district: Builders get passes while owners are bullied on small improvements. McMansions on smaller lots change the feel of the area not to mention the negative impact on drainage and trees.

Here since '84, not a fan of municipalization-‐outsiders choose who wins/loses. We prefer B'Cliff-‐Lakeside. But if not, then we're open to annex to Atlanta. Schools are our priority-‐Fernbank.

Having lived in Druid Hills for >45 years I have been extremely happy with the services and ambience and strength of our community. I see no need to change something that works so well.

Have no interest in being part of a new (yet another) small city. Atlanta is already so fragmented that more municipalities make creating a holistic approach to good regional development (transportation, planning, etc. ) even more challenging. Good schools are important for the neighborhood.

Given our location in DH, we are highly IN FAVOR of being annexed into the City of Decatur, knowing our property taxes would increase. We are NOT comfortable with the potential changes we would face if annexed into the City of Atlanta or a new Cityhood. Unincorp Dekalb is a short-‐lived proposition.

From my point of view, if the city of Briar-‐anything has no ratio of commercial property to help support it, then we would just be asking to struggle.

Former Atlanta res. 15+ yrs. ATL Not perfect, but functioned well for svcs, accountability and representation (NPUs, etc.). Balkanization will not help DeKalb, but if we need to jump, better to ATL.

Fight for local control of our schools and our community. Joining Atlanta is probably a bad idea. Perhaps Druid Hills should be city in and of itself.

Explore Decatur option further. Use Clairmont-‐North Decatur commercial intersection as bargaining leverage. It should stay with Druid Hills neighborhood as revenue source. Seniors in Druid Hills losing school tax exemption is a major consideration. Coordinate with Emory. Thanks for doing this.

Emory University, CDC, Historic Druid Hills neighborhoods and our schools must remain together no matter what. Our community draws its strength from this synergistic relationship.

Emory Univ has clearly become a driving force to (not for) our community. Therefore, we must convince Emory to support OUR decision __ not determine it. What Emory wants is what WE get, or move away.

Druid Hills needs to be part of a city. Not unincorp. DeKalb. These schools need to be their own system.

Druid Hills is not the city of Atlanta; that's exactly why we're here. The city of Atlanta would take more than it would give; it would suck us dry to feed their problems. Then we would be a problem too, looking for the greater fool to bail us out. Check your history. Glad to chat.

Druid Hills Civic Association has got to take a position quickly, or we'll get left in the dust.

Don't trust Lakeside. Briarcliff could use ally. Atl annex needn't happen pronto, would be little fish in big pond. Atl. politics recently less dishonest. DeKalb could become more honest, per L. May. Burrell back-‐ get hell out of Dodge. NO good answers and I don't know which is best of 3 bad choices.

Do NOT become part of Atlanta!!!

Disappointed survey wording...questions 4-‐8 set up to rec'v answers to support decision already made by DHCA...join city Atlanta. Atlanta courting DHCA, the sky will not fall if DH remains in DeKalb unincorp., ATL taxes will not con't down, ck APS test fixing, police/fire not perfect either place.


27

DeKalb County has neglected to address important issues in our community for too long. It's time for a change.

DeKalb County has failed to govern our community honestly, much less effectively, and the school system, at the staff level, lacks leadership and accountability. It's time for a change.

DeKalb County eliminated my school taxes when I turned 70 years old 12 years ago. It is important that this be continued under any change.

Decatur would be choice #1, but I understand they are not looking to add residents to their overburdened school district. I prefer City of Atlanta over Lakeside/Briarcliff because Brookhaven looks like it's being governed by amateurs and I fear the same out of whatever new city emerges around DH.

Critical for me to have long-‐term input into community-‐-‐think "Briarlake" best opt with having say over time. Don't see that Atlanta or unincorporated DeKalb ensure that. Concerned DHNA leaders biased towards Atl. Hope cityhood has op, otherwise stay Dekalb for now. Still more info and time needed.

Continued governance by the Dekalb County government is simply no longer an option if we wish to avoid the fate of Clayton County and other poorly managed, corrupt organizations. City of Atlanta, while far from perfect, is professionaly run and managed, with an eye toward growth.

Continue excellent quality of life environment in Druid Hills area and wonderful enrichment and support from Emory and the Emory community. Efficient, honest, and moral government organization and leaders are very important, plus effective and dedicated leaders and educators in the school system.

City of Atlanta or remain unincorporated. Please say a loud and resounding "No!" to any other citihood efforts.

Children's Healthcare (part of it at Emory) & City of Brookhaven petitioned for LLs 153 & 156 in Exec. Park; Brookhaven also petitioned for LLs 154 & 155. This deprives DeKalb & any new city of valuable commercial property. Emory claimed it did didn't want to join any new city. What's happening?

Charter school status is the central discernment. It makes no sense to make all of this effort only for roads, parks and trash. The real value is finally getting out from under the corrupt Dekalb school district once and for all. Dekalb charter would be in name only-‐keeping the power themselves.ATL!

Can we revisit join City of Decatur?

