Dear Kasim: I am a 4th generation resident of Grant Park and my family and I are deeply disappointed and upset that the Braves will be departing our community soon. After reading numerous articles, watching your news conference, and gathering as much information as possible, we can’t help but notice that the Falcons were given far more attention and support. We’ve seen and heard your statements time and time again that the reasons for supporting the Falcons stadium negotiations vs. the Braves were all for financial considerations and that the two deals were two totally different deals. What we cannot understand is why it appears that the decision was unilaterally made by you to not negotiate with the Braves and attempt to work out a deal. The city council president and chairman of Fulton County have both stated publicly that you did not include them in any of the negotiations or provide updates to either group. Is this all about you and what you want? It sure seems that way. That is sad. Why didn’t you consult with the council? Why didn’t you consult with the community that is most greatly impacted by the decision to let the Braves walk? Were you afraid that if negotiations and lack of progress became public that you might lose votes? It sure is suspicious that the news about the Braves decision came out just a day or two after you were re-elected? You’re very skillful at backdoor politics. Congratulations. Congratulations for not consulting with the community that is greatly impacted by this decision. We understand that a decision has to be made. How about making decisions with the community? In the end, isn’t it your responsibility to follow direction of the community and help the folks of Fulton County rather than hurt them? Sadly, you make decisions based solely on what Kasim Reed thinks is best. You’re not a community leader. We’ve already read reports that you have made a decision about what is in store next for Turner Field site. Is this another decision that you have unilaterally made? Our local representatives are unaware of any pending deal or decision. Nobody in our local community has been consulted about a decision for this site. The local community wants and needs Georgia State University to be able to control and use the land where Turner Field sits when the Braves depart for Cobb County. We do NOT need a “middle income” housing project. The local area and surroundings are not ready for this. We need the Georgia Avenue corridor and surrounding areas to be cleaned up first. As it stands now, I do not know any middle income, affluent person who would want to live in housing at the Turner Field site given current surroundings. I suggest that you consult with local community leaders and the community before making a decision about the future use of this land. If you build a housing complex there without first upgrading the local surroundings then this decision is all about you. The housing complex will turn into a low income poor housing complex which will only lead to increased crime in the area and more problems. But more importantly, it will lead to more votes for you and the next mayor. Sadly, it will have become all about you and not the community. You have a decision to make. Will you make another decision is all about you or a decision that is best for the community? Sincerely, Andy Adams
Posted on: Mon, 18 Nov 2013 01:34:54 +0000