Running for Mayor: Bob Brown Says He Would Try to Bring 'Real Stores' to Roswell Road

Red Baron’s Antiques owner Bob Brown has praise for Mayor Eva Galambos’ accomplishments and some criticism when it comes to small business. Brown recently announced that he will run for mayor in November. He lost a mayoral bid in 2008.

“Eva deserved to win. She did a great job,” Brown said. “She did a wonderful job for homeowners. I’m a homeowner here too, and I don’t have any real complaints about sidewalks and roads.”

Brown indicated that he is somewhat encouraged by the promise of new development but small businesses are lacking along Roswell Road, he said. 

“Go up and down the street from the river to I-285 and then down to Wieuca Road. All you see are mattress stores, liquor stores and cleaners; not real stores. I think she let the business community down,” he said.

Although Sandy Springs offers business incentives for companies to locate here, Brown complained about the city’s stance on the sign ordinance and the low number of upscale restaurants.

“They can cause a tremendous amount of grief just to do business. Code enforcement and sign enforcement is out of control,” he said. 

During the 2011 Halloween season, Brown had to remove a 12-foot inflatable monster atop Red Baron's Great Gallery, at 8655 Roswell Road or be fined $1,000. 

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