Free-For-All Friday 9/3/10
Decatur Metro | September 3, 2010Feel free to use this post to make comments and ask questions about local issues not discussed here over the past week.
Comment close on Monday.
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Free-For-All Friday is sponsored this week by The Wren’s Nest.
Don’t Forget That Day is the new book from the students at KIPP STRIVE Academy, an APS charter school in southwest Atlanta. For three months the staff of the Wren’s Nest House Museum and 17 professional writers worked 1-on-1 with these 5th graders to record an important family story.
Don’t Forget That Day will debut at the Decatur Book Festival. You’re invited to the launch party, from 11 – noon at Several Dancers Core on Saturday, September 4. The authors will be on hand to autograph copies of Don’t Forget That Day. Ice cream sandwiches, provided by Artichoke Bliss, will be served.
Latest from Decaturish
Does anybody know how/where to dispose of/recycle dead batteries and burned out fluorescent bulbs in Decatur?
I believe Home Depot will take the fluorescents and the battery place at Lawrenceville Hwy and 285 will take batteries.
Lowe’s will take rechargeable batteries, plastic bags and CFLs. I am not sure if Lowe’s will take the longer fluorescent tubes though. Also, the Batteries Plus up on Lawrenceville Hwy. will take old batteries.
Thanks!
We’re seeing information on FB about the North McDonough Streetscape Improvements which will join in with the railroad crossing improvements. (It looks really nice!) It makes me wonder…
Whatever happened to the RR Xing improvements to “quiet” the ear-shattering, movie-soundtrack-obliterating CSX-required horn blasts at every intersection between East Lake and Avondale Estates? As one of the many residents living within 1/2 a block of the tracks, I remember voting YES on the bond referendum because this was one of the proposed improvements. But I might not have understood the proposal correctly…The train engineer was laying on the horn just as I was listening to recap back then.
[At least the engineer from back in 2003 who found it necessary to keep the horn going straight through Oakhurst and East Decatur during his 3 a.m. run no longer does that!!!]
Proposed is the operative word on the rail crossing item. It was said that there would be meetings to discuss the options, which haven’t happened yet. The McDonough streetscape is a separate project from the crossings.
I actually used to live next to the engineer that did that. He used to boast about it. He actually thought it was funny.
I have words for guys like that, but I’d end up moderated.
Really?!?!!
I came so close to organizing my neighbors to stand out near the tracks in our jammies with protest signs!
I am sorry to rant like this but it is becoming more and more common and dangerous…..
THE PARKING LOT AT THE POST OFFICE IS ONE WAY. PLEASE STOP PULLING IN FROM THE EXIT!
I know it is easy and you get the valuable one vacant space but it is one way! Phew I feel better
HA! I almost had a felony road rage incident because of this just the other day. I had backed out of a parking space at that end of the lot and turned to exit when a woman in a large SUV came speeding in, presumably to claim my space. I almost hit her head on. She laid on her horn and started flipping me off. I pointed to the one-way sign and mouthed [edit: see DM, I can even censor myself sometimes] at her. She opened her window and called me an idiot. Yes, of course, there was a kid in her car. I bit my lip and backed up so she could proceed on her blessed way.
Couldn’t DPD make a few extra buck for the city just by having the moto-cop sit in that lot to ticket everyone who enters through the exit?
I don’t think that parking lot is under DPD jurisdiction. It’s a private lot, not a public street.
But you have to make an illegal turn off of a public road (Water Street) to get into the lot. Pretty sure they can ticket for that.
It’s not an illegal turn on public property. The one way doesn’t start until the private property (the parking lot).
Chiles are in at TDS. Highly recommend. Had for dinner last night and am thinking about them for lunch again today…..
Do you mean chile rellenos?
Yep – and they are so good.
I was so excited about those – we got some and mine has hot as H-E-doublehockeysticks…. yikes! Husbands was fine but mine was on fire!
