Editorial by Tim Enloe;
Accessmilton.com
As a boy, I can remember my parents telling me why America was so special. "It is about equal treatment" they would say, "the laws of our land apply to each citizen without bias." They also taught me how to behave with others, "Treat people the way you want to be treated. If you offer respect, then respect will come to you." I wonder where this belief system has gone today...especially in my hometown of Milton, Georgia.
When word came to me about unincorporated North Fulton becoming a city, it excited me. "Local Control! Better Services!" was the buzz. I took the bait like many others and voted proudly to make the area where I was raised the new city of Milton, Georgia. With high hopes, I encouraged others to do the same and even ran for one of the council positions in the hopes of giving back to an area that had given so much to me.
After the election of our first city council and with my being a lesser choice, I still remained active with the goal of making Milton the best city in the state. From donating equipment and food to our fire and police departments, to being a Milton Round Up Volunteer, to creating social events that not only helped to support local businesses, but also aimed at giving back – I pressed forward. I even chose not to pursue legal action against the city after they stole Accessmilton.com’s horse logo. I did all of this with the focus of making our city the epitome of perfection.
Over the last three years, however, my positive focus and passions have truly waned. The cause is quite simple - double standards and unequal treatment. City Councils, both past and present, have chosen to support this ideology instead of fix it.
With any accusation, one needs examples and proof. Unfortunately, I have plenty to share. Here are but a few:
Cowart Road
First up comes the story of Cowart Road; a city owned and tax payer funded street. Located off of Providence Road next to Summit Hill Elementary, this public road harbors two large barriers about a quarter mile in that keeps any traffic from continuing north to Brittle, Summit, Redd, and Bethany Roads. With traffic woes a common topic and connectivity being encouraged, one would think all public roads would provide both commuters and residents full access.
While some would argue that Cowart is blocked due to a portion of it being gravel and school traffic, the argument holds little weight due to their close neighbor to the West. Wood Road residents worked diligently to close and privatize their street. When all was said and done, they lost the battle. They now have a new neighbor as well…an elementary school by the name of Birmingham Falls. However, I doubt any barrier will be constructed. If school location is the prime reason, then all side roads leading to a school should be barricaded, correct? Also, all Milton residents pay for our roads; be it gravel or paved. With that, shouldn't all residents have full access?
When Public Safety Director (and now City Manager) Chris Lagerbloom was questioned about the blockade, he replied “I see no reason to get heartburn over that road.” Interesting...then the impediment of any other city street will keep Rolaids away as well, right? I look forward to seeing barriers on Bethany Road then. To read up more about Cowart road, click on the following link:
http://www.accessmilton.com/CowartRoad.php.
Noise
According to dictionary.com, the first definition of the word "noise" is "1. noun - sound, esp. of a loud, harsh, or confused kind." A simple, all encompassing definition...except for the City of Milton.
You might remember the on going feud between the Bethany Creek subdivision and Montana's Bar and Grill; both within city limits. The argument spawned from noise generated from rock bands and an audio system in the restaurant.
Residents complained of disquiet past 11pm and vibrations that could be felt within homes. After numerous city meetings on the topic, the council took it upon themselves to take a "field trip" to Montana's with the hopes of rectifying the situation. Eventually, the proprietor of Montana's had to spend almost $100k in sound proofing equipment to calm the masses.
It should be noted, by the way, that the shopping center where Montana's is located was built before the Bethany Creek subdivision...
Which brings us now to the arrival of the "new" Milton High School which opened in the Fall of 2005. Built as a result of the Fulton County Board of Education's lack of planning and foresight, seven long time families would eventually lose their homes to the $100 million dollar behemoth.
Various concerns were voiced from local residents to bus drivers to police, but the BOE refused to be swayed.
Since that time, surrounding residents are exposed to constant noise, speeding, and trash on a regular basis. From as early as 7:30am to as late as 11pm, homeowners are the unlucky recipients of amplified mics, drums, and full fledged bands throughout the seven day week. In some cases, the noise and vibrations remain constant for over a 13 hour period; forcing citizens to flee their homes for the day. Loud, booming car stereos going to and from are also common place.
With exception of one small meeting where Milton Principal Ron Tesch defended his school by stating “I don’t want to have the Milton Marching Mimes”, no action or "field trips" have been taken. It should be noted, by the way, that the "new" Milton High School was built after the majority of homes in the area...
Speed Enforcement
Speeding is a common problem throughout Milton. From subdivision to open road neighborhood; no one is immune.
Bethany Road where I have lived for 32 plus years handles 4500 cars a day with speeds being common in the 60mph range. Residents of Bethany even petitioned Fulton County before the City took over to lower the speed limits and enforce them.
In knowing these facts, I took it upon myself to research the issue. In January of '09, I made a presentation to the City Council and others offering up my findings as well as suggestions. Hopefully, some lives could be saved. Citizen testimony was also included to share experiences and concerns.
While I never expected all options to be implemented, I was hoping for a few. Not one was activated even though zero tax dollars would have been spent.
When May rolled around, I came to an article in The Milton Herald titled "Council Considers Traffic Calming". It stated that "the highest priority is in Crooked Creek on Club Creek Drive due to the number of speeders and the rate at which they speed." I was taken a back. While I hold nothing but respect for my Crooked Creek neighbors and wish them equal safety, why were they shoved to the front of the line? Crooked Creek was developed in the late 90's; many years later than the majority of dwellings in the open road neighborhoods of Milton which experience far more traffic and far more speeders. In 2009 alone, we have had two fatalities within our open road neighborhoods. There have been no fatalities on Club Creek Drive.
I would later hear from both council and staff that the company they hired that did the study had a certain "four prong test" that omitted residents who do not reside in subdivisions. Not one council member found error; not one council member stood up and demanded data that would represent all residents, yet all would end up paying the bill.
Both Club Creek Drive and Bethany Road are city owned and taxpayer funded streets.
In Conclusion
America was founded on the belief of equal treatment under the law. If that is the case, what has happened to our Milton? Why are such blatant double standards and hypocrisy supported by our elected neighbors?
We can be that shinning city on the hill. All we have to do is make sure our laws apply to all evenly. If not, expect a drastic change over the next few years as those who receive such bias wash their hands of their Milton residency. When that happens, the advantage of what we are today will be lost forever.
For Immediate Release
