Prior to officially announcing Jonathan Franzen as the Decatur Book Festival’s 2010 keynote, Program Director Tom Bell read a brief excerpt from Franzen’s new novel “Freedom” at the festival’s launch event at Eddie’s Attic yesterday.

Here’s probably the most interesting suggestion in the city manager’s budget message…

…we recommend pursuing an option that would redirect the funds for the public works facility to construction of the Decatur Recreation Center improvements and pursue financing improvements at the existing public works facility through certificates of participation (COPs).

I sent an inquiry to City Manager Peggy Merriss about this option last week and this morning received a memo on the subject which was presented to Decatur’s city commissioners last night.  (I’m not sure if my question inspired the note or I am just so timely it hurts. Either way, I’ll take what I can get.)

The basic crux of the issue is this: $4,275,000 was originally allocated to build a new Public Works Building on a new site.  However, according to the city manager, a suitable site “that was affordable and available that did not impact existing single-family neighborhoods” could not be found.  She continues, “Therefore, the only option that seems viable is to remain in place and purchase two properties adjacent to the existing facility.”

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MARTA will hold another public hearing tonight at 7pm at the Maloof Auditorium at 1300 Commerce Drive in downtown Decatur to discuss the revised “less severe” cuts/alterations to bus and rail service.

The following bus routes that run through Decatur will still be affected.  (Routes in GREEN include the original modifications.  Routes in BLUE have “refined” modifications based on rider feedback.  Routes in RED are proposed for elimination.)

Route 2 – Proposed modification include Route 2 maintain service from North Ave. Station to Ponce de Leon Ave. and N. Highland Ave. Route 2 will then operate via N. Highland Ave., North Ave. (Outbound) Freedom Parkway (Inbound) and Moreland Ave. From Moreland Ave. Route 2 will assume the Caroline St., Marion Pl. and La France St. to Edgewood Candler Park Station segments currently serve by Route 28. Service will no longer be provided from Avondale Station to Ponce de Leon Ave and N. Highland Ave.

Route 8 – Partial Restoration‐ proposed modification include Route 8 maintain current routing from Brookhaven Station to E. Ponce de Leon Ave. at N. Decatur Rd. Route 8 will then continue N. Decatur Rd. assume the Glendale Rd., Chapel St., 7th Ave., Cedar St., N. Clarendon Ave., N. Avondale Rd. and E. College Ave. to Avondale Station segments currently served by Route 122.

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A rumor I helped propagate after two separate confirmations doesn’t seem to be true.

While the interior of Natalie’s Fish House may have been in a bit of disarray recently, it’s not because they’ve closed up shop.  The chalkboard sign outside the restaurant states that they are closed for renovations and will reopen tomorrow.

Apologies for any confusion.