Henderson's Restaurant

Dear Editor: Though I live in Conyers, my family has long been fans of Henderson's Restaurant on Jackson Highway. We frequently enjoy the wonderful food and hospitality offered at this local landmark.

I can't tell you how distressed I was to learn that the county wants to condemn the property to widen the highway even though the highway could be widened by using property across the street from the restaurant.

The majority of Newton County Commissioners recently requested that the county attorney begin mediation with the restaurant owner's attorney. Community leaders claim they are progressive, but I don't see how seizing and tearing down a well-loved icon without pursuing an alternative remedy is anything but medieval.

Hurray for District Four Commissioner J.C. Henderson (no relation), who wrote a letter to the Henderson restaurant owner and copied his constituents, stating that he "believes that this matter of litigation and possible condemnation could have been resolved simply by sitting down at the table together in an old-fashioned neighborly manner." When I spoke to him last week, he stated that he is in favor of exploring the possibility of purchasing alternate property for the highway expansion. At least one commissioner is sticking up for what he believes is right and fair for the restaurant, community and county.

Many times I have considered moving to Newton County, but this sad situation makes me glad that I didn't. I am certainly thankful that I am not a business owner there. Of course, it may all depend on whom you know.