Free-For-All Friday 1/8/16
Decatur Metro | January 8, 2016 | 9:07 amFeel free to use this post to make comments and ask questions about local topics not yet discussed here over the past week.
Feel free to use this post to make comments and ask questions about local topics not yet discussed here over the past week.
« MM: Decatur Crossing Update, The Seventeen Steps Coverage, and Macy’s Confirms N. DeKalb Mall Location Closing Taziki’s Mediterranean Café Opens in Decatur Next Week »
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My oh my….why has no one posted a photo of the now Open Waffle House?
The people need to see it! Unfortunately, I have not been able to stop by there yet.
Saw the bright lights when I drove past on Trinity last night, but was on my somewhere else.
I went on opening morning, arriving about 745am.
It was crowded but not packed. Clearly popular with DHS and RMS kids. I got a seat at the counter when the DHS kids decided to move on to school. By 815am there was a lull and only 4-5 customers dining in, but it filled up again by the time I left at 825.
Staff seem to be a mix of 25-30% experienced and the rest new to WH.
Lots of take out orders. I had no idea people ordered takeout from WH! The entire time I dined there were always 1-3 parties waiting on takeout.
Dining area reminds me of the one in Tech Square — white tile throughout. Otherwise, booths and a counter like any other Waffle House. Food like any other WH. I forgot to ask about their hours — it was previously written that initially it might not be 24h?
I found the open space odd — the 5-6′ in from the front windows for the width of the restaurant is wide open and not occupied by anything. I am sure there is a reason for the design (maybe wait and see how much waiting there is, some future tables or chairs?)
No photos. I just assumed DM or Decaturish would visit, have an article, and take pics!
You didn’t say what you had, or whether it was good. Inquiring minds want to know! 😀
I only ever order 2 dishes at WH:
Breakfast: 2 eggs sunny-side up, meat (ham this time), hash browns scattered and smothered, wheat toast
Not Breakfast: Patty Melt
It was morning so I had breakfast 🙂
ate there this morning
2 eggs over easy
bacon
grits
whole wheat
coffee
standard quality for standard fare, served with the kind of enthusiasm only a new restaurant has.
agree the use of space is odd. it’s easily the most spacious, by total square feet, WH i think i’ve ever been in, and the lack of seating in the front 1/4 of the restaurant’s footprint is noteworthy. my best guess is zoning required x parking spaces for y customers, and given the lack of immediate spaces (not including the garage) available, they had to limit the amount of booths they could install. otherwise they could almost double their seating capacity by adding more booths to the entrance area.
Scott, can you imagine another seating constraint?
I agree it’s odd but I don’t think it’s parking related. Buildings on the Square that do not have dedicated parking are grandfathered. So long as you don’t increase the size of the building (which this build out did not, as far as I know), you should be good to go.
I haven’t seen it yet but some other possibilities include: “banked” space they don’t have to staff that can be easily built out with seating if demand dictates; or something weird associated with ADA access.
Dunno. But will check it out.
Please cuddle the cats.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3q6EcnLjUM
Because you can never have enough cat videos. My apologies to J_T, who prefers dogs.
Catz r stoopid.
Any recommendation for getting an old diamond solitaire ring appraised and possibly reset? Thanks.
Worthmore
Pickens. 480 E Paces Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305; phone:(404) 237-7885.
+1 Worthmore!
Worthmore replaced two of the worn-out prongs on my solitaire last year. I was pleased with the work and always enjoy the staff.
I’ve had bad experiences at Worthmore, and think their work and products are grossly overpriced. If you’re willing to make the trek outside of Decatur, I cannot recommend Midtown Jewelers enough. They’re friendly; the work is reliably good, and the prices are surprisingly cheap. But no matter where you go, steer clear of Alexander’s of Atlanta. A ring I had repaired there broke a week later–and they charged me 10x the price that Midtown Jewelers later charged me to fix it.
We’ve used Worthmore for a few repairs on old pieces that others wouldn’t touch. They did a great job at a reasonable price. Not discounting your experience but don’t want it to go unopposed either. I have no stake in their business, was just very pleased with the experience.
Decatur City Jewelers are outstanding. He also designs his own jewelry. Downtown on Clairmont.
