"The rest of this decade is an opportunity for Renaissance. To maintain and enhance existing structures and amenities, we will take charge of our communities and make them stronger."

An echo effect of our housing crisis is declining property valuations. Lower values produce lower property taxes, which results in reduced government services regionally.

In this environment, it will be hard to build new roads, schools and suburbs for a while. Economics and efficiency will dictate that we preserve, maintain and enhance our existing infrastructure.

The rest of this decade is an opportunity for Renaissance. To maintain and enhance existing structures and amenities, we will take charge of our communities and make them stronger.

Some parts of our community are already starting the Renaissance. One great example is the Stone Mountain Community Improvement District.

Led by Emory Morsberger of Morsberger Revitalization and Joddie Gray of Urban Trans, the commercial property owners in this section of DeKalb County united to form this self-taxing district. With the unanimous support of the DeKalb County Commission, property owners now take on the responsibility of revitalizing the commercial area around Mountain Industrial Boulevard.

It is the right moment for self-reliant people to step up and enhance their own community. Individuals, companies and governments have all faced difficult times. What sets us apart is how we react.

Lawrence Callahan
CEO, Pattillo Industrial Real Estate Chairman
Stone Mountain Community Improvement District