2010 looks to be the year of the electric car.  At least from a buzz perspective. The polar bear-friendly Nissan Leaf is scheduled to be the first mass-produced electric car available in the U.S, with a December 2010 launch-date.

So here’s the $32,000+ question:  Will you consider purchasing an electric car in the next couple years?

Some of you may just not be interested in blowing the aforementioned $32,000+ on a subcompact.  Others may be interested, but I’ve been wondering is it really so “green” that polar bears will approach you in your driveway and bestow you with namesake hugs?

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Centennial Olympic Park Drive, Atlanta GA (photo submitted by Looch)

Little Shop of Stories writes in with news that the creator of the “Knuffle Bunnies” series, Mo Willems, is coming to the Decatur Library on Thursday, October 7th at 7pm.

See the poster below (click to enlarge) on how to obtain tickets for this event.

Little Shop of Stories is a DM sponsor.

Hey, hey!  An unexpected surprise this morning!

It looks like DM is the Runner-Up, Reader’s Pick in the “Best Local Blog” category in Creative Loafing’s Best of ATL this year.

Last year, we were humbled and honored to “take home” Creative Loafing’s “Best Local Blog” Critics Award, but this year’s achievement is almost MORE frackin’ awesome because the nod comes from the masses!    Thanks everyone!

Hey, and look who else won a Reader’s Runner Up – our good buddy and “Decatur’s Own” Andisheh Nouraee!  Andy ranked second only to some guy named Neil Boortz as “Best local personality to follow on Twitter“.

You can view the full results of CL’s Best of Atlanta Awards HERE.

Decatur Metro has learned that the City of Decatur is abandoning the idea of installing railroad quiet-zones at its three railroad crossings.

City Manager Peggy Merriss tells DM that safety concerns from residents and a general lack of funding were the major reasons the city is dropping the idea of investing in numerous safety upgrades at the city’s three railroad intersections so trains would no longer be required to blow their horns on approach.

The feedback from community surveys and comments regarding implementation of a quiet zone during the planning process for the railroad crossings at College and Candler has been mixed. Those opposed to a quiet zone have voiced serious concerns regarding pedestrian safety, especially for students, because of the general accessibility and open nature of the railroad right of way. In addition, improvements would have to be made at the Atlanta Avenue intersection where no current source of funding exists. All 3 crossings would require safety improvements in order to implement a quiet zone.

The cost to construct and install the equipment necessary to establish a quiet zone is expensive and implementation anticipated relying heavily on funding by sources other than the bond funds.

Because of these factors, it seemed reasonable to conclude as part of the project update that it was unlikely that the quiet zone would move forward.

Other improvements for two of these railroad intersections is already underway.

Spurred on by the Decatur’s Transportation Plan and a $1.48 million grant from the Federal Transportation Enhancement program, the city is currently finalizing plans to improve safety and accessibility “for pedestrians, bicyclists and others using the street” at the railroad intersections at McDonough and Candler.  You can read more on the current progress of that initiative HERE.