Free-For-All Friday 1/21/11
Decatur Metro | January 21, 2011Feel free to use this email to make comments and ask questions about local issues not discussed here over the past week.
Comments close Monday.
Feel free to use this email to make comments and ask questions about local issues not discussed here over the past week.
Comments close Monday.
Latest from Decaturish
New contest —
What will happen first: Will the Diner open or the Decatur Christmas tree come down?
I was almost certain that I saw people eating there last Saturday evening. Was it a mirage?
They were cardboard cutouts.
There was a decent size group of people in there, but it was not open.
Maybe it was a dress rehearsal?
When will CSD decide on the snow day issue? I’ve seen articles this week about Gwinnett, Fulton and Dekalb already deciding what to do about the snow days but nothing yet from CSD.
Oh, and just saw an article about Marietta City Schools–they are actually adding an hour to their day for several weeks instead of adding whole days. Interesting idea.
Yuck. I hope not.
As a charter system, Decatur doesn’t HAVE to make up the day. I think they’re considering converting a teacher work day to a regular day.
We ate dinner at the Pita Pit last night and it was very good. The manager or owner was there and was very nice and helpful. The food was cooked fresh on the grill when we ordered it. We will be back again soon.
I’ll second the Pita Pit! Walked there last week–both the food and service were really great. Definitely will be going back.
i loved pita pit as well! went the first day they were open and a few sundays ago. great great great!
Has Burnt Fork BBQ opened yet?
Is that the one slated to open at the old Jin Jin spot? I am anxious to go!
I talked to one of the guys working on this place the other night and he said permitting is going well, and they’re on track to open next week.
so you’re saying they’ve actually applied for permits? unlike the diner? lol
Their latest Facebook update says that they have passed their final inspections and expect to open early next week.
I’m also looking forward to it.
I’m curious about the school schedule too. Does anyone have any info about when or if a decision will be made? or who to ask? Am trying to make Feb. plans…
I think that the February break is probably safe because College Heights is registering kids for a Winter Break camp.
No decision on snow make-up days yet, according to CSD’s Bruce Roaden.
Perhaps they’re waiting to see what next week brings before making a call.
Please don’t tell me we’re going to lose some rare lovely long weekends to keep the random winter break!
And can anyone tell me why the winter break is the week BEFORE President’s Day/Washington’s birthday? The kids get housed somewhere for a week off while the parents work, then the parents get a long weekend but don’t get to enjoy it with the kids. It’s that way on the calendar next year, too. Ugh.
If I hold my breath, can we go back to a 10 week summer?
Hold your breath? I think parents would have to immolate themselves before changing the new calendar would be considered. It’s one of the biggest sacred cows in CSD right now.
Just wanted to thank those that gave me more ideas for restaurants that delivery. We had Siam this week and it hit the spot.
Oh, and I have heard that Pita Pit delivers too!
Does anyone have suggestions about the best ways to find out about rentals in Decatur? I’m looking for a place near(ish) the Square or Oakhurst, and Craigslist isn’t cutting it!
Pines on Scott Apartments, 927 Scott Boulevard, Decatur, GA 30300
1 mile north of Decatur square – plenty of bus service, both MARTA
and Emory…
In my experience, you’ve just got to comb all of Decatur by car, looking for “For Rent” signs. When I was looking for a place, I found that most stuff posted on Craigslist was crap.
Not sure exactly what you are looking for, but there is currently a house for rent on Sycamore Dr (Decatur Heights area). Also, an upstairs apartment available in the house I am currently living in. If interested in the latter, contact Jim Jarboe @ Remax. Good luck!!!
If you might be looking for condos to rent in the downtown buildings, I can give a referral to an agent that does a lot of that.
Who do you recommend? I have a stable, mature friend who is looking, and had an ‘interesting’ experience when he looked into renting a condo in Decatur.
Thanks, everyone! I’ll definitely look into your suggestions. What do people think of living in Avondale Estates?
Avondale is a lot like Decatur, but, being much smaller, would have fewer properties. Make sure you don’t land in “no man’s land”, the unincorporated stretch between Decatur and Avondale.