For those of you who are ever around the N.Decatur / Oak Grove area, there is a new place on Lavista Rd called Napoleon’s. It bills itself as a “comfort pub,” which I guess refers to the menu that has some “comfort food” staples. My wife and I dined there on Wed night and we were very impressed. They have about a dozen craft beers on draft, and about that many different tacos. The tacos we tried were excellent (including the vindaloo tofu one, a variety I’ve never seen) and all were under three bucks. Nice atmosphere too; comfortable is a good description. Given its color scheme and location, some might take to calling it “oak store pub.”
Several people from my office have become regulars there since it opened. They speak highly of it too. Thanks for the recommendation. I’ll have to try it out soon.
I have not been there, but a friend of mine did speak highly of it.
My boss was raving about this place the other day.
Napoleon’s is fantastic!
I love to buy pastries, muffins, and especially eat at the food court at the Farmer’s Market. Does anyone have know the score of the last inspection report for the DeKalb Farmer’s Market?
I looked for it on the Board of Health website and couldn’t find them listed…odd. Here’s the link:
http://www.dekalbhealth.net/
Shouldn’t it be posted there?
Don’t go there! I eat at the cafeteria all the time for lunch. I liken it to a hot dog cart in New York. It tastes great and it’s cheap. But if I cared about sanitation and food safety, I wouldn’t be eating there in the first place! If someone finds the score and it’s bad, please post a huge “SPOILER ALERT” so I can avert my eyes.
did this dog ever find its owner? i havent seen an update.
http://www.decaturmetro.com/2010/08/30/dog-found-on-westchester-drive/
No home yet.
I have such great neighbors! They’ve all pitched in to help take care of her until we find a permanent solution. Another neighbor has her right now, but I expect her back at my place soon. If we haven’t heard anything by the end of the weekend, we are going to find a rescue service that will take her.
Church Street Animal Hospital looked her over. No heart worms. A few fleas, but a Capstar and some Frontline took care of them. She’s got a clean bill of health.
Do you know if she gets along with cats? She has touched a place in my heart, but don’t know if I can convince the husband we need another dog. We also have two cats, so first things first.
Hi Stu! Not sure how she is with cats. Perhaps my neighbors will let me use one of their cats as a test subject.
I’ll get back to you this evening.
Pit bulls love cats. For dinner.
School trailers, DOLLAR GENERAL, parking, West Ponce streetfront retail at First Atlanta bldg!
There, consider the post stirred. Now everyone may dig in with gusto!
I like pie.
Pie people are stupid. Cake is so much better. Except for cupcakes, which are for pretentious, elitist foodie snobs.
…and third graders.
Compromise?
Key lime cake?
/hands a slice [>
feast restaurant has the best key lime pound cake around! give it a try…
Sold! I might even try cheesepie…
well played sir. I had planned on doing this but you’ve beaten me to it.
If only it were that easy! Then I would just put up one word posts and go about my day!
Ooo– you oughtta do that, DM. See if you can provoke a discussion/kerfuffle/debate by putting up a one or two-word post…’twould be an interesting experiment!
i hear there is an AWESOME band playing at Java Monkey tonight. i’m there.
anyone know what was on fire yesterday at or near YDFM? From my office all the smoked looked like it may have been YDFM but I haven’t driven by it yet. Was about 5 or later i think yesterday afternoon
I would think that if YDFM were on fire itself, then that would have been headline news.
I was planning on going over there before the weekend craziness begins today, so if it is burnt up, I’ll let you know.
It was a major fire with 2 houses involved a few block away on Reed St off of N Clarendon.
Yesterday, I drove the one-way section of North Candler extension from Dairy Queen to Ponce. I met TWO separate vehicles who came toward me from Ponce to Sycamore! The first driver was definitely oblivious and, hopefully, a fluke. The second driver knew exactly what he was doing–taking a shortcut around the block. He checked for traffic after me and sped the wrong way to turn the corner by the library.
Drivers Beware!
to the woman who found it completely necessary to impatiently lay on her horn while the second and third graders from oakhurst elementary crossed the street on their way to the decatur book festival under the guidance and watchful eye of THREE crossing guards, there are no words. actually, there are plenty but i won’t type them here.
shame on you.
