The Truckload Bunch

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The Truckload Bunch

Hemorrhoid of the Month
September 2007

Home Builders Win TWO Months in a ROW!

There has been a lot of news about the housing bubble, and inevitable slowdown. Many people can no longer qualify for the home they want since credit standards have suddenly (and rightly) tightened back up. Many home builders did not anticipate this and are having a hard time selling their excess inventory and even staying in business. They seem to think this hardship justifies illegal sign campaigns, but they put them out when times were good too. They have political clout and argue that city and county officials should not enforce the sign laws. As unpaid citizens, we disagree.

Coroplast signs placed in the right-of-way are illegal. They are offensive because they are so ugly and trashy and sometimes even hazardous. Builders put them all over a large area to create excitement and draw in prospective buyers. These signs do work, but why should builders have special privileges? Every other industry could argue it is also special and vital in some way.

As soon as one subdivision starts putting out signs, all the rest must follow suit. Then someone in another industry tries it and gains an unfair advantage until the competition follows suit. Pretty soon, a neglected road or intersection is plastered in the worst way.

Home building corporations do all they can to capture prospective buyers, but consequentially drown out families trying to resell their homes. By using a builder's faulty and selfish logic, a homeowner might argue he is justified in putting out dozens of signs on every nearby road to advertise his home. Thankfully, that is not happening. Yet.

Builders throughout the region need to be brought under control by the continued efforts of volunteers and officials.

Loganville

We feel sorry for any family trying to sell their home near this.

Hemorrhoid of the Month
August 2007

Home Builders

It has been over a year since the last Award, mainly because illegal sign activity seemed to be decreasing in Gwinnett and no repeat offender really stood out. But something changed this summer as builders have gone back to breaking the law WITH A VENGANCE. Their plasterings have consequently encouraged many other "little guys" to follow suit. It is happening in many counties and we don't have a good explaination except perhaps the housing slowdown has them under pressure. We are sympathetic but it's no excuse, so our Hemorrhoid of the Month goes to the BUILDERS and AGENTS who are doing this. For what it's worth, we would like to THANK those who are obeying the sign law. It would be in everyone's BEST interest to keep the "playing field" level and stop this madness.

A few examples of Gwinnett County Offenders
Bowen Family Homes

Centerville Highway

Some of the Walton County Offenders
Crown Communities

Stillwater Communities

Damascus Homes

We have tried asking the builders to stop but some don't even think they are doing anything wrong:

Good afternoon my retired elders and friends,

I received an email today concerning some weekend signs that we have placed. I understand your appetite for a clean community as well as your craving for stealing other people’s property. I’m sure you understand the vitality of a growing and successful community is for future residents to be able to purchase a new home and populate the area; possibly a home that they have worked years to be able to buy. More residents, means more businesses, jobs and schools. In order for them to purchase their dream, they must be able to find it. Common sense, right? So, as these signs may distract YOUR driving abilities, it serves a very common goal; to have a great city and county. We always do our best to follow all city and county codes, as we understand the importance of safety and neatness on the roadways as well as legal obligations.

I know that you are aware of the work that is being done in vain (on both ends), and you’ll be glad to know that you have job security in the retired, world-changing business of “sign picker uppers.” I trust that you are performing your moral responsibility by recycling all of the plastic that you steal. Do your part in making this world better.

Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns.

It has been my pleasure to serve you with excellence.

Thanks,
KW

Ralph Reed