Meeks Op-Ed
Here is an op-ed I received from Mark Meeks:
You may have heard our story by now. We are the owners of the Stockbridge Florist and Gifts fighting against the condemnation of our property for the city’s “redevelopment” project. Our story is simple and could happen to anyone. We own a small piece of property where we have operated our small business for 22 years and enjoyed the American Dream for most of those. Almost three years ago it seemed that our dream was getting better, when different developers were interested in our property. We were excited about receiving some much needed cash and the anticipation of reopening our store on the adjacent property; it was the best of both worlds.Our dream turned into a nightmare when we were approached by the City of Stockbridge and made aware that they also wanted our property. Unlike the private company, they did not care if we wanted to move or not. Then, in a backdoor rezoning scheme, without any notice, they made sure that our potential buyers could no longer benefit from buying our property. They made it impossible for us to sell in the “Free Market,” and instead offered what they wanted us to accept as their fair market value so they could move forward with their redevelopment project.
We were hopeful, when all the outrage began after the Kelo decision, that we would get some help from the Georgia Legislature. Yet, despite all the pledges to do everything in their power to protect property owners in Georgia, so far that pledge has not resulted in anything that helps us and our neighbors whose properties have been condemned by the City of Stockbridge.We spent a good portion of the fall going to Senate hearings about eminent domain abuse. We were told on several occasions that if we could maintain ownership of our property until the session started they would see that we were protected. We spent many thousands of dollars protecting our Title and made it to the session; but still we have had no real help.
Just how long does it take to get help? Do boats have to sink before people are rescued? Or, do a few people have to drown before the rest are thrown a few life jackets? Are we supposed to be understanding and patient throughout a process that appears to be fraught with elected officials bending over backwards to please high-powered lobbyists who want to be sure they have plenty of loopholes for redevelopment projects? If the Legislature leaves any loopholes, they will be abused in the future the same way they are being abused today.
As this issue gets voted on in the House and the Senate, you need to know that there are some people in Stockbridge that are victims today. If we do not get real reform, any of us could be victimized tomorrow. You should realize, you may not get the best bill passed by your legislators to protect your private property rights. There is legislation that is bad, and there is legislation that is good. The details matter. If State leaders are not willing to lead the charge for really restoring our Constitutional rights, then sadly, the task falls directly on the shoulders of Georgia’s citizens.
If we lose our property, please don’t say look at those poor people who just lost their Florist Shop to the City of Stockbridge; instead, realize “if they can take his flower shop, my property isn’t safe either.” I urge you to call your Representatives now! Urge the passage of legislation that will help us in Stockbridge and be sure that the legislation removes all loopholes for redevelopment. Eminent domain should only be invoked for TRUE public use.
I’m not asking you to do this just for my family. I’m asking you to do it for yours. If we treat our Constitutional right to private property ownership with such carelessness, what legacy are we passing to the next generation of Americans?
Our rights were purchased by many brave men and women with their lives and great sacrifice so that we could enjoy our lives and prosper. Are we too busy to make a call or write a letter? There is very little time left this session. When this is all over, no matter the outcome, I will be able to look in the mirror and say to myself that I did
everything I could to protect my family’s rights. I hope you will be able to do the same.Thank you for your help,
Mark and Regina Meeks
Stockbridge Florist and Gifts
Stockbridge, GA
770-355-2418