Lies, damned lies and statistics!

Mark Twain once wisely noted, there are lies, damned lies and statistics. The 21st century version of that should be there are lies, damned lies and blogs.

While I won't classify Bob Martell's blog entitled, "Apartments- Coming Soon to a Mixed-Use Development Near You" into either of the first two categories, I will just caution readers to read it with more than just the normal one grain of salt. An entire box may be necessary, especially in light of the fact that Mr. Martell was a prominent member of the "no city" crowd.

In commenting on last week's town hall meeting at Winters Chapel UMC, Mr. Martell states: "But the most contentious subject was the inclusion of apartments in the proposed "town center" development across from the Forum, and the mayor's apparent reversal on the subject."

That certainly gives the reader the impression that there a boisterous meeting filled with fireworks and angry dialogue. That impression would be wrong.!I was there along with about 130 other people and I didn't find it contentious at all. Were questions raised about the development? You bet. As I recall three people spoke up in opposition. Three out of 130. But I certainly didn't find their remarks contentious. In fact, I thought they were presented in a respectful manner.

Mr. Martell unfairly accuses the mayor of an "apparent reversal on the subject" in referencing the reason the mayor (and City Council) gave for purchasing the property, namely to prevent apartments from being built there.

It's true. The mayor (and city council members) made that remark. What they should have said was "This 20.6 acre site is far too important to the City of Peachtree Corners to be used solely for apartments." That would have more accurately conveyed their meaning. But it is fair to point out that our City Council members are new at this. They aren't seasoned slick-talking politicians with years and years of public speaking experience. If you think this is so easy, Mr. Martell, step up and let's see how gifted you are when 40,000 people are parsing your every word.

Next we take a journey into the land of Oz as Mr. Martell states that "Once Fuqua owns the land, they can build up to 659 apartments and still be within the building and zoning code requirements.

"Nonsense! That statement would be true only if Fuqua already owned the land. It doesn't. The city owns it. If the city doesn't like the plan Fuqua presents next Spring, it can keep the land and negotiate with Technology Park Atlanta (TPA). Same thing if the TPA plan isn't acceptable.

I also believe that Mr. Martell is being more than a little disingenuous by consciously choosing -- or perhaps conveniently neglecting -- to mention that during the town hall meeting, the mayor stated unequivocally that "there will not be 356 apartments built on the site." I believe that is worthy of note, don't you Mr. Martell?

Finally, Mr. Martell does get one thing right when he states, "The city has been quick to point out that a final development plan has not been approved." While the assertion is correct, it doesn't go nearly far enough. Not only has a plan not been approved, it hasn't even been submitted! And, it won't be until next Spring.

Meanwhile, City Council has repeatedly encouraged citizens to let their feelings be known. Many citizens already expressed their desire during the 2030 Comprehensive Plan meetings. Two town hall meetings were held this month alone and more are on the horizon.What is needed is more citizen participation and less misguided, misinformed blogging.

And as might be expected, Mr. Martell's uninformed blog gave rise to even more uninformed comments. Like this one from Michael V. Mannino who wrote:

"Something crooked is going on here. It's always about the money, which is the only thing I can think of that would motivate the city council to destroy the home values and schools in Peachtree Corners by approving more than 350 apartments."To Mr. Mannino, I would say this: Produce the evidence that City Council has approved 350 apartments.  If you can't do that, please go back to an accredited school of your choice and complete your GED. A mind is a terrible thing to waste!