Comments on: What Does Decatur's "Green Shed" Look Like?

By: Bill

Bill — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:53:21 +0000

I’m not as repulsed by the new MARTA square design as most, however, they really missed an opportunity to make that a green space instead of all that hot concrete, particularly in the middle of the summer. It could have been done, but now were probaby stuck with what we’ve got for at least 20 years. It it had been grass instead of concrete, I’d bet you it would not be as empty as it is most days.

By: Scott

Scott — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:11:11 +0000

You’re right about the worst-case scenario, Rick, because one of the great things about Decatur is, if you’ve got a good idea, you’ll find a lot of people willing to get on board and help. So the onerous process I laid out may be required, but you wouldn’t have to go it alone.

I hope you get an opportunity to give it a shot. Active citizens and leadership willing to listen is a big part of what makes Decatur overall such a great town.

By: decaturite

decaturite — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:05:48 +0000

Rick- once you return from Africa (wow), definitely keep us updated.

Jim – one MARTA entrance is pedestrian while the other is for buses..most stations have a similar set up. And even though I don’t take the bus, I exit on that side because that’s my direction home. If I had to exit on Church…it would add an extra 5 minutes to my walk.

By: Rick

Rick — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:58:14 +0000

Decaturite you are right. I need to step up to the plate on this and stop griping. I spend alot of time on the road for work..I’m a project manager for a software development firm…and life always seems to be very busy and in flux but I really should figure out a way to make the time. Next week I am going to go do some volunteer work in a refugee camp on the border of Kenya and Sudan for a month. I’ll be back in town after that and will check it out. I think the process that Scott laid out above is probably worst case scenario…but hey…I can start getting myself out there a bit. Cheers.

By: Lain

Lain — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:57:14 +0000

There’s plenty of green space in Decatur. Most homes here have both front and back yards. Folks in Manhattan who use Central Park don’t quite have that luxury.

What y’all are talking about reminds me a little bit about the restoration of Ellis Square in Savannah. The square was torn down (like, 50) years ago to make way for a parking lot, and is currently / has recently been restored with underground parking (about 1000 spaces) and mixed used development surrounding it.

I have no idea how it was done or how it has turned out, but on paper it seems like a great way to add more green space and more people to enjoy that green space.

@ jim, why wouldn’t we have two Marta entrances? I mean, the design of the Sycamore St. entrance is far from perfect, but I think two entrances are absolutely necessary to accommodate all the buses and folks from all sides of downtown Decatur.