OK.  I admit in the past that I”ve spent a lot of time relieving developmental angst by railing against Atlantic Station. I sit here at the corner of Ponce and Smart-Growth Ave. and let the damning adjectives fly.  I mock.  I sarcaz.  I scoff.

But really, how does that help anything other than my blood pressure?

So this morning, after reading a very interesting op-ed over on Maria Saporta’s new blog “The Saporta Report” by the developer of Atlantic Station, Jim Jacoby, about the new “Aerotropolis” he plans to build on the site of the Ford Hapeville Plant, I’m taking a step back.  And instead of just cuing up a snarky rant, I’m going to attempt to be a bit more constructive.  (BTW, the Atlantic recently used Hapeville as a great, graphic example of how much $ it costs to dissemble an auto assembly line.  Highly recommend a look.)

If we must continue to endure these examples of “auto shrines cloaked in smart growth” metro-wide we might as well learn from our mistakes for the next time around, right?  So…the following are my specific gripes with Atlantic Station from a development perspective.  I don’t claim to have any background on how these things are make money.  This looks at the long term success of these projects, not the short.  Take them for what they’re worth…

1.  The near complete separation of residential and commercial/office is a tragic concept. Read the rest of this entry »

…for being so awesome.

Creative Loafing’s Besha Rodell does a full review of Leon’s Full Service and determines that “Decatur gets what it deserves.”

Back in December, we received word that Roy had left Sage and the “owner has given the employees who want to stay and Wayne the Chef 3 months to see if they can make it work.”

This morning, Rus reports that there’s brown paper up in the windows.  Also, I’ve noticed that the website has been taken down.  Has this long time Decatur staple closed for good?

Last year, January was the month of business closings.  This year it seems to be March.

No lack of talent in this city.

Rus sends along the list of the selected board members for Decatur’s newly created Active Living Advisory Board.  I believe I heard that there were over 20 candidates for these eight positions.

Bill Adams, Chair – Real Estate, volunteer coach, youth sports

Sally Brozek  – registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator

Michael Harbin – software system development/maintenance, youth sports, high school booster club

Wendy Heaps, MPH – CDC, health/wellness program development for large business org., teen program volunteer

Mamie Jennings Mabery – Public Health Informaticist@CDC, personal fitness trainer,walker, runner, tennis player

Michael Pratt, MD,MPH,MSPE – Public Health Physician/CDC, Physical Activity and Health branch, Exercise Physiology

Don Rigger – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Volunteer Coach at Decatur Rec and High School

Parky Rogers  – Junior Achievement, Safe Routes to School/Injury Prevention, Decatur Cooperative Ministry

Miriam Vos, MD, MSPH – Pediatric Gastroenterologist/Emory University and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Bike Emory

Bill at the Seen Gallery reports on future plans for his old space at Scottish Rite…

Well.. Well.. Well.. no surprise here. When we were told by PRI (Progressive Redevelopemnt Inc) in July that they were looking at taking the space that The Seen Gallery occupied in a new direction.. we can’t help but wonder if this is what they knew was on tap (pun intended).

Recently posted on www.palatewinebar.com:

McGowan’s Pub Coming Soon in 2009: new sister restaurant next door to Palate Café. Comfort food in a casual Oakhurst enclave meant to evoke the experience of a Sunday lunch or supper at home. Cozy and bright interior, accessible fare, 22 beers on draught, 100 beers in a bottle; neighborhood hangout and dining destination. Will be open 11am to 1am. Sign up for email updates on the Contact page for the latest news about McGowan’s Pub.