Anyone have a crawl space company that they recommend? That doesn’t seem like they want to scare the crap out of you and is just honest?
I preferred engineered solutions to both trotter and aqua guard.
Answer may depend on issue.
My previous house had a crawl space under one room, and when selling the inspector identified the start of mold growth. I used Black Canyon Environmental Services to fix it. They cleaned the joists and adjacent basement wall, changed the ground barrier and installed something else on the walls, as well as some sort of material below the floor insulation between the joists. They were prompt and in-and-out, and didn’t try to upsell me beyond what the inspector recommended (of course they knew the context – it was a condition for a sale).
Not a Decatur specific question:
If you’ve had to visit a social security office, which one did you visit and how was your experience. Is it worth the drive to another not so close to Decatur?
I wanted an appointment. Got one fairly quickly in Winder, GA. 389 E Broad St, Winder, GA 30680
Phone:(866) 331-8639
Service was excellent!
I went to the office at South DeKalb about 5 years ago and had no problems. Friendly staff and I was in/out quickly.
I went to the South Dekalb location and did not have to wait long. I only needed a duplicate SS card, so that helped.
Something I thought I “had to do at the office” was better handled via the SSA telephone service system. Very efficient personal (no robot) interactions with perfect results and no in-person appearance. Just a thought in case you have not checked into this method yet.
And actually, many things can be done online without even making the phone call.
I went to the South DeKalb office without an appointment. Big mistake. It took four hours to process a small update. The person who served me was quite polite and tried to be helpful, but she had no knowledge about the changes to the system that were hidden in the budget bill passed last fall, especially as they related to “file and suspend” options. I have heard from others that the Norcross office is much more efficient and less crowded, as is the Conyers office. I will likely try one of them in the future.
“but she had no knowledge about the changes to the system that were hidden in the budget bill passed last fall,”
Hadn’t heard about it, or didn’t understand the changes? If the former, that’s hard for me to comprehend. I’m 20 years from SS and I know about the changes and have a decent grasp on them. How could someone who works for the agency have no knowledge of them? Am I overestimating how much attention people pay to the world beyond their own Facebook feed?
Regardless, I mildly object to your characterization of these changes as “hidden”. I’ve encountered info about them on a variety of mainstream online media outlets, from Yahoo to Bloomberg. Did the changes make headlines next to Bill Cosby or Donald Trump’s latest pandering to ‘Mericans? No, but then again few people knew about the filing options to begin with.
Sorry if I wasn’t clear. The employee told me she knew nothing about any changes that might affect file-and-suspend options. When I explained them to her, she grasped what was happening quickly, so I can only assume that no one had informed her previously, or she ignored whatever communication she may have received on the subject. And I used the term “hidden” because it was a couple of weeks after the bill was passed before I saw any analysis that unpacked the SS changes. Not that these adjustments were a major part of the bill. This just reflects my observation that many bills passed by Congress are not generally understood, even by the members, until they are broken down into their component parts after they are passed. This particular change probably needed to happen, but I’m guessing that most of the people who actually voted on it didn’t even know it was in the bill.
I agree there’s a general lack of understanding of what gets voted on, but there was info on this out there before the budget vote. Here’s an example from late October.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-10-28/are-you-about-to-lose-50-000-in-future-social-security-benefits-
Pretty sure I’m ready to leave TurboTax in my past. Any recommendations for a local CPA?
Stephen Claghorn, CPA, is in the Fidelity Bank building at Clairemont & Commerce. (404) 377-0510. Very knowledgeable and personable.
Chet Burge is super.
Jon us for the BIG Walk next Wednesday to show the need for more crosswalks on South Candler. Info is here:https://beactivedecatur.wordpress.com/2016/01/07/join-us-for-the-big-walk-on-january-13th/
We need everyone out walking or biking! Show your support.
Any thoughts on Decatur orthodontists? We are entering that stage with our kids, and our dentist recommended an orthodontist over by Northlake, which seems inconvenient to Decatur schools for purposes of regular appointments.
My hubby goes to Dr. Francis at Decatur Ortho and loves him and the staff.
He visited several offices in the area (including Tucker) before getting his braces and they offered competitive pricing and he liked their staff the best.
We, like many, many, many, many other Decatur residents, went to Dr. Mary Lynn Crews, just up the road at Toco Hill.