“Make sure you don’t land in “no man’s land”, the unincorporated stretch between Decatur and Avondale.”
Would that apply even if I’m renting? I think the place we’re looking at is in Avondale proper — at the intersection of Avondale Rd and Clarendon.
Why does that even matter, unless the OP is looking at school districts?
I always suggest Emory University’s Off Campus Housing listing. You will still have to wade through the listings, but because they are limited by distance from the campus there is less to deal with. People I know with rentals in City of Decatur list there. https://housing.emory.edu/off-campus/home.cfm
Good luck!
A few years back there was an artist at Decatur Arts Fest that made his art out of recycled objects like glass bottles, etc. Does that ring a bell with anyone who knows the gentleman’s name? We’d like to see if he takes commissions…
Hi Macarolina,
I may be able to help. I am on the festival committee–my duties for the past few years have been to process the artists’ applications and get them ready for the jury. You can call me–404-435-5661–and we can discuss.
Mary
Traffic is Atlanta’s Godzilla, a monster of gigantic proportions that seems too big to defeat.
But chalk one up for the underdog. The metropolitan region has moved from having the third-worst congestion in the nation to having the 10th worst, according to a new report from the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M University.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/21/us/21atlanta.html
Of course, living in Decatur, GA 400/Downtown Connector gridlock isn’t so much a daily worry. But still an interesting article.
Portlandia debuts tonight on IFC. Here’s a fun little sneak peak: http://bit.ly/giWoq1
cannot wait to see this!
“Portland is a city where young people go to retire”.
“It’s like Portland’s almost an alternative universe. It’s like Gore won”
Ha! Thanks for the note, DVR is locked and loaded.
Get up all you Nü Freds!
Oh, and no thanks, the 90s wasn’t ever a dream–more of a horrific extended flashback.
The first episode has actually been available on Hulu and IFC.com for awhile. I guess they just cut it off today, since I watched it late last night. Hopefully they’ll offer all of the episodes for streaming once they’ve aired.
The Old Navy store at Northlake Mall is closing at the end of the month. Booo.
Ugh, poor Northlake.
‘Tis a shame… thanks for the fyi.
Oh no! So where’s the next closest one? Buckhead Loop? Atlantic Station? I sure as heck won’t trek to either place very often. That stinks.
There is a nice Old Navy at Lenox at 400, where the DSW, TJ Maxx, Toys R Us, Nordstorm Rack is. It is one block off 400 if you exit at Lenox, Left at the top of the exit ramp, first left, first left. You do not get into the really crazy Lenox traffic over there, and it is a quick run up Dekalb Ave, onto the connector, and then onto 400. I think I can be there in same amount of time as I can be at poor old Northlake and the value shopping there rocks. I once bought a bomb proof Columbia snow jacket for my kid for $12 at that TJ’s!
The one at Atlantic Station sis really not that far from here. If you go during the day, you can usually just park right in front of the store and it’s always empty (well, at least everytime I’ve been there it has been).
I’d like to give a “shoutout” to the scumbag, vermin, waste-of-flesh piece of human garbage who stole my kid’s carseat out of my car over night. May your offspring travel safely and grow up to be upstanding members of society and credits to the community.
Must be related to the punk who stole my son’s 16″ bike and left it completely trashed on Renfroe campus.
that is also totally lame…sorry for your son…
Pathetic…especially when you consider the following…
http://atlantafirefighters.org/programs/CarSeats.html
If you need or know someone who needs a car seat please contact the Program Manager, William Hutchinson at 404-853-7040 or stop by any Atlanta Fire Station for further information.
sorry about that, g. that is total balls.
Yesterday in Oakhurst park at about 7pm while walking my dogs, some guy smashed out a parked cars window right in front of me – then grabbed something from the back seat and took off. Pretty bold as people were coming and going from the Boys and Girls club just a few feet away- although I am assuming he didn’t see me. Shout out to Decatur Police who arrive within minutes. Not sure if they caught the guy…
Also, we had a flyer in our College Heights folder last night about a program by safekids.org to provide free booster seats. What a wonderful program.
