Zaxby's now open (N. Druid Hills, next to North DeKalb Mall)

... located at 3809 N. Druid Hills Road, next to the North DeKalb Mall. The new 3,400-square-foot location will seat 96 in Zaxby’s unique design — a bright, open interior décor complemented by custom vintage prints and school memorabilia. Zaxby’s also offers drive-thru services to meet the needs of customers on the go.

For those who like supporting local-ish businesses, here's the Zaxby's story: "Childhood friends Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley hatched the Athens, Ga.-based chain in 1990 to provide a fun, relaxing atmosphere that would keep guests coming back for more."

 For the full write-up, see http://www.restaurantnews.com/zaxbys-opens-third-decatur-restaurant/

Good Growth DeKalb rally [July 13]

Good Growth DeKalb is hosting a rally at the Medlock/Scott Blvd./North Decatur Rd. intersection

July 13, 5-6:30pm

For more information see their website: www.GoodGrowthDekalb.org

Civic Association Network Candidates Fair [July 9]

Civic Association Network (CAN)  Candidates Fair
7-9 pm, Tonight July 9th
Hellenic Community Center / Greek Orthodox Cathedral
2500 Clairmont Rd NE, Atlanta 30329

MANA is a sponsor for this event where candidates are arranged at tables by the office they are seeking and YOU, the voter, circulate among them talking to the ones you want to know more about.  You might have a specific question OR you might just ask them what they plan to do better in that particular office OR what qualifies them to hold that office OR you might just chat to get a feeling for the person.

We hope to see you there!

What the heck is the Higgs boson?

The Economist has a great summary of why this is news.

AJC on T-SPLOST's impact on Atlanta's long-term economic health

Need, impact, numbers, debate: the AJC discusses how different constituencies view the T-SPLOST vote coming up on July 31.

Also, the AJC has indexed all its stories on the T-SPLOST at http://www.ajc.com/news/transportation-referendum/

No longer lost: Prancer (a little chihuahua)

Yay! Prancer is back home with his family.

60% success rate for DeKalb property tax appeals [AJC]

The AJC reviewed finalized tax appeals for 11 Metro Atlanta counties and DeKalb appealers had some of the highest success rates, at 60%. Other notables: Clayton, Fayette and Gwinnett (75-80%),  Cherokee (60%), Fulton (57%), Henry and Forsyth (56%). "Success" reflects a 10%+ reduction relative to the tax bill being appealed.

Dissatisfied owners can seek a reduction in value through three procedural levels. First they appeal to the local board of tax assessors. If they don’t get what they think is fair, they can turn to a board of equalization, a citizen panel that conducts formal hearings. If they’re still not satisfied, they can appeal to Superior Court.

See the AJC article for recommendations of what documents to bring to your appeals hearing.

The appeal deadline for DeKalb is July 14.  Follow this link for  instructions on how to appeal in DeKalb county.