/r/DecaturGA

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/r/DecaturGA

11,357 Subscribers

1

Best eyeglasses selection?

Where's the best place for more masculine and universal eyeglasses (like Ray-Ban, etc)? Thanks

1 Comment
2024/12/20
01:22 UTC

5

Photography study group - Jan 2025

I am gauging interest for a regular meeting of amateur photographers / artists in the Avondale / Decatur / Clarkston area. The goal is to create a group that concentrates on the Art of Photography and printing but NOT print competitions. This could be digital or analog and not be specific to any type of photography. I’d like to meet on a weeknight or a Sunday morning, either in a pub or coffee shop respectively.

8 Comments
2024/12/19
19:23 UTC

7

Who is the best therapy group practice in Decatur, GA?

6 Comments
2024/12/17
01:05 UTC

16

Best Ramen?

My wife and I really enjoy good Ramen especially this time of year. What are everyone's favorite places in the Decatur area?

33 Comments
2024/12/13
22:24 UTC

1

Reliable Audio/visual technician

Hey everybody - i’m here seeing if anybody has recommendations for a reliable audiovisual technician? I have had a few people stop by and say they could do it but then they do not follow up and I am looking to have somewhat done as soon as possible.

0 Comments
2024/12/13
18:43 UTC

4

Experiences with CoD Townhome Communities (Talley, Hargrove, Brownstone)

After spending years in the Northeast, I'm looking to move back to City of Decatur with my family, including young kids. Based on a recent post, it seems that some members have had a positive overall experience with homes in Talley station. I'm wondering if anyone is willing to share their experiences with any of the townhome communities that are aleady established (e.g. Hargrove, Talley Station, Brownstone). I'm particularly curious about satisfaction with the quality of the homes, thoughts on resale values, overall "feel" (e.g. family friendly?) of the community, HOA quirks, upsides, downsides really anything that you might be willing to share.

I have fairly realistic expectations on what we can get in CoD within our price range, and have had prior experiences owning and living in condos and townhomes (ranging from positive to nightmarish) that leave us hopeful but also anxious with the limited information realtors can offer. Grateful for any insights you have to offer. TIA!!

9 Comments
2024/12/13
18:01 UTC

3

Legacy Park apartments?

Hey all, does anyone know where I can find more information on the apartments that are being built? I drove by today and noticed about 3 or 4 building but haven't heard anything about the renovations for the area besides the upgrades to legacy park (new track, community garden, etc.) TIA!

2 Comments
2024/12/12
22:14 UTC

9

Second Life Thrift Store

Why are people always lined up to get inside?

7 Comments
2024/12/12
17:04 UTC

5

How are the schools in Avondale estates?

Thinking about getting a place in zip code 30002. How are the schools? Is there some kind of lottery system for the schools?

5 Comments
2024/12/12
16:04 UTC

16

Power & internet outage in CoD

Have received texts from both Comcast & Georgia Power about services being out.

Anyone know what happened?

Per GP's outage map it seems to be basically all of CoD that's out.

13 Comments
2024/12/12
14:43 UTC

1

Potential Resident

Looking in between moving to the Decatur/Stone Mountain Area, or Marietta. What is the area like, good and bad? What would you improve about it? What are some great things about it?

10 Comments
2024/12/12
01:03 UTC

4

Ymca open swim

Hi everyone, I’m fairly new to swimming and recently joined the YMCA with the decatur location being the closest to me. I was wondering if anyone knows the best time to go when there won’t be many people trying to use the pool (or classes going on). I’m a little nervous just because there’s only 4 lanes. The posted schedule is super confusing for me to look at. Maybe i don’t really understand the swimming terminology yet. Anyone have any insight? TIA!

6 Comments
2024/12/11
17:56 UTC

1

Auto body repair recs

Hello! Got into an accident where the other driver was at fault. I'm a little hesitant to just use the Geico recommended shops. Anyone have personal recs for an autobody shop?

6 Comments
2024/12/10
03:35 UTC

2

Malls

What malls do you guys go to? Are there any near that aren’t dead?

16 Comments
2024/12/08
23:49 UTC

0

Share Your Thoughts & Help Shape Decatur’s Indoor Golf Spot!

Hi Decatur!

Green Office, a new indoor golf studio, is coming soon, and we want your input to make it amazing! Whether you're a lifelong golfer or just curious, your feedback will help us create the perfect space to play, connect, and have fun.

Take our quick survey here: https://forms.gle/PUs35Tfemro8KvTz7

As a thank-you, you’ll get 30 minutes of free play once we open! ⛳

Got ideas? Drop them in the comments—we’d love to hear from you.

Thanks for helping bring Green Office to life!

10 Comments
2024/12/08
00:08 UTC

5

Volunteering Opportunities

Howdy y'all!

Curious if any of you are part of volunteer organizations that you feel are doing good work in our community and are looking for additional hands.

I am partially asking for myself, and partially to just have a thread of recommendations for anyone who comes looking for it in the future.

Personally, causes that speak to me are supporting the elderly, folks struggling with financial insecurity, parks/green spaces. But, once again, any recommendations welcome since they might be just the fit for someone else reading this thread.