It makes me so sad to think that anyone would feel the need to steal a car seat.
Does anyone have a recommendation for piano lessons for a 61/2 yr old? Looking for a teacher or music studio in Decatur or nearby area. Thanks!
61/2 year old? Is that the same as a 30.5 year old?
Lol.
Yes, Susan Ottzen–she teaches piano and harp (and is a great lady):
http://www.mindspring.com/~ottzen/
Is it really true that you cannot bring your own bottle of wine to a restaurant in Decatur??
I’ve always scoped a restaurant’s wine list in advance and if I don’t like what I see, I bring my own and gladly pay the corking fee (and tip as if I bought wine at the restaurant). Upon inquiring about the corking fee at a fairly reputable Decatur restaurant, they told me this practice was illegal in the city of Decatur.
Really? Really???
Don’t know for sure, but it may not be just Decatur, but any county where an establishment has a beer & wine pouring license.
i worked at a nice decatur restaurant only a few years ago and they charged a $10 cork fee…i think it is still done. did you speak to a manager of the establishment?
I was able to pay corkage fee at Feast a few years ago… I had called ahead to make sure could do it, server looked confused, but when she checked with management got the ok to do. I don’t think it is very common here.
Thanks everybody. Cafe Alsace is the establishment in question. Their website states they accept reservations, but when I called to make a reservation for two the host said it would be first come-first serve.
I then inquired about the wine list since the website has not been updated since before Thanksgiving and there were only 5 bottles of red listed… the host told me to check the website.
Frustrated, I was still willing to ask to bring my own bottle. The host did not know and put someone else on the line. I assumed it was a manager, but can’t be sure because they never addressed themselves, only stating that this practice is illegal in Decatur.
I made a reservation somewhere else.
sounds like cafe alsace needs a new host?
To Anniefannie,
I try my best ! … and gave the right answer to the gentelman. …
Cafe Alsace is such a great little restaurant. Its quirkiness is a big part of its charm & the food is sooo delicious. Please consider trying it on a non-reservation occasion- maybe one of their wines will become a new favorite.
(The owner is the hostess.)
I agree. There’s some items on the menu that I haven’t been able to find anywhere outside of Europe. But it has always been a bit quirky. To tie this thread to the Wal-Mart thread….you know what you’ll get from a chain but you often don’t get the unique quality of a non-chain small business. But small businesses can have the quirks. It’s a trade-off.
Thank you Karass !
Benedicte Cooper (Cafe Alsace’s owner)
Thank you Deanne for taking my side in this situation. I know the law in Decatur… but other restaurants don’t
Thanks for your support !
Love, Benedicte
Sir,
Sorry if my answer disappointed you but I’ve run my restaurant for the last 13 years and I’m aware of the Decatur city ordinance that doesn’t allow people to bring their own bottle of wine in Decatur restaurants. Some restaurants in Decatur don’t respect this law… but we are… Please feel free to call the City Hall to confirm this.
We take reservations for parties over 4 people. By not holding tables for parties under 4 we realised that we are able actually to seat and please more people.
Please, feel free to contact me directly for further questions concerning my establishment… I’m at your service
Merci et a bientot,
Benedicte Cooper (owner, hostess… and much more)
I have to add here, as someone who has traveled to France; your restaurant is one of the places that make my hometown a special place. Just looking into your window makes me yearn to return to Europe!
What an enticing message on your Website!
Not true.
If Municode is up to date, brown bag establishments are prohibited in the City of Decatur.
http://library.municode.com/HTML/12110/level3/PTIIICOOR_CH6ALBE_ARTIINGE.html#PTIIICOOR_CH6ALBE_ARTIINGE_S6-23BRBAES
I’ve been usurped ! Someone else is quoting Decatur Municipal Code. Nellie has a new friend !