LOVE Dr. Crews – have been through 3 kids with her and couldn’t recommend her more highly. She is also a big supporter of Decatur’s kids with a major Tour deCatur sponsorship and support of the Booster Club.
FWIW–my daughter’s dentist (he is also an orthodontist, but we’ve not used his services for that yet) is at Northlake. I originally thought it’d be too far to drive, but it takes less than 15 minutes to get there every single time. We go right after school, prob leave my driveway near Westchester at 2:45, arrive there at 3—I always set appointments for 3:30, just in case, but we always wind up staring at the fish tank or catching up on magazine affairs. Just wanted to mention.
We are Dr. Crews groupies too. Real convenient from the north side of COD and fun, helpful staff. She has fixed three mouths in our family so it’s our home away from home.
We just started with Decatur Orthodontists in November. We know quite a few people who’ve used them and been very happy.
We have been impressed at all visits so far, they are always on time, easy to get appointments at convenient times, staff is great, payment plan options are good and the convenient location is a huge bonus.
My DHS freshman can walk there from school for the adjustment appointments, which is very helpful since they have to go back every 8 weeks or so.
The Mead Road Mardi Gras is on February 6th. Pre-parade fun and 2pm line-up at F.AVE. Parade moves through Oakhurst to the Imperial where the party begins. All proceeds from specialty food and beer goes to DEF to support music grants to City Schools of Decatur. New this year – a king and queen and parade marshall and best of all there will be KREWES. If you want to have a Krewe in the parade email Emily Berg
Anyone know of a body shop/car place that can find and fix the water leak in my car?
Comes in on top and pools below the back seat. So gross.
Thanks!
Sunroof? If so, check and clear the drain tubes. I had a similar nasty water issue a couple years back and the fix was relatively easy.
Thanks! I think my regular mechanic already tried that. No luck 🙁
I too have a roof leak and water in my car did you ever find anybody who could help you? I too had my lines blown out.
Sorry if everyone knows this but me: Has it been confirmed that Costco is coming to N.DeKalb Mall?
Not officially, but strong unofficial indications. Macy’s closing was a big stepping stone that needed to happen, and that HAS been confirmed as of this week.
My millennials will be in the market for a nearby apartment this summer. Does anyone know what the rent is (or will be) at these new Decatur apartments going up everywhere? They are afraid they will not be affordable.
The only one currently published is Place on Ponce, which is consistent with new construction rents in the metro area: $1,300ish for a one bedroom/ $2,100ish for a two bedroom.
The other two haven’t announced yet, but rates may cool off modestly once the market has higher inventory.
Unfortunately $1300 is not affordable. We need something under $1000. $800 range maybe. Any ideas?
Adair Oaks
In that range, definitely look at older stock in the neighborhoods. You can likely find something closer to $850 single / $1,200 double in Lenox Park or Oakhurst.
Avery Glen Apartments are very affordable and are relatively cost-controlled since it is partial student housing for Agnes Scott. I pay $930 for a 800+ ft 1 bedroom. Right next to Trackside Tavern on the corner of downtown. It’s a bit no frills but it’s hard to beat the bang for your buck you’re getting with location/size for the cost.
You are going to pay a premium for new. You are also going to pay a premium for units in active walkable areas. This is true everywhere and true in Decatur. That’s because of supply and demand. So, the new apartments going up downtown are going to be the highest price on a per square foot basis of anywhere else in town. There are plenty of totally livable, but older and in more “auto-centric” locations in and around Decatur that will likely be more cost effective. Also, remember, size matters. Giving up some space will lead more change in the pocket. Check apartments (dot) com.
Adair Oaks is very walkable to the square and Oakhurst and also has a pool.
Pines on Scott Apartments, 927 Scott Boulevard. Very nice, clean, well-managed, and affordable. Close access to Clairmont buses, only 1 mile north of Decatur Square.
I’ve inquired at Arlo… 500ft studios are going to start at $1200. Seemed steep to me.
The Purple Corkscrew has relocated from Emory Village to Avondale Estates. Check it out at 32 North Avondale (the main drag through town, adjacent to My Parent’s Basement): http://purplecorkscrew.com
I just discovered this evening that the drive-thru Wells Fargo ATM near 315 West Ponce and Ponce de Leon Place is GONE! I know there is a walk-up ATM over near Decatur First United Methodist Church, but it is hard to park there. Where else is there a nearby Wells Fargo ATM that is drive through or easily accessible and nearby?
