Letter: Poor code enforcement has actually damaged our city
July 17, 2008
To the Editor:
I notice two things about the reaction to the firing of Steve Pierson: 1) some landlords are angry people, and 2) it didn’t take much for “anti-development, NIMBY” talk to surface.
I hope that those who are worried about “anti-development” in Athens realize that lax code enforcement (which has been the norm for many years) is hurting Athens. Respondents to a survey recently conducted by the Chamber of Commerce mentioned the lack of decent housing as a serious block to future economic development in Athens. Who wants to open a new biotech firm in Athens when your employees have to live in hovels? Why invest here when there are other communities that have abundant, safe and attractive housing available? If we want investment money to come to Athens, we need to offer safe, attractive housing, too!
I am encouraged by the mayor’s emphasis on improving code enforcement. Contrary to all the naysayers who are predicting train wrecks, I think this policy will improve Athens and make us much more competitive when it comes to attracting high-paying jobs. And, as an added bonus, it will improve the quality of life for people already living here!
Glenn Matlack
Athens
Comments
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jackscrow commented, on July 17, 2008 at 8:53 a.m.:
Wow. Let's conduct a survay of biotech firm employees and find out how many of them are living in "hovels".