Wow. People are crazy! anniefannie, you have much self-control– I may have been out of the car and pounding someone.
i was actually walking myself and had i not been pushing a stroller i would have pounded on her car….two of my own kids were in that group crossing so the mama bear in me tends to rear her ugly head in those situations…
I was in traffic this morning when some of those kids were crossing over Ponce, heading to the Book Festival. It made my day to see them out enjoying Decatur. Field trips! So exciting!
[edit][edit] bleep [edit] moron [edit] [edit]!
There, hope that helps!
music to my ears!
IMO, those who apply more than a tap of the horn in non-emergencies should be subject to ticketing. One of my all-time fave bumper stickers reads “I’m not in your hurry.”
love it!
maybe DM should sponsor bumper stickers? favorite bumper stickers— that could be a whole post in and of itself!
That is a GREAT idea for DM. Bet we could beat the DG post record!
I’m thinking that record will be like DiMaggio’s hitting streak: untouchable. Unless major school redistricting was proposed.
Oh I can’t resist; my fav bumper sticker:
You: outa the gene pool!
I like the “Soy Is Murder” one, spotted on Poplar street.
As my wife will attest, juvenile and pointless humor gets me everytime.
Then you might like:
“If you don’t like the way I drive, stay off the sidewalk!”
“I was born just fine the first time”
and
“The more I learn about women
the more I like my truck”
“Yes this is my truck, and no, I won’t help you move.”
Noted!
Posted.
Bloated.
Really?
Honk if you’re a solipsist
on the back windshield of my truck i have –
ZOMBIE OUTBREAK RESPONSE VEHICLE
One of my all-time fave bumper stickers reads “I’m not in your hurry.”
That’s amazing. I’d like that on a t-shirt.
I wish I had a forward facing bumper sticker that says :
“It’s OK. This is only the 4th light you weren’t paying attention to. I’ll wait for you to finish talking / eating / applying make up / doing your hair / read your book / texting.”
I always think I can’t be surprised by the things people will do, and then I read this. What kind of narcissistic douche blows his/her horn at a passel of young’uns being shepherded across a street by crossing guards???
I think I’m going to buy a lotto ticket this weekend. I’m feeling lucky. Once I win I’ll open a comic/gaming shop here in downtown.
I hear that there’s some prime retail space available in Oakhurst. Unless I win the Mega Millions, buy the building from Bruce and Open the Pink Pony East there!
As tempting as that is, I don’t know if i can ever break up with the clermont!
Actually, I could buy it, open a pawn shop / check cashing place/ dollar general / homeless shelter, however i think it’d be firebombed after the first day.
As long as everything in your “pawn shop / check cashing place/ dollar general / homeless shelter” was organic and locally sourced you’d be fine.
Hey, I think an adult entertainment club would fill a real void and provide much needed entertainment to the underserved straight male population in Decatur.
Who are we to say that they shouldn’t be able to open a facility there to serve this market? It is only fair and just.
There are no straight males in Decatur. That’s silly.
lol there are a few of us.
What!? Pinups doesn’t do it for you?
School Redistricting?
Hello beautiful people. My husband and I are in the market for a home in Decatur. We have heard that the elementary schools are being redistricted. (Apologies if we are misinformed. Not trying to start anything like the Dollar General hysteria.)
Anyhow, I’ve read about the new school being built (re-built?) on 5th Avenue. Also, that people are upset that the schools are overcrowded and there are lots of trailers. So what’s the word? I’ve looked on the CSD website and haven’t seen a new redistricting map or some such. Maybe I missed it? Or maybe I am misinformed? Any information you could point me to would be greatly appreciated. I’d like to know what K-3 and 4-5 schools we’ll be districted for _before_ we buy. BTW, I have the searchable school zone pdf from the CDS website. (http://www.csdecatur.net/schoolzones/schoolzoneinfo.pdf) But I thought that it would be out of date if redistricting is forthcoming?
Many thanks. And happy Friday.
In a nutshell, Glennwood Academy will revert back to being an elementary school. Which means students currently districted to go to Winnona or Clairemont will go to Glennwood. The Fifth Avenue school will be a 4/5 school for all students in Decatur. If you’re basing your decision of where to buy a house in Decatur on elementary school, you really can’t go wrong. All the schools are fantastic.