I watched them move this the other day. It is now a walk up half a block away on the same street at Ponce. I will still miss the drive-thru on rainy, windy days though.
Which direction? Toward the new apartments, or toward Cafe Lily? Or over near Seventeen Steps? Thanks.
Across the street from Cafe Lily, a few steps from the corner.
Ok. Found it on the side of Taziki. Thanks.
There is also a new Wells Fargo ATM at Clairmont and North Decatur, in the parking lot in front of Rainbow Foods & Mediterranean Grill. Just saw it today.
I have heard that a local bank is opening a branch in that location.
I believe the ATM there was the only thing keeping the property’s grandfathered drive-thru entitlement active. With all stalls now closed, it theoretically goes away. Potentially bad news (or not) for a bank looking to move in but good news for redevelopment along that stretch. Open air BBQ patio now!
Though now that I think about it, closed gas stations get a year to reopen before losing their grandfathering so maybe that’s the case here. If so, disregard!
Resurgens Bank is opening there.
I’ve been enjoying Las Brasas in its new, more convenient-to-me location. I’m wondering what happened to the family that used to always be at the old location? Did they sell, or did they just dial back involvement in day-to-day operations?
I know that in addition to working the counter, the husband actually had a second job as a flight attendant. So maybe he’s doing that more now?
The son is still a partial owner and operator of the new location. They sold part of the brand to an investor. The parents have semi retired and help some with the menu.
FYI – the new management of the Bank of America lot is aggressively booting cars. $95 to free your car. It’s such a waste not to allow parking there. If they want to charge, put up a fee box and charge for parking, but booting people parked in a 90% empty lot is silly.
We also discovered this the hard way. The guy that booted us is a sketchy looking dude with a red beard and a gray hoodie who we’ve also seen working the CVS parking lot. This was the first time we’ve parked in that BOA lot for about a year, and we certainly paid for it. You’ve been warned.
Here’s a Parking meter question…I’m wondering if anyone else has been caught in this “trap”…
I parked at an on-street meter by Decatur High in a 2 HR limit zone. I used my Parkmobile app and selected MAXIMUM TIME as my choice with the understanding that it would be 2 HOURS…However, the ParkMobile App registered it as a 24-hour period (I guess that is THEIR maximum) and gave me no option to stop the session. So I assume i will be charged for 24 hours even though we had dinner and left the space in less than two. Has anyone ever encountered this and been able to rectify the situation? ParkMobile just charges a transaction fee (35 cents) and the City uses Standard Parking. I will call them tomorrow, but was just curious if I was the only one confused by this…Thx.
I hate how the minimum amount of time you can get is 1 hour. I frequently run in places and never expect to be more than 20 minutes, but I have to pay for a full hour. It’s ridiculous.
Agreed. I don’t think it was like this when they first started using ParkMobile. They only instituted the minimum after a couple of months.
Yeah, I wonder if that little change was spelled out for the city when the contract was being negotiated. At first I was enthused about the move to the new parking system, but seems like the net result is it is usually much more expensive to park, especially for short stops.
With change or cash you can pay for as little time as you want. The minimum with a credit card appears to be one hour. I wish I knew that before I swiped my card the other day but I’ll just keep change in the car from now on.
Though I’m past one hundred thousand miles
I’m feeling very still
And I think my spaceship knows which way to go
Tell my wife I love her very much, she knows
Ground Control to Major Tom
Your circuit’s dead, there’s something wrong
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
“Space Oddity”
RIP David Bowie
Let’s dance,
Put on your red shoes and dance the blues
Let’s dance,
To the song they’re playin’ on the radio
Let’s sway,
While color lights up your face
Let’s sway,
Sway through the crowd to an empty space
“Let’s Dance”
RIP David Bowie
I still don’t know what I was waiting for
And my time was running wild
A million dead-end streets
And every time I thought I’d got it made
It seemed the taste was not so sweet
So I turned myself to face me
But I’ve never caught a glimpse
Of how the others must see the faker
I’m much too fast to take that test
RIP David Bowie