But some of our leaders prefer to give away $45M tax breaks to Blackstone's data centers on the Beltline *that are already under construction* and for which there is a crying corporate demand. There's no need for a massive incentive for a project that's half built and will fill with tenants as soon as it's ready.
Just one of hundreds of examples of Atlanta leaders not giving a rat's - for, frankly, the professional class let alone middle, working and poor. Why don't we have resources to help with affordability & wrap-around services for APS kids? You're looking at it. The big boys - for whom Leadership Atlanta mostly works - have figured out how to rig property taxes so they contribute much less than their fair share.
To be fair, the Mayor's office, CM Westmoreland, Sen Esteves & other enlightened leaders are doing what they can to stop this latest distribution upwards to the Billionaire financiers. Fulton's 'Democratic' County Commission and Fulton's Development Authority and Board of Assessors - plus the Republican state legislature - are the problem.
George, I'm going to share these remarks on my Facebook. Also, I wanted to tell you I'm reading a terrific book about poverty, "Poverty, by America" by Matthew Desmond. I recommend it. Regards, Joe Sterling
I want to expand on my previous comment. I'm one of those lawyers who went to law school to help people; I got out in 1975 - remember The Great Society? Over the years, and especially recently, I've met people and wondered "how the F are they getting by?" As Julian said, our leaders are not that interested. I'm no expert by any means, but what I see is a patchwork of govt. agencies, social workers at schools (they can be great!), organizations like the Salvation Army and St. Vincent dePaul, the YMCA, Atlanta Legal Aid & related organizations, plus a bunch of churches - all providing services for the lucky folks who arrive at their doors. Last night channel 11 (?) ran a story of people giving up hard-earned cash to crooks who represent that they own a property to rent, when they do not. So, on top of the inconsistent services, there are scumbugs preying on these folks.
George, your story makes sense of what has puzzled me for years. I'm glad that I'm a subscriber. I just hope that more people read your reporting.
Excellent! Explains exactly what I’ve been seeing as a volunteer with Atlanta Legal Aid.
Great analysis.
But some of our leaders prefer to give away $45M tax breaks to Blackstone's data centers on the Beltline *that are already under construction* and for which there is a crying corporate demand. There's no need for a massive incentive for a project that's half built and will fill with tenants as soon as it's ready.
https://www.ajc.com/news/fulton-board-to-consider-45m-tax-break-for-data-center-along-beltline/WHGN6YCV7RG2LCGL7ZSWROPZSM/
Just one of hundreds of examples of Atlanta leaders not giving a rat's - for, frankly, the professional class let alone middle, working and poor. Why don't we have resources to help with affordability & wrap-around services for APS kids? You're looking at it. The big boys - for whom Leadership Atlanta mostly works - have figured out how to rig property taxes so they contribute much less than their fair share.
To be fair, the Mayor's office, CM Westmoreland, Sen Esteves & other enlightened leaders are doing what they can to stop this latest distribution upwards to the Billionaire financiers. Fulton's 'Democratic' County Commission and Fulton's Development Authority and Board of Assessors - plus the Republican state legislature - are the problem.
George, I'm going to share these remarks on my Facebook. Also, I wanted to tell you I'm reading a terrific book about poverty, "Poverty, by America" by Matthew Desmond. I recommend it. Regards, Joe Sterling
I want to expand on my previous comment. I'm one of those lawyers who went to law school to help people; I got out in 1975 - remember The Great Society? Over the years, and especially recently, I've met people and wondered "how the F are they getting by?" As Julian said, our leaders are not that interested. I'm no expert by any means, but what I see is a patchwork of govt. agencies, social workers at schools (they can be great!), organizations like the Salvation Army and St. Vincent dePaul, the YMCA, Atlanta Legal Aid & related organizations, plus a bunch of churches - all providing services for the lucky folks who arrive at their doors. Last night channel 11 (?) ran a story of people giving up hard-earned cash to crooks who represent that they own a property to rent, when they do not. So, on top of the inconsistent services, there are scumbugs preying on these folks.
George, your story makes sense of what has puzzled me for years. I'm glad that I'm a subscriber. I just hope that more people read your reporting.