The over-crowding issue is much more complex. About 10 years ago, enrollment was down. So, a couple of elementary schools were closed. And now, enrollment is up because breeders like Decatur. Hence the need to FREE WESTCHESTER.
Chad,
Thanks for your response. I’m new on these boards, but I always enjoy your posts.
Quick follow up — You wrote that students currently districted to go to Winnona or Clairemont will go to Glennwood. But won’t some of them stay in Winnona and Clairemont? And if so, whom?
Thanks again.
Welcome to Soon To Be Neighbor! There has been no word about redistricting officially so your guess is as good as ours. I agree with writerchad that the schools are great so try to find the house that fits your needs the best.
If you look at the current districting map, some homes north of the tracks feed into Winnona. Those folks will start going to Glennwood. Same deal with Clairemont. Basically, if you buy a home near Glennwood, that will be your elementary school. But again, you can’t really go wrong in Decatur.
If I had to guess, I think that the following will occur:
The new Glennwood district will largely comprise the northeast quadrant of Decatur. It will draw from what are currently Winnona Park and Clairemont districts.
The Clairemont district footprint will slide over a bit to the west, taking on some areas that are currently districted to Oakhurst.
The Winnona district will shrink towards the southeast quadrant.
The Oakhurst district will shrink towards the southwest quadrant.
Ultimately the 4 districts will fall along the quadrant lines, with the boundaries roughly being College Ave and the Clairmont/McDonough line.
As far as the best place to locate, as others have said, all of the elementary schools are equally awesome. For ease of walking/biking to school, factoring in the new 5th Avenue school next year, you’d want to be between Oakhurst Village and Downtown Decatur and south of the tracks. i.e. the Ansley street corrdior/MAK neighborhood (Don’t mean to toot my neighborhood’s horn, but *toot* *toot*)
Meant to say “for ease of walking/biking for all years between K-12″.
Although I’m a big fan of Glennwood and Winnona Park and will soon be districted BACK to my neighborhood school, Glennwood, I have this to say: if I were moving into the neighborhood now, I would move into Oakhurst for the purposes of walking to school. You can easily walk to all 5 schools your kids will attend: College Heights, Oakhurst, 5th Ave, Renfroe, and DHS.
But that’s just me. I think walking to school is a great thing!
Thanks y’all.
Speaking of 5th Ave School, it’s almost all down! There is about another 1/4 or so to go. I wouldn’t be surprised if they got it all down today. True demolition started on Monday and they still have to haul away debris. It’s been neat to see the progress every morning and evening.
By the way, is the U Joint expanding? They are building something on either side.
Think so. Hope it’s also expanding its kitchen to accomodate new seating…
they need to run new lines for the soda machine. the diet coke has tasted foul for 2 yrs now.
Redistricting options will probably be forthcoming this fall. The neighborhoods that I would guess (remember, I’m just guessing) will be moved include Sycamore Ridge from Winnona to Glennwood, the Nelson Ferry area from Oakhurst to Clairemont, and the Glenlake area from Clairemont to Glennwood. I would also be curious to see if the western part of College Heights (west of Candler) doesn’t end up moving from Winnona to Oakhurst.
Everyone is also right about all the schools being great so you don’t have to worry about which K-3 district you have. The schools are quite crowded now which is why we will have all this redistricting and building of a new school. Things should be much better after the opening of the new school and conversion of Glennwood to K-3.
All 4th/5th graders will be at the new school at 5th Avenue which is in the south part of Oakhurst.
Thanks very much. Is there a map somewhere that identifies the neighborhoods in Decatur? I know some, but would like to get to know them better so I can understand the areas you mentioned. Thanks again.
Welcome to Decatur! Just to be clear on the overcrowding issue…the overcrowding that the CSD elementary schools are experiencing with a few classrooms in trailers (that should go away when we add another school) is nothing compared to what is going on in DeKalb County schools and other nearby districts. In addition, CSD has avoided teacher furloughs and still enjoys small classroom sizes. My children have never been in a class with more than 21 kids.