3 Comments
2024/12/06
21:44 UTC

3

E85?

Anybody know of any gas stations in the area with E85, i haven't found any and would love some suggestions. Thanks

9 Comments
2024/12/06
20:00 UTC

1

Brake replacement recommendations?

Looking to get new brakes and rotors, the typical stiff. Just moved to the area and looking for recommendations on reliable and affordable service!

5 Comments
2024/12/04
17:51 UTC

5

Door to door survey?

I recently had someone show up at my house asking me to.do a survey. First time roommate told the person that I wasn't home. Someone showed up the next week. This isn't a random survey. The guy had a tablet with my name as it appears in the voter registration rolls. Claimed to be from an organization that I haven't heard of. Something like concerned citizens. I declined to answer any questions. Anyone else have this happen?

13 Comments
2024/12/04
12:17 UTC

8

Have an opportunity to move to Decatur but it’s not CoD, curious about safety?

I’m a single woman and a family I’ve known most of my life has a house opening up and it would be reasonable rent, would have a fenced yard for my dog, and have every other box checked on my list of important things.

The only thing is it’s not in city of Decatur and since I’m a single woman I’d like to know if it’s a super dangerous area? The house does have a ring doorbell and I’ve asked the landlord about potentially putting up additional cameras.

The house is off Lindon Lane which is very close to where the new Lulah Hills project will be (which, btw does anyone know what all is going to be built there)?

I used to have friends who lived in a house not even a mile from there, and they never had issues but that was nearly 10 years ago so I’m just curious if the area is worse or better off?

Mainly just don’t want my car being broken into/stolen as I’ve had a lottttt of bad luck with my vehicle lately (in fact just got it out of the shop today, from someone hitting me at my work’s parking garage). It’s not a super valuable car or anything and I don’t keep much in it to tempt people. And it would be parked under a car port, not just out on the street.

I do have a dog, but she’s very friendly so I feel like she would honestly just welcome an intruder 😂

If anyone can shed light on that street/area I’d appreciate it. Currently living in a house I’ve discovered has a bad mold problem and need to move ASAP, and this house would be ready for me in January.

TIA!

46 Comments
2024/12/04
01:13 UTC

1

FedEx in North Druid Hills

Does anyone else’s package go out for delivery for two or three days before being delivered?

This has happened to me multiple times this year, only with FedEx and it’s really annoying, especially those I need to sign for.

2 Comments
2024/12/03
23:37 UTC

19

Crash on Mountain Drive 12/2

Came up on the accident that occurred just before 5:30pm yesterday. If you were among those who tried to help the crash victim of the overturned car, I’m sorry to say that 11Alive has reported the driver died at the scene. I knew immediately he couldn’t be helped, but I was touched that so many tried.

I live on this road. Please slow down. People speed like crazy on it all the time, and while they did not release details of the crash, I am certain speed was a factor given how one of the cars was so badly damaged and flipped. Please be safe.

2 Comments
2024/12/03
17:07 UTC

108

WHY ARE ATLANTA AND DECATUR THE MOST SURVEILLED CITIES IN AMERICA? BLAME FLOCK SAFETY!

WHY ARE ATLANTA AND DECATUR THE MOST SURVEILLED CITIES IN AMERICA? BLAME FLOCK SAFETY!

Why do Atlanta and nearby Decatur have more surveillance cameras per capita than any other cities in the United States? The answer is simple: Flock Safety, an Atlanta-based company, has turned these areas into ground zero for the proliferation of AI-powered surveillance technology. Founded in 2017 by Garrett Langley after experiencing property crime, Flock has aggressively expanded its reach, installing cameras in neighborhoods, businesses, and police jurisdictions across the nation. Nowhere has this expansion been more apparent than in Atlanta—and its affluent neighbor Decatur.

In Decatur, it seems every neighborhood civic association wants Flock cameras. At $2,500 a piece, these devices are being snapped up in droves, with promises of safety and security overshadowing the massive implications for privacy and freedom.

Turning Neighborhoods Into Surveillance Zones

Flock’s cameras use automatic license plate reader (ALPR) technology to track vehicles and, by extension, people. These devices are sold to law enforcement, homeowner associations, and businesses, enabling the creation of "virtual gates" around neighborhoods. They capture every vehicle driving in and out, labeling those not associated with the community as “non-resident” and sending alerts for cars on a “hotlist.”

Through its TALON program, Flock allows police to monitor vehicles beyond their jurisdictions, enabling a sprawling network of interconnected surveillance. In Atlanta, where the company is headquartered, Flock has blanketed communities with its technology, turning the city into a testing ground for its ever-expanding capabilities.

A Tool for Mass Surveillance

What Flock markets as a crime-prevention tool is, in reality, a vast surveillance network. Flock’s cameras feed data into national systems like the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), flagging stolen vehicles, immigration violators, and even gang members. The company claims its tools protect communities, but the risks of abuse are staggering.

