Decatur’s Third Places and Public Spaces
Decatur Metro | July 28, 2010How does Decatur stack up to GOOD magazine’s recent checklist of what a “model town” looks like?
According to the mag’s Neighborhood Issue, an “excellent” town (or neighborhood) has the following characteristics:
- A Signature Event – self explanatory
- Third Places – the gathering places of a community. Home and work are the 1st and 2nd places.
- Public Spaces – access to nature
- A Human Scale – this is basically “walkability”
- An Anchor Institution – college towns is the example given
- Diversity – not just of race or income, but thought, food, etc.
So here’s what I’ve been wondering: WHAT is Decatur’s signature event and anchor institution? WHERE are its “third places” and public spaces? HOW does it do in terms of human scale and diversity?
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Signature events: Art, Book and Beer Festival
Anchor institution: Agnes Scott maybe
Public spaces: parks and the square – oakhurst community garden
Third places: brick store pub or maybe that is the anchor institution.
“Diversity of thought” is important to me and should be to all, I think. But look around. More and more, people at opposite ends of the political spectrum are gravitating to live with people who only think like they do. Would most “progressive” Decatur residents want a bunch of pro-military, socially-conservative Republicans in their midst any more than the clusters of such “right-wingers” want “socialists” in Johns Creek or wherever? Sad. We’re losing our ability to think that the other guy might just be right some of the time, or might have a right to live a little differently than we do.
I heard an interview a few years ago with a guy who wrote a book about that (I’ll have to look up the title). His argument is that with more mobility that we’ve gained over the last 50 years in this country, we’ve been able to choose places to live with people who think alike, and don’t have to discuss in civil terms with those who think the opposite. (Like you’d have to be at least kind, since that guy is your neighbor; now you can post on a blog how stupid the other person’s ideas are.) I agree that this is to our detriment, that though that separation makes it comfortable for you on a daily basis, then when you step out of your bubble…
Might you be referring to The Big Sort by Bill Bishop? I’ve just read it, and it’s an excellent summary of our society’s self-segregation along political lines during the past 30 years.
I’m almost positive you’re correct, the title “The Big Sort” sounds very correct. Thanks! Now I can find and read it
I hope that is not the case. I don’t have a problem with people with opposing views living near me. Why does that matter? Do these people not have friends that have different political views than them? If not, that’s a shame. Then again, maybe it’s easier for me because I am a Libertarian and share views with both conservatives and liberals….
I was just thinking about this the other day. And fwiw, I’m a pretty apolitical person…
More progressive/liberal areas like Decatur / San Fran / Portland (as examples), tend to have more public spaces, more of a “human scale” and more “signature events” because the locals want them. This is largely because the population is more comfortable pooling their resources together (taxes) for the betterment of the city (government), than a more conservative-slanted area might be. My parents live in a very conservative town, and there’s very little interest in providing communal areas for it’s residents. There’s more emphasis in putting that money towards a nicer home than public parks, bike paths, and restoring old buildings downtown.
And it’s a cyclical thing. As more high-end public spaces, social programs, etc. are provided to residents thanks largely to taxpayer dollars, the more that progressive types are drawn to these areas. This continues until you essentially have pockets of progressive ‘strongholds’. Coincidentally, you have a really fantastic place to live, that’s also a fairly expensive place to live.
As an aside, not sure “diversity of thought” is a characteristic shared by many of these ‘strongholds’. Of course there are exceptions, but at the end of the day, I think most people want to surround themselves with accepting, like-minded folks whenever possible.
Whoops. Disregard those italics.
Another anchor institution is the Old Courthouse, which is also a (not natural) public space.
I would add Pied Piper Parade & July 4 firewords to signature event list. Perhaps our signature event is our label as City of Festivals- we have lots of events that draw visitors from the entire metro area.
Third places and public/natural spaces include the many dog parks, and the cemetary.
Walkability is questionable in most of Decatur, especially with safety in mind.
This response surprises me, and I don’t know what you’re talking about.
I think the city of Decatur is very walkable, much more walkable than other places.
My children can both walk to school, and then afterwards, they are an easy walk to the library or a local coffee shop, or Yogurt Tap. You can walk to the Post Office, to oodles of restaurants, banks, bookstores, a grocery, car-care places, churches, gyms. Add a bicycle, and the entire city is accessible in a snap.
My teenage daughter has walked all over the city, sometimes at night, and has rarely had any hassles. I see people of all ages walking around the city all the time.
Unless you’re talking about somewhere outside of the Decatur city limits, I don’t understand this comment.
I agree that Decatur really is not that walkable of a place. It may be above average for metro Atlanta, but that doesn’t really provide bragging rights.
Outside of the tiny downtown core, it’s just not that walkable. Anywhere outside of the Commerce loop (with the exception of the 2 blocks of West Ponce from Nelson Ferry to Commerce) is not any more or less walkable than most other places.
Even biking anywhere from downtown north of Scott or south of the RR tracks is not all that safe. Have you ever tried crossing the tracks at Candler, McDonough or Mead?
