Thanks to everyone who contributed to WCLK Jazz 91.9 FM on our behalf!!! We didn’t win this year’s Signature Serenade competition, but we did make a big difference for the station. We also had a blast being the guest DJs even with a huge technical challenge.
The Positive Impact of Urban Redevelopment Authorities – Chris Balch in the AJC
Brookhaven has discussed creating a URA for several years, City Attorney Chris Balch told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Redevelopment agencies create another financing option for developers, who can use them to access tax-free loans. In return, the redevelopment agency has negotiating power over how new projects look and feel. This can vary from the construction materials used in the project to streetscape improvements… Read More
Incarcerated Transgender Individuals – Strategies for Crafting an Artful Defense
By Christopher D. Balch By some estimates, as much as ten percent of the United States population is incarcerated. The cause of this mass imprisonment may be subject to debate (a debate well beyond the scope of this article); but the fact remains that as our citizenry ages, as its demograph- ics change, and as the ability of our citi-… Read More
Making a Difference
Chris was recently featured in Atlanta Attorney at Law magazine. Chris Balch’s family was called to serve. His grandfather was a submarine commander and the Imperial Japa- nese Navy sank his submarine on Oct. 10, 1943 when his birth mother was almost two. His adoptive father was a Tennessee United Methodist minister and a huge advocate for civic liberties and… Read More
When Bigger Isn’t Better
There is a presumption that bigger is better. We want bigger players on the football teams we follow or support. We want bigger cars. We want bigger houses. The same presumption applies to law firms. There is a presumption that if a firm is “big,” then they must have experts in the field you want. But bigger isn’t always better…. Read More
Chris Balch on Brookhaven, GA’s Recent Redistricting – via Atlanta Journal Constitution
Excerpted from an article By Zachary Hansen, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution DeKalb County’s most populous city decided to redraw its four council districts before November’s elections, but they did so without 2020 U.S. Census data. Due to the pandemic, the full dataset won’t be available until September, which is well after the state’s May 6 redistricting deadline. During Tuesday’s City Council meeting, City Attorney… Read More
Georgia Supreme Court Upholds Appeal in Douglasville Environmental Case, Defended by BLG
The Georgia Supreme Court today let stand a decision by the Court of Appeals that the citizens of Douglasville could lawfully withstand the construction of a rock crushing plant in their neighborhood. In a unanimous Order, the Supreme Court declined to undertake further review. In Boyd v. City of Douglasville, the project owner proposed constructing an industrial plant immediately across… Read More
Chris Balch has been named a Georgia Super Lawyer for 2021
Nominated by his clients and affirmed by his colleagues, Chris Balch has been named a Georgia Super Lawyer for 2021. This recognition is made for the quality of the advocacy and dedication to client success Chris has demonstrated throughout his career. Selection is limited to just 5% of lawyers in the state. The firm is proud of Chris’s recognition and… Read More
Brookhaven becomes 2nd DeKalb city to pass anti-street racing law – City Attorney Explains Key Differences
From an article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution by Zachary Hansen Brookhaven’s city leaders passed an ordinance Tuesday night that imposes a fine between $500 and $1,000 for violators, who could also receive up to six months in jail. In addition, vehicles used in a street race can be impounded for 30 days or until the case is settled. “The ordinance expands the police… Read More
Chris Balch Receives Proclamation from the Atlanta City Council
On Veterans Day Chris received a surprise Proclamation, presented by Atlanta City Council Member Carla Smith in recognition for his service to the City from 2014-2020 in establishing and chairing the first City of Atlanta Commission on Veterans’ Affairs. Thank you very much for that. My former Vice Chair and now Chairperson of the Commission, Brigette McCoy, thank you as… Read More
Redevelopment moves forward on 27 acres by new CHOA Brookhaven campus
Excerpted from an article by Dyana Bagby – Reporter, Atlanta Business Chronicle, Atlanta Business Chronicle Sep 8, 2020 A five-member arbitration panel appointed by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs on Sept. 3 issued their unanimous findings in favor of the city of Brookhaven. [see the full article at the Atlanta Business Chronicle]
State panel issues findings on Brookhaven annexation
Ruling paves way for developments at Briarcliff and North Druid Hills – Press release Brookhaven, GA, Sept. 3, 2020 – A five-member arbitration panel appointed by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs issued their unanimous findings in the challenge by the County against property owners seeking annexation into the City of Brookhaven. The ruling settles issues involving Brookhaven’s annexation and the eventual… Read More