An Exclusive Interview with the President of the Board of Directors of Avery Park

On any given day you can find Major Vince Adams (U.S. Army) solving logistical problems at Headquarters at the United States Reserve Command at Fort McPherson. On any given night, you can find him at the Avery Park Clubhouse overseeing the Avery Park Community Association's activities.

As you might have heard in recent news, the Avery Park Community Association has been very busy. A resident of Avery Park has decided he must challenge the Covenants and Guidelines of Avery Park. These Covenants and Guidelines were established years ago when Avery Park was introduced as a planned community. Mr. Roy Johnson has determined that he must place a twenty foot flag pole in his front yard. Per House Resolution 42--Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005, Avery Park does not refuse the right to fly the American flag--or any flag for that matter. The covenants state that all exterior structures must be approved by the Modifications Committee and meet the architectural guidelines.

The confusion regarding the regulations caused some uproar by residents and locals alike. At a closed Executive Session last Thursday night, Mr. Roy Johnson met with the Avery Park Board of Directors and the Avery Park attorneys. Media and protestors of the Covenants showed up to this meeting hoping to sit in on the closed meeting. They were asked to wait outside so that the Board and Mr. Johnson could meet in private. After Mr. Johnson's petition, the Board listened to a resident's concerns and opinions. At the conclusion of the Executive Session, Stephen A. Winter, Avery Park Community Association's attorney, held a press conference.

At the press conference, Stephen A. Winter issued a statement made by the Board which said, "God bless America" and "a compromise was made." Mr. Winter also commented that flag poles will be allowed in Avery Park but with several strict restrictions and guidelines that will be developed and distributed to all Avery Park residents.

The President of the Board, Major Vince Adams, has referred all reporters including those from the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the Newnan Times-Herald, and even journalists as far away as Canada to the Association's attorney for comments. Major Adams gave the Cougar Chronicles and exclusive statement: "Avery Park Community Association is a fluid organization and will change with the times and demographics of the community."

Whitney Black, Spotlight Editor