And so long as our city leaders continue to support a 1960’s era autocentric zoning code that promotes cars over people, it will not get much better.
Explain why you think that there is an autocentric approach and what you would suggest to correct it.
So, the safety you mention is safety from being hit by cars, not of being mugged?
I happen to be a cyclist and I’ve biked all over this area. Studies have actually shown that bikes on the street are safer than on separate paths, but that’s not the conventional wisdom. I know people have a perception that it isn’t safe. You could argue that driving in cars isn’t that safe, due to crashes, but that’s not something that people fear.
Autocentric? Well, we’re an autocentric society. People drive everywhere in this community.
Huh? I am an old man (66 years old), and I have never felt unsafe walking anywhere in Decatur at any time of day or night.
I second that, Bob. Never felt unsafe in Decatur at all. At the risk of sounding sexist, perhaps women simply have a different perspective on this.
Third places–schools…and pools?
I like this one! Schools and Pools! Maybe it should be Decatur’s new logo instead whatever is is now–homes, schools, and places of worship.
Signature event: Easy one here: the Book Festival
Third places: Brick Store Pub
Public Space: the Cemetery (the Square, I guess, doesn’t count as access to “nature”)
Human scale: compared to the rest of Metro ATL, pretty damn good.
Anchor Institution: tough call. Given its size, you could just as easily say Emory as Agnes Scott. Personally, I’d say the Marta station is what “anchors” me to the city. Would not have chosen Decatur without it being where it is.
Diversity: Again, compared to the rest of Metro ATL, pretty damn good.
How is Emory an anchor for Decatur when not an inch of it is IN Decatur?
Because of its size, influence( including the hospital), and proximity to Decatur. I’m certain there are more people living in Decatur with a connection to Emory than Agnes Scott. That said, I wouldn’t really call either an “anchor institution.” Not sure Decatur really has one, though I suppose the person who mentioned the school system has a point.
I don’t know if you are correct about more people with a connection to Emory, especially taking in older generations and the amount of ASC faculty, former faculty and staff and alumnae, husbands and children of alumnae that live here, especially relative to size, but Emory wouldn’t qualify regardless since it actually isn’t part of this community.
isn’t part of the community? so those of us with ties to Emory aren’t part of the community?
If you had said it doesn’t count because campus isn’t physically present, then definitely, but I didn’t know that Emory isn’t part of the Decatur community? (but I’m not saying that Emory is the anchor, I just though we were welcome here as at least a part of the community.)
I am not saying that at all, just that the previous poster is off base for suggesting Emory is more worthy of the “anchor” position than Agnes Scott, which sits square inside of Decatur and where many, many Decatur residents have ties. I think we need a better definition of anchor….
I did not mean to suggest that Emory was more “worthy” of the distinction. My comment was based on the fact that, within my admittedly small circle of acquaintances in Decatur, several people I know have connections to Emory while I know no one connected to Agnes Scott. I suspect that is true in general simply because Emory is a much larger employer (especially when the hospital is included) and has an enrollment that is more than ten times that of Agnes Scott.
Sorry- didn’t mean to overstate your position.
Oh, and just to be clear, I have no connection to Emory. If I were considering only myself in this anchor discussion, I would name Georgia State, which I commute to four times a week and can get to (without driving) easier than either Emory or Agnes Scott.
Just admit it- you are Emory’s communications director.
I personally hope the Book Festival will become our signature event (it’s young still). If “third places” means what I think it does, then we have an array of them (including BSP, probably)–certain places where you can be reasonably sure of seeing certain people congregating. Our own versions of the traditional “local” or general store…pools, parks, certain pubs and coffee houses, outdoor concerts (the Square, Jazz Nights)…
Certainly Decatur is not yet a paradise for non-motorists. But we’ve managed to hang onto enough human scale in our infrastructure that we could become one if we are resolute.
I don’t think Decatur has an anchor institution. Yes, we have Agnes Scott, but not that many people come to or stay in Decatur because of it. And I don’t know what else would qualify. But there’s nothing that says we have to have EVERY box checked on every cool list.
Of much greater interest to me is where we stand with respect to “diversity of thought.” I’ve long believed that was rapidly diminishing in Decatur, as the community as a whole becomes both more affluent and more racially homogeneous, i.e., whiter. But I’m starting to wonder if Decatur was ever all that diverse when it comes to thought, values, philosophy, theology, etc. Maybe it’s just rolling from one type of homogeneity to another. Of course, another possibility is that diversity of thought is alive and well around here, and simply flying under the radar. Thoughts?
I’ve often heard our desire for diversity of thought reflected in some variation of “All Decatur needs is more tolerance. And fewer Republicans.” Oh, sweet irony!
I do think, as a theoretical idea, most of Decatur values the idea of diversity — in thought and otherwise. However, in practice, it’s infinitely more difficult and our day to day actions and interactions seem to reflect that.
Agree wholeheartedly Decaturites generally value the idea of diversity but have a tougher time actually swallowing it sometimes. Yet, we seem to think we have a reputation for diversity. Do we really–do others really think of Decatur as a paragon of diversity? If so, how in the world did that come about? I keep thinking about that notion that standing in a garage doesn’t make you a car…
Well, as you can tell by my alias, I’m doing my part to enhance political diversity in our little burg.
