I received a note from Beth Thompson yesterday announcing that HomeGrown Decatur at 412 Church Street is now officially open for business!  Here’s their opening announcement…

With 50 local artists showcasing their work, you are sure to find something beautiful to take home. From wall hung art in many mediums to pottery and glass; pet supplies to hoola hoops; no one should go home empty handed. Come browse through the unique jewelry items and cards.

We look forward to seeing you in the shop,

Beth Thompson & Lori Ronca

Patten dispute!  Get it??

Anyway, looks like the Fox is finally doing a little back-pedaling on this whole Joe Patten kerflaffle.  From the AJC’s latest article…

Fox Theatre general manager Allan Vella admitted Thursday that a letter delivered to longtime resident Joe Patten was heavy-handed and gave the misconception that the venue needed the apartment that the 83-year-old man has called home for nearly 31 years.

“There is no immediate need for that unit, for that apartment,” Vella told the AJC in an interview Thursday afternoon. “It’s not really the pressing issue that I think [the letter] appears to indicate, and I think that was kind of really a misstep on its part.”

…Vella and Fox officials have softened their stance against Patten’s new long-term living arrangement as a result of it, saying that there’s “very little” that can’t be worked out.

“I think what is clear to us is that there may be some arrangements and some accommodations that can be made,” Vella said.

Judd writes in…

Just back from the bond meeting. For me there were two main headlines. First is that the bond being proposed to the City Commission would be about equal to the 2006 bond, i.e. around $16. It would not cover Beacon Hill, but would cover the list of items listed in the 2006 bond. So the total bill is roughly double what was put before the voters [ in 2006]. Second (and I suspect of great interest to DM readers), this bond will not go before the voters. No referendum. It’s a different type of bond, made possible, in fact, by the credit the City has established from the first bond.

In case you missed it earlier, the city is projecting around $8 million to build a new Public Works facility and $5.7 million to renovate the Decatur Recreation Center.  I assume any remaining funds would be used to renovate Fire Station #1 downtown.

The city is pursuing this now because if finalized this year, the bonds would be interest-free under the Federal Government’s Build America Bonds program.

Rod T sends in pics from last evening’s Trackside/5th Earl demolition…

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Feel 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.