The technology doesn’t stop at “hotlists” of criminals. Law enforcement can use Flock’s network to maintain "watch lists" of people they simply don’t like, whether they are activists, dissenters, or those deemed suspicious. Fusion Centers—entities that integrate state and federal surveillance—have also shown interest in accessing Flock data. These centers are part of the Department of Homeland Security and are infamous for their lack of transparency and overreach.

Pervasive Tracking Without Oversight

The ease with which Flock enables tracking is deeply troubling. The company’s cameras can work at night, alerting police in real time whenever a flagged vehicle is detected. There is no need for a warrant, no checks or balances—just seamless access to a person's movements.

As Nate Wessler of the ACLU warned, “License plate readers can create a precise record of where we go and when, and over time can reveal a wealth of sensitive information about our lives.” By allowing police and private entities to track citizens under the radar, Flock bypasses the protections designed to safeguard our freedoms.

Atlanta: The Testing Ground for a Surveillance State

Atlanta’s status as the most surveilled city in America isn’t a coincidence. It’s a direct result of Flock’s presence. The company has turned its hometown into a proving ground, flooding the city with its technology while refining a system that could soon be deployed nationwide.

But at what cost? Flock’s cameras offer little in terms of oversight, and their integration with law enforcement databases creates opportunities for misuse. These systems don’t just track stolen vehicles—they turn entire communities into suspects.

The Illusion of Safety

While Flock claims its cameras deter crime, they also erode trust, turning neighborhoods into fortresses where every visitor is treated with suspicion. By flagging “non-residents,” Flock reinforces divisions and biases, making communities less inclusive and more paranoid.

Moreover, the technology creates a chilling effect on personal freedoms. Residents and visitors alike must navigate a city where their every move is monitored, logged, and potentially flagged—all in the name of public safety.

A Wake-Up Call for Atlanta and Beyond

Flock Safety’s dominance in Atlanta should serve as a cautionary tale for other cities. Its cameras represent more than a tool for crime prevention; they are the foundation of a surveillance infrastructure that prioritizes control over privacy.

Instead of addressing the root causes of crime, Flock offers a quick fix that trades civil liberties for the illusion of security. Atlanta may be the most surveilled city in America today, but unless we challenge companies like Flock, it won’t be the last.

The question isn’t whether this technology works—it’s whether we’re willing to sacrifice our freedoms to use it.

216 Comments
2024/12/03
14:44 UTC

17

Nighttime coffee

Is there a place near downtown Decatur where you can get hot cocoa/coffee/tea at night? After 6pm? Doesn’t have to be a coffee shop, for example a place like brick store would be great, but their online menu doesn’t list any hot drinks. Thank you!

29 Comments
2024/12/01
23:12 UTC

1

Need to have a structural engineer inspect a load bearing wall before we start a project. Any recommendations?

We have a long load bearing wall in our house that we want to do a few things with. It's an older house (50s) and has some weird design choices. Was about to just dive in on the projects, but I think it'd be smarter to get a professional opinion first.

I've never had someone come out for something like this, so I have no idea what kind of person or service to look for. No idea who to call, what service to ask for, or how services like this are paid for. I imagine it would take less than an hour or two to check on a few things and get a few questions answered.

Any recommendations?

4 Comments
2024/12/01
16:16 UTC

16

Any ideas for places I could put out free TNR (trap, neuter, return) cards in/around DeKalb County for anyone to use in DeKalb County at the Community Animal Center (so this is for free spay and neuter of cats!) by chance?

Commissioner Michelle Long Spears is paying for cards that members of DeKalb can redeem to do FREE TNR on any cats that are feral or homeless here! 😻😻😻(You are allowed to trap 2 cats max at a time and the cats would need to be brought into the Community Animal Center- just by DeKalb County Animal Services- in DeKalb County. ( Specific info is here, and scroll down to view CAC under "Community Cats" about halfway down the page. https://lifelineanimal.org/pet-care/ ) The cards are just a little bigger than normal business cards. Does anyone have any Ideas? I've done Second Life and Pet Park Supply before (both awesome places by the way), and some coffee shops, but this is a big county so I am looking for a lot more ideas! I will have people helping me in Dunwoody and Kirkwood areas, and I am very near Downtown Decatur. Thank you so much. 🙏 (This card is an example- close to expiring but she will be ordering more!)

https://preview.redd.it/v4qfl4ulpw3e1.jpg?width=3228&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=92f6d62c751b5a254e09611bd5c707d7026390a1

10 Comments
2024/11/29
21:14 UTC

4

Permitting for work on residential house in Dekalb County?

I’m a first time home buyer trying to understand how permitting works if I make modifications/repairs to a single-family home in Dekalb county.

Here’s the work I’d like done:

  • Take out carpeting and install hardwood in two rooms
  • Repair issues with wiring in electrical panel
  • Small, miscellaneous fixes, like making sure the dryer vents outside of the house and fixing a hole in the masonry

Do I need to request permits for this work? Would I be requesting the permits or would the contractors be requesting them? How long does it usually take? What’s everyone else’s experience with permitting in Dekalb County?

Any information or anecdotes would be really helpful. Thanks!

8 Comments
2024/11/28
02:46 UTC

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