If you look at schools like Vanderlyn Elementary in Dunwoody, which is a highly sought-after school, they have more than 25 trailers. So, while we currently do have some overcrowding in CSD, it’s minor compared to other districts.
Just trying to give you some context since we Decatur parents tend to be quite vocal and one might get the idea that our situation is worse than it is. But, what can you expect when we aim to be the top public school system in the nation? (Referenced from Tuesday night’s CSD Strategic Planning session.)
Wow. I actually went to Vanderlyn as a youngun. Can’t imagine it with 25 trailers.
You don’t plan on moving here and have MORE children, do you? Because if you do, we’ll have to redistrict again.
Maybe Decatur should have a central family planning division. Was that a suggestion in the Strategic Plan?
No one wants to talk about how we pay for more kids if enrollment continues to go up. I keep trying to bring it up when talking about annexation or commercial properties or trailers, but rarely does anyone ever bite.
My post was tounge in cheek, obviously, but you are correct. If we become nothing but a city of families with kids, we’re in for some pretty serious financial problems and property tax increases. And then it will get worse, because the people who don’t have kids and are sick of shouldering the burden will leave, and will be replaced with probably a family with kids.
I support public education and think good schools are part of being a good community. Even though I don’t have kids in the schools, and probably never will, I don’t mind paying higher taxes to know that they are going to good use and are giving kids a quality education. The burden is not a problem right now. I’m just saying if we continue on this course, it could be in the future.
Two things in our favor: Decatur historically had a significantly higher average number of children per household, and our gross number of single family homes has not changed all that much in the past several decades. Many of our larger households have since been replaced by smaller families or DINKs and there’s no reason to believe average family size is increasing anytime soon. In fact, the birth rate has been falling for the past two years.
Also, we did not previously have downtown housing geared towards singles, young professionals and empty-nesters, which attracts residents who are tax net-positive and subsidize schooling.
It ain’t a magic bullet but it’s a much more resilient scenario.
“…the people who don’t have kids and are sick of shouldering the burden will leave…”
—–
Yeah, so all you ‘rents better make ‘em behave in restaurants, or we’re outta here! ;P
“I support public education and think good schools are part of being a good community. Even though I don’t have kids in the schools, and probably never will, I don’t mind paying higher taxes to know that they are going to good use and are giving kids a quality education.”
—–
Seriously, I’m wholeheartedly with Marshall on this. (But, as he says, it could get tougher down the road. I’ve always said the perfect gift after the 2nd kid arrives is a calendar and a Scrabble board!)
Just wanted to do a shout out about the great folks at Dearborn Animal Hosptial. We had a very sweet nonaggressive young male Pit Bull that was wandering around our neighborhood. I tried calling several no kill shelters and Pit Bull Rescue groups with only one calling me back to tell me I would have to take him to the county.
Another neighbor scooped him up and took him to Dearborn Animal Hospital. They checked him over, gave him a clean bill of health but unfortunely he was not microchipped. The good folks at Dearborn have named him Buck, will be neutering him and then placing him in a good home. I’m sure they would appreciate any donations to help with his care. When I went by to drop a donation off the ladies at the front desk were rather smitten with Buck. He really is a sweetheart.
I LOVE Dearborn Animal Hospital! Wonderful, caring people. It was actually recommended to me by a fellow DM-er.
Electronics recycling– we took an old printer to Best Buy, they took for free. They only charge for old TVs and computer monitors. Great way to take the e-clutter any day of the week to a good recycling option.
AJC had an article this week that there was a man with West Nile Virus in Decatur. Even though the article didn’t say that he definitely was infected in Decatur, it is a good reminder to stay on top of dumping any standing water in yards so as to minimize the disease carrying critters. West Nile is mild for some, but can really lay out others (my brother in law in another state was one who had to be hospitalized).
Downside of TRAILERS at College Heights – my little one comes home with wet pants everyday because there is only one POTTY per room of 20 kids!!!! Says he waits in line but then it is too late…Good JOB CDS!!
Sounds like you need to talk to the teacher, or the principal. A toilet-trained child should be able to hold it in even while waiting in line.