I am still stewing over what I consider a poor response to the recent snow. Just because that severity of a storm is infrequent does not mean that governments at all levels are excused from not having a plan of action in place, just as they are expected to have a plan for a tornado or a hazmat spill. If I heard “That’s a state road, it’s not our responsibility” one more time, I was gonna throw a rock through the TV! A week of commerce and schooling was missed. What is the cost of that?
I think a coordinated plan by and among the various levels of governments for a future similar occurance should be in place within the month. And equpping some percentage of currently owned vehicles for some form of snow removal/salt & sand spreading would seem appropriate.
My 2 cents (I feel better already!)
Well, not ALL commerce was lost. My husband, who works in Alpharetta, worked at home. I worked at home. In an era when budgets are being cut to the bone, I just don’t see how it makes a lot of sense to plan for a weather event that rarely EVER happens.
I mean, the state BEGGED folks to pay an extra $10 with car registrations to fund trauma care — which saves people from DYING in car accidents and the like that happen MUCH more frequently than snowstorms. And people rejected it.
Care to guess how likely taxpayers would agree to pay more money to the government to fund snow removal?
I’m glad you were able to work from home, but there are many in this city who if they don’t work, don’t get paid. My limited understanding of this is that pretty much any heavy duty vehicle can spread salt. It’s not unreasonable for people to reflect on what happened, and see if there could be a way to make those of us that do need to go out, safer.
I couldn’t believe the trauma center thing didn’t pass. And yet some people will pay extra to put some idiotic vanity plate saying something like 4SNOOKI on it.
IMO, the trauma center didn’t pass because, if you recall, only a few weeks before there was an announcement made that the tolls would not be coming off of GA 400 and that made many more people decide they couldn’t trust anything have to do with GDOT.
Also, the mis-use of various fees on various thing has been well documented recent;y. Folks just didn’t think the the extra fee would be used for its intended purpose, despite the fact that it was a constitutional amendment and therefore had to be. Most other special and add-on fess are not in the constitution.
I think it’s more like: “that’s a state road, so we aren’t allowed to touch it.” I don’t know that the laws allow anything else without first securing specific authorization. TIP: turn off the TV.
If what you “think” is the case, then I guess we better put out a warrant for the arrest of Mayor Kasim Reed… who finally authorized Atlanta workers to clear state roads in the city. Almost every arterial is a “state road”. TIP: Oh, never mind….
Only roads with state or US numbers are “state” roads, not all arterial roads. For instance, Ponce from Decatur to Stone Mountain is not a “state” road, Boulevard/Monroe Drive in Atlanta isn’t, DeKalb Industrial is not, N Druid Hills and N Decatur aren’t.
You have me there. Got me in classic overstatement mode. I checked a map (finally), and I get Clairmont, W.Ponce, Scott, S.Candler and E & W College as “state roads” in Decatur City.
My questions would be: Did we see Ga DOT equipment working on them after the storm? Do we really expect the state to respond when they can’t even clear the interstates?
I am generally not a fan of “Monday morning quarterbacking”, but this storm should serve as a wakeup call to those that can make plans for the next event of this nature.
Bob, you’ve now hit on the real question. I didn’t see state equipment on any of those roads, but I wasn’t out much. Wonder if anybody else did?
I kind of agree with Bob that we need a better snow plan for the future. Who knows what weather patterns we’re going to see as the world warms?
But I mostly want to weigh in that it was a tragedy for Georgia when a small tax that would have had a HUGE impact on trauma care was voted down. Unless we hide in our homes and never go out, none of us, wealthy or poor, urban or rural, escapes from the need for having good trauma care in place wherever and whenever we happen to be seriously injured. The only place I think is safe to be injured right now in Georgia is in front of Grady Hospital. I understand that Atlanta is no longer the mecca for large business relocations. I bet that our fraying services, infrastructure, and decline in public education funding are part of the reason. Some things you can control in your life but it’s hard to control the larger environment around you, except by living somewhere else.
See my response to Maggie. It’s the politicians’ fault.
“Decatur Docs” just makes me think about doctors. I can’t get around it despite my growing familiarity with the program.
Ha! I tend to think about my google docs.
