Faye,

Please come talk to the rest of us along McClure Bridge Road.

Faye, Mr. Dispain did ask about his azaleas at the neighborhood meeting last year - my husband was there! You should also talk to some of his neighbors on McClure Bridge - many of them are unhappy with the City too.

In my opinion, this project was mishandled from the very beginning. I don't think the city is getting any press that is not deserved. I am sorry Mr. Dispain felt that he had to consider moving, but I am relieved to know that this project spawned that sentiment in someone other than myself.

If the City feels that it is receiving "unfair" attention because of its lack of action with this issue, then the solution is very simple. Do the right thing. The residents of the City pay plenty of taxes, including Mr DiSpain who has paid taxes for 40 years. Replacing the items that were removed is not on the right thing to do for the DiSpains but it is the way a "small town" City should respond to it's residents.

I was sitting by Mr. Dispain when he was told (at the informational meeting) that his azaleas would be replaced by the city.

I agree with Mr. Dispain! Something should be replanted, and I'm thinking 45-50 Azaleas as well as 2 dogwoods. Considering the millions Duluth is blowing on all this unnecessary roadwork, (just look at Pleasant Hill tree destruction) and killing so many plants, shrubs and trees, I think this is not asking too much!! and planting "some" shrubs is not enough! Take care of the man and make him proud again to live in Duluth, which I have always thought as one of the best small towns in Georgia. I've spoken many times about this issue here at the Patch, and written the city, and it now seems we have gotten nowhere in trying to help this family out. I personally will be very disappointed in Duluth if they don't make this right, for him and everyone else along this stretch of road. Many people have lost their privacy, and right of way is crap - fix it and make these people happy to live in Duluth and the rest of us proud of our city - one that takes care of it's own!!!!

In addition, the space between the curb and sidewalk doesn't allow for proper placement of mailboxes. As you can see most are now turned 90 degrees to prevent hanging over the street or sidewalk.

If you think that Mayor Harris and Council, except maybe Jones, care about the citizens of Duluth to honor this request YOU ARE MISTAKEN. Like many others that pass here and see what has been done are ashamed that the City of Duluth can not honor this request. Like Jana and others see what is going on. Duluth is spending money like a drunken sailor that just came into port. What with the 510K dog park, the unwanted roundabout, 670K, and now the demolition of some buildings and moving of business. Like Mr. Dispain maybe it is time to leave.

The roundabout actually carried a much higher cost. Legal fees and right-of-way acquisitions pushed the actual cost, paid for with SPLOST dollars, to close to One Million dollars.

The lower "construction cost" is the one advertised because they knew citizens would revolt if the $1,000,000 cost was generally known.

The Howell Glen Subdivision sign was also removed during this project. The lastest word from City Staff is that they will grant an easement "that will require several conditions" and require the subdivision to bear all costs associated with the replacement.

The City certainly hasn't been a good neighbor during this entire project. It is time for deep and meaningful change. Let the revolution begin.

Mack,

I am not leaving Duluth, my family has been here since the 1860's. We will take back Duluth at the next City Council election.

If they knew how things really are in Duluth, they would be mad as well. Dusty ran for City Council last year based on the issues he was having with Planning and the City Administrator. They were all blown off as untrue by many. I hope that more people will realize they were true this time around.

Mr. Dispain will be at the City Council Work Session again on Monday, 4/23/12, after meeting with Tim Shearer this week and being told (again) that none of his azaleas will be replaced. Please come and voice your support for Mr. Dispain.

The meeting on Monday (4/23) starts at 5:30p at Duluth City Hall. This is a work session so it will be in the basement with the entrance on Hill Street (other doors may be locked). After I refused to allow Melissa and Glenn to misrepresent the stormwater project at a recent meeting a new protocol was put in place by the mayor.

Anyone wishing to speak needs to arrive before 5:30p and sign in. The city will allow six citizens to address the council for two minutes each. So get there early, sign up, and let them know what you think.

This is an issue for the entire community. Come speak, show your support, let them know that we expect more from our public servants.

Next Monday is a work session for City Council. It is open to the public.

http://www.duluthga.net/event/city-council-work-session-2/2012-04-23

We should all attend the meeting and bring along potted azalea in support of Mr. Dispain. This is just wrong.

Christy, great idea. This week Mr. Dispain asked the City to plant 3 gallon Knockout Roses instead, they are much cheaper and would be acceptable to him.

I want to know which City Council members are opposed to correcting the issues along McClure Bridge Road.

On the agenda for the meeting Monday is discussing what will be done for some of the issues along McClure Bridge Road. Please attend if you can to show your support.

WSBTV is broadcasting from Mr. Dispain's driveway at 6PM Sunday 4/29.

http://www.wsbtv.com/videos/news/landscaping-issue-has-gwinnett-residents-angry/vG5fK/