It’s time to support your neighbors. I know these people. They’re good people. They have a dream. And you, dear Decaturites can help make their dreams come true. Currently, they’re the only people from our fair city with an entry, so there’s no danger of a north of the tracks, southside turf war.
Go here: http://www.theselbycontest.com/entry/80267?=fv6e
Registering to vote is painless. Or you can vote using your Facebook account. Bartles and James said it best, ‘Thanks for your support.’
For more fun, visit http://naugleworks.com/client/theSelby/ to peruse some outtakes. Visit often for new photos.
Chad, now you’re promoting scams?
[ this is a joke, these folks are some of the greatest folks you can meet south of College...]
One new vote since I posted this? You people better vote or I swear I’ll open a Cracker Barrel right next door to the new Dollar General in Oakhurst. I ain’t kidding. I’ve been craving chicken fried steak anyway.
I must disagree sir, an urban Cracker Barrel is a fantastic idea. Chop the size in half, rebrand it to not feel so chain-y, nix the gift shop (sans vintage candy/yankee candles) and you’ve got off the chart sales.
Dang! You’re good! Scared me into jumping through the nonFB hoop!
(JB- Lure Our Way Cafe & be ready for the traffic! )
Thanks, Dee!
I vote for a 2nd matthews cafeteria. i drive to tucker to eat there all the time.
Chad, that’s perfect. If the Cracker Folk could do a bicycle repair/organic sausage maker–hokie fan site on the side that would be perfect.
Does anyone know of a good/inexpensive place in Atlanta/Decatur that allows you to throw pottery? Thanks for any info!
My wife throws pottery all the time. Luckily, she usually misses me!
Mudfire Decatur. I know nothing about them except for their cool name.
mudfire.com
Has anyone had a massage at Decatur Healing Arts? Worth it?
No, I used to know someone who worked there, but she’s moved out of state. I love Joan Rau in the 125 Trinity Building: 404-784-2225. She’s the best.
RED-EYED VIREOS – I’ve read that they always have a distinctive pouch-like nest, but does anyone know if they ever lay eggs in birdhouses? We recently had a family that looked like Vireos, but their nesting choice left me unsure.
And, by the way, are there any birding groups around Decatur?
Check with Bruce on Birding Decatur, GA blogspot: http://birdingdecaturga.blogspot.com/
Only connection to Decatur is the East line of the rail, but how about those Panthers! 41-7 winners in their inaugural game. It was a lot of fun being part of history last night.
The Georgia State Panthers, in case people are wondering what in the world I was talking about.
The GSU Panthers won’t have their first true test until next week when they play Agnes Scott.
Ha! I imagine little Shorter College felt last night the way GSU will feel when they play Alabama the last game of the season.
I have noticed on W. Howard a huge number of overgrown curbs. The lawns may be mowed, but the part with grass between the street and sidewalk is overgrown. In several cases, it’s gone to seed. What’s up with that? Don’t people know to mow that part of their property?
I was walking along Ponce today. A guy in an SUV comes barreling out of the 335 parking deck – never looked – saw me only after I had to jump back as he went by. He had a Share the Road tag. I guess his generosity doesn’t extend to the sidewalk.
Sounds like he needs a Share the Sidewalk sticker.
Will the paint color used on the DIY traffic control on Northern be seasonal?
Oops! Meant to say Fairview.
Andrea Chesman Lecture and Book Signing at Decatur Saturday Market TOMORROW
9 -10am
N. McDonough and Trinity Place
Andrea Chesman, food writer and author of many cookbooks, including The Garden-Fresh Vegetable Cookbook and Mom’s Best One-Dish Suppers from Storey Publishing will be at Decatur Farmers Market on Saturday, September 4th for a lecture and book signing. Her book, The Vegetarian Grill (Harvard Common Press), was nominated for a James Beard Foundation Book Award and received a National Barbecue Association Award of Excellence.
Does anyone know anything about the pizza place that just opened in the Hair Werks place?
It was part of the set for the Cartoon Network film Neverfail and not a restaurant.
Darn, we need a pizza place. And burritos. And beer. There’s just no place in Decatur to get any of those things.
You forgot about needing a burger and yogurt place too.