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Canton Road gets exciting, eggs to hit Sprayberry High School, local business woes and forget arts SPLOST

Canton Road means excitement; really

Canton Road has seen its share of excitement recently with the first phase of road improvements slated to begin in March as a threatened lawsuit casts a shadow over the project. There's also the controversial loss of a shadow from a huge oak tree on Canton Road creating irritation in local homeowners.

And there's more to come.

As reported in the Northeast Cobb Monitor.com, owners of Cherokee Cattle Company are seeking a rezoning of the property, which once was home to the tree owners cut next to the restaurant. Along with that rezoning, there is the Lestos Special Land Use Permit request at the corner of Canton Road and Westerly Way (see full story on home page). Used cars may, once again, may adorn that parcel.

But another story should soon develop that may raise the eyebrows of local homeowners near Canton Road. Seems ironic so much would be going on in the business district of the road when the economy is so unstable.

Some not so fortunate

While all the excitement makes for a lot of interest, there is some news not so exciting. All you have to do is drive by local shopping centers in the Northeast Cobb area to find fewer merchants doing business in them. We recently saw the closing of an original Market Square Shopping Center store when Ragsdale Ace Hardware closed its doors after 38 years in business.

There is also some concern with one of the last "bigger" area merchants. Old Time Pottery is still doing business along Canton Road, but two other locations of that company recently closed. The good news is I walked into the Canton Road location and saw it appeared fully stocked with merchandise. Let's hope it and other businesses hold on until the economy allows for more shoppers.

It's raining eggs, hallelujah

If you travel near Sprayberry High School April 3, watch out for overly egg-cited kids and dropping eggs, which is a lot better than egg droppings.

The Northeast Cobb Business Association plans on dropping more than 30,000 Easter eggs from a helicopter over Jim Frazier Stadium throughout the day as part of that group's First Annual Egg Drop and Easter Egg Hunt. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is expected to attract thousands of locals. Egg drops will take place throughout the day for different age groups, and businesses can take part with sponsorships, including booths.

I've served as emcee at many egg hunts over the years, and I've learned the best entertainment comes from watching the actions of parents during the critical stages of each hunt. The kids enjoy, while many adults see it as a competition. It's worthy of a sitcom.

Any business owner interested in sponsorship or attaining a booth should call Bill Watson at 770 423- 1330.

Bad time to consider a SPLOST for arts, not that there is a good time

I read where some in the state legislature are considering allowing local jurisdictions opportunities to vote for a Special Local Sales Option Tax (SPLOST) for the arts. Hello. Don't need it now or ever.

Though I don't like new taxes of any kind, I understand the need to help fund roads or education from time to time with a special tax. But a tax to fund arts is out of bounds. As much as I enjoy theater and different forms of art, I believe a good product can and should support itself. To consider this tax at a time when school systems are trying to figure out where they can cut budgets next year or even stay open is ridiculous. The same can be said for state and local governments.

The worn argument is the SPLOST is supported by anyone doing business in a county with the special tax. I can guarantee people who live in any county pay more on the SPLOST than anyone else. That's beside the point when you consider if there is no SPLOST, there is no tax paid by anyone.

Everywhere you look, there's someone struggling. Wake up! Considering another tax is not the answer.