Bought here in 1972, not in a city. If I wanted a city, I would have gone elsewhere. Protecting Community and schools is critical. Atlanta is improving, and exists. Tucker has reason to claim city-‐hood. The other folks have no history, no center, no resources, and want to be a government.

Being in unincorporated Dekalb cnty is a clear advantage and I seriously prefer it.

Being in APS eliminates options such as Kittredge, Chamblee, DeKalb School for the Arts, Tapestry Charter School, etc. APS is a really bad school system, so its no improvement, maybe a downgrade.

being in a fixed income bracket, this is all very disconcerting to me.

being absorbed by the city of Atlanta is the worst option.

Becoming part of the city of Atlanta would be like jumping from the frying pan into the fire. The less government, the better.

becoming part of Atlanta will be disastrous for the neighborhood, the schools, and the quality of life we presently enjoy. another layer of government, particularly one where our vote and voice will be but a small part of a much larger and more diverse whole, will make our lives more complicated.

Atlanta is the future. All you have to do to see that is to walk the Beltline. Let's hitch our wagon to the future, and unite our neighborhood under one jurisdiction. The last thing metro Atlanta needs is more balkanization of goverment!


28

Atlanta is a huge negative in terms of schools, taxes and political influence. We don't want to become part of their problems. Our high tax revenue area could be used to bolster their coffers to fix problems outside Druid Hills. Briar/Lakeside not cheaper, but our votes would be less diluted.

Atlanta annexation is not an option. This would have an extremely negative effect on our schools and property values. We bought our house because it was NOT in an APS district.

As bad as DeKalb County's administration may be, it is infinitely better than the City of Atlanta's!

As a resident of Chelsea Heights the historic designation has been an annoyance if nothing more. Property values are sustained by the local schools & proximity to Emory & CDC. I certainly do not want to be part of a venal move to exclude poor and non-‐white citizens from my home town.

Are any options being considered for annexation by the City of Decatur? What would be the advantages and disadvantages? Much of Druid Hills has closer ties to Decatur than to the other options being discussed.

Annexation by Atlanta is preferable to the extent that the neighborhood be allowed to form a charter cluster around Fernbank and the High School, and take Fernbank K-‐8. APS is not exactly a shining beacon of management excellence. So getting out of DeKalb at all costs should not be the driver.

Allowing new parcels no smaller than 1/3 acre should be considered in the larger framework of historic preservation. Revising the intrusive monitoring of homeowner plans should be considered.

All the information necessary to determine the actual tax liability needs to be available for analysis before any cityhood decision cane be made. This would include for each option; accrued liabilities, pension fund debt assumption, etc.

Above all, we do not want to be annexed by the city of Decatur.

A plague on all their houses.

A Fernbank K-‐8 in APS is an exciting proposition, as is APS generally. If Atlanta school taxes DeKalb county are senior citizen exempt (unlike APS Fulton County), our senior residents should definitely be made aware of this, as it seems to be an area of concern for some.

1.Publicize that going to ATL will not remove senior property tax credit (still be in DeKalb). 2.Include Clairmont H. in our petition if they are at least 60% for goingto ATL. 3.Fernbank K-‐8 is good.

"Comfortable" Really?

The County still provides the services I expect in an efficient manner so I'm not particularly interested in 'betting on the come'. The increase in Senior Property taxes alone -‐ some $4,000 for me -‐ is a deal killer and would force me to sell my home and get the hell outa here altogether.

Sharing in Fire/Police/Public Safety/Public Schools would keep taxes more reasonable instead of every neighborhood going out on their own. Public transportation with Emory/CDC in neighborhood?

Remain connected to Emory. If they won't move to Atl, then utilize their influence to get DeKalb clean of corruption. Review until satisfied that our property and families are well represented.

Important DH continues 2 seek charter status. Given historic significance of DH, joining Briarcliff/Lakeside effort not good as group ignored historical significance of Tucker. Briarcliff/Lside not established community -‐ simply 2 names from high school & road. Would never support joining this effort

I own property in Atlanta and have found their services to be poorly administrated, and would not like the idea of being annexed into Atlanta AT ALL from my personal experience over the last 20 years. My family has lived here since 1926, and unincorporated is fine with me.,

I am fearful that some solutions polarize and separate the broader community by race and income. If we create and exacerbate pockets of poverty and poor education that isn't good for anyone.


29

Although taxes will increase, I doubt joining Atlanta will improve services any. School quality will not change. Although hardly ideal, sometimes it is better to leave well enough alone.

We moved our residence to uninc. Dekalb County in 2006 .We think the services are highly commendable. WE ARE ADAMANTLY OPPOSED TO FORMING SOME IDIOTIC NEW CITY!!!!!! City of Atlanta acceptable.

School district needs to be overhauled and a certified accountant placed on the board. Audit and receipts from school officials mandatory for expenses, removed from office if not in compliance.

I have lived and paid taxes in Druid Hills since 1984. If I had wanted to live in the City of Atlanta I would have purchased a home in Buckhead. I have always felt that Druid Hills in unincorporated DeKalb was special and unique. Hopefully it will remain that way, in spite of rush to cityhood.

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