You may recall that Stella Bella Boutique closed a couple months ago, but it looks like the space has only recently been filled.

Walking past Townsquare Condominiums this evening, my wife noticed (as I was texting at the time) that a new boutique called “Wild Seed” has taken over the space. Though the space still looks like its being filled, it already has a very interesting vibe/layout.

The shop’s website is currently limited to the graphic above, but hopefully we’ll soon get a little more info about this new addition to our city.

So, the AJC has an article up on their website entitled “Riders Swarm to Mass Transit“. This headline peaked piqued my interest, since I’ve been waiting for weeks to hear how much MARTA ridership has risen since gas prices rushed towards and past $4.

But, as so often is the case with our local daily reader, I was sorely disappointed. Its actually just an AP article. Well, I thought, maybe there is an Atlanta mention at least. Nope. The article, while no doubt interesting, cites cities like San Fran, Boston and L.A. NOTHING about Atlanta.

So, I did what so many desperate Americans do when they want something they don’t have. I Googled it. And what an odd result. I found two links posted today (one and two) from news radio stations in Detroit that cite MARTA’s ridership up 60%. Here’s one…

In bustling Atlanta, transit authorities boosted their MARTA bus routes by 40 percent this year. But it wasn’t enough. Ridership is up 60 percent.

So the question remains…does the Detroit media market know something we do not? Is this just the first trickle? Or is this just shotty journalism? I can’t find any MARTA press releases on the subject, but if its truly up 60%, that’s pretty unbelievable.

Regardless of the accuracy of this particular number, I hope someone…ANYONE with a wider distribution than ME is on top of this story whenever it comes out, so Atlantans aren’t confined to reading a national AP story about public transportation, while the state of Georgia gets away scott-free with looking like heroes for suspending a 2 cent gas tax while still being the ONLY state in the country that doesn’t finance public transportation in its largest city.

Kick some butt MARTA. I don’t care about your past accusations of mismanagement. You’ve got a clean slate with me starting today. Increased ridership means money and attention. Something you sorely lacked up until now.

Please make the most of it.

BTW…did anyone else realize that Gwinnett is voting on MARTA again this summer? Kinda historic considering the hoohah the last time Gwinnetians faced that choice. Somehow it had completely evaded my (admittedly limited) radar. However, the Atlanta Business Chronicle has a good write up if you’re interested.

Here’s a little more info on Zucca Pizza, which is taking over Zocalo’s old spot on the Square…

According to a 2007 Access Atlanta review of the local chain’s Kennesaw restaurant, Zucca is a low-key pizza joint that churns out authentic New York-style (more specifically Staten Island-style) pizza and other Italian standards (pasta, calamari calzones). Also, if the Decatur location is anything like Kennesaw, the wine list is reasonably priced ($5.50/$7.50/$9.50) and there is a decent draft beer selection available (12 on tap).

Also, a Zucca in Decatur might provide another late night option for those wandering the Square late in the evening/early morning. The Kennesaw branch is open regularly to 2am (midnight on Sunday) and provides a “wee-hours” menu, which offers pizza and other select munchies.

As a northerner, I’m very interested in judging for myself how well these transplanted New Yorkers have recreated the New York slice in the Deep South. (I don’t have an opening date yet) We know it’s all about the crust and sauce.

Now if only someone with the skills would consider opening an Italian pastry shop…

Mmmm…canoles…