To be honest, I get more of a hard time on this blog than I do in my neighborhood, where liberals and Democrats far outnumber me. My neighbors, while of a different political bent, are the nicest, friendliest, most giving people I could ever hope to live near. We do talk politics occasionally, but never run into any problems doing so. So true diversity does exist in Decatur, and all of us value it immensely.
I am going to make Token’s house our official Third Place. This will make it easy to achieve diversity.
“I personally hope the Book Festival will become our signature event (it’s young still”
Young, yes, but I’d argue it has already established itself as the City’s signature event because it is unique to the area (metro ATL) and receives considerable publicity. Also, I don’t believe any other event makes as much use of different Decatur locations.
What about Eddie’s Attic?
A Signature Event – Decatur Book Festival, but don’t forget Decatur Beer Festival, Decatur Wine Festival, Decatur Beach Party, and all those free concerts on the square.
Third Places – The Decatur Square, or one of Decatur’s Parks. I’d hesitate to nominate any private establishment as a community gathering place.
Public Spaces – One of our parks, plus we’ve got the Woodlands.
A Human Scale – See my comments above. We ARE walkable!!!
An Anchor Institution – I’d nominate Decatur City Schools as our anchor institution. It’s why many of us bought houses here, it’s a major force in our city, a major employer, and it touches absolutely everyone.
Diversity – I think Decatur has diversity of race and income, and somewhat tolerant of non-liberals. But I think Decatur is becoming less and less diverse on income, and I see no practical way to sustain this sort of diversity. I
“I’d hesitate to nominate any private establishment as a community gathering place. ”
Diane, I interpret this list as describing what is, rather than designating what might be (or should be). There is a long, long history of private establishments functioning as the hearts of communities–the local pub, the general store, the neighborhood mill, the barber shop and the beauty shop, the local diner. I think we have an array of those in Decatur today.
Regarding the school system serving as our anchor institution: obviously, it does touch all of us since the quality of the education system is a significant contributing factor to a community’s reputation. But many of us who don’t have–and won’t ever have–children don’t interact with it in any direct way; and many of us moved here DESPITE the great schools and accompanying high taxes, not because of them. Frankly, I feel more anchored in Decatur by Your Dekalb Farmers Market, and it’s not even inside the city limit.
I agree with @smalltowngal, that I certainly don’t have any direct contact with the school system since I don’t have any children, and its presence didn’t influence my living here at all, so it doesn’t touch “everyone”–except for paying taxes to fund it (which is fine, I’m not criticizing the schools themselves, just saying I don’t think they affect everyone).
…though I think they are more of an anchor institution than any other entity, including Agnes Scott, if for no other reason than to see the extent of discussions CDS leads to on here.
As a conservative living in Decatur (and loving it!), I find it easiest to keep my political opinion to myself. I think that probably speaks volumes!
Bean, same here. You are *not* alone. I have been here 10+ years and I am not leaving Decatur — or my proverbial closet…
Come on, this horse isn’t dead yet! What if we think about ‘diversity of thought’ while setting politics aside? That leaves, among other things, taste, sensibilities, personal preferences….however you want to think about it. Whenever the Tacky Police get a head of steam going–and it happens with irksome regularity right here on this blog–my gut reaction is to emigrate because it seems like some group of conformers/enforcers has attained critical mass. It makes me despair for genuine tolerance prevailing. Assuming there are others like me, what can we do to foster a genuine appreciation of diversity–and not just appreciation of the idea of diversity?
I bite. Diversity. It’s an interesting word, but from my perspective, it’s a PC bowl of verbal doo-doo and I personally think its way overused today.
“from my perspective, it’s a PC bowl of verbal doo-doo and I personally think its way overused today.”
And what perspective what that be? A dislike or fear of diversity?
No fear Brianc. it’s just an overused word. I would like melting pot back, please.
JB- Decatur has benifitted from really good grant-writers in the past 15 years.Grant writers are usually university types: more liberal. Pre grants: not too walkable. Taxes are high, but I don’t know anyone who likes that. Same as Atlanta, but better schools. I’ve been to “conservative” communities that are highly walkable; founded in 1920’s – pre automobile-centric.
Would anyone consider the DeKalb County Courthouse an anchor institution?
If you mean the working one, I would not because I doubt that many of the people working or transacting business there live in Decatur. Perhaps it is a M-F, 9-5 anchor.
The old Courthouse might be. It’s got a classic look, is right on the square, is one of the Book Festival venues, has a museum, hosts a lot of local fundraisers, and is the site of many a fine party. Any CSD student has been on a walking field trip that included it.
I would probably go with the library over either courthouse. It’s the main branch, attracts people of all demographics, and is centrally located. There are frequent author appearances, all kinds of programs, and it fits in with Decatur’s bookish reputation that the DBF is engendering. Still, I wouldn’t call it an anchor. I guess there isn’t one, single Decatur institution that fits that term.