Think of it as the “I get to see a movie in Decatur!” program:)
Totally agree. Think I might go , thanks to DM’s post. Without the post, I’d still be thinking ” What the heck’s that.”
I know this has been discussed in the past, but I’d like to get opinions on using the Marathon station for oil changes, car repairs, etc. Thanks.
I have used them in the past cause they are so darned convenient.
They do a decent job. There seems to be a lot of turn over of mechanics there so any history of car repairs seems to be lost very quickly.
Do not go to the one on Scott Blvd across the street. I lost a truck that way and it is still tie up in court.
I am happy with Keener at 3066N North Decatur road (address is actually Scottdale). Good service. Good prices. And very personable.
The mechanic I have used for years now works at the Marathon on Scott . His name is Paul, he is a great guy and a great mechanic. I absolutely trust him. Not sure how the Marathon was run before he arrived there, but I highly recommend him.
Thanks to Felch and Arwen!
In today’s AJC Metro Section, under DeKalb news, there’s a report that Dr. Gloria Lee is retiring from Glennwood at the end of this school year and Mr. Roaden will be the principal of the new Fifth Avenue 4/5 Academy. This was a shock to me because neither the Decatur scuttlebut nor Decatur Metro gave me any hint that this was coming! Let me be the first to say that, if Dr. Lee is truly ready to retire, she deserves to do so with all of our support and respect for her decision. And that Mr. Roaden ran a great middle school and I hated to see him leave as Renfroe principal. Nonetheless, I can’t help but regret that Dr. Lee won’t be staying to provide consistency in leadership as the 4/5 moves to a new building. It would have been nice if she could oversee the transition year. I like my major CSD changes one at a time. In my ideal world, Mr. Roaden would have stayed at Renfroe, without a jump to Westchester Admin, until Dr. Lee retired from CSD, which wouldn’t have occurred until after the move to the new building. Everyone would have ended up in the same place–Dr. Lee retired, Mr. Roaden at the 4/5, and Mr. D. Thomas at Renfroe, just one or two years later. There’s probably back stories that I don’t know that explain the course of events.
Since the 4/5 Academy is going to have a change in location and leadership simultaneously, I hope all efforts are made to keep everything else stable, especially the instructional and other staff. If we really believe that 4/5 model is unique and valuable, its instructional staff aren’t interchangeable with the K-3 or 6-8 staffs. One of the best parts of the 4/5 has been the quality of the teachers and staff, some of which is due to their collective experience with the 4/5 model and IB. IB at the 4/5 level is not the same as IB at other levels or Expeditionary Learning.
I am very surprised that we didn’t hear about this before the AJC, and actually a little miffed. CSD is generally silent on things and it’s very frustrating. We still haven’t heard about the snow make-up days. Whatever happened to having more communication with the public? Why didn’t we get an e-Blast about this???
That said, this is a huge relief to me. Dr. Lee was ineffective, at least in her last few years, and I’m so relieved that Mr. Roaden will be at the helm over at 5th Avenue. In fact, this makes me so giddy with relief and excitement that I might actually get over the fact that the school is being built too small to hold its population!
Better yet, Rick, call her out:
CSD Mom, where is the evidence of Dr. Lee’s ineffectiveness? You have to back up statements like that.
Karass, In general I agree with you that CSD’s mode of constant change is not the best way to educate kids.
On this one, I am guessing, but would bet the administrators don’t think there is a continuity problem with letting Dr. Lee retire and putting Mr. Roaden at the helm for the new building. The principal interacts with the staff more than the kids (right?) and the staff should all know him already. Also, it may be that Dr. Lee wanted to retire now and did not want to oversee that move – who could blame her for that?!!
Giving the new building to the the new principal makes sense to me. I think Mr. Roaden will do a great job transitioning and I’m sure the kids who aren’t familiar with him will quickly come to like and respect him. I’m glad to see him come back to being a principal, he’s great. (and can’t say that without also saying Mr. Thomas is awesome… well both Mr. Thomases are awesome but I mean the one at Renfroe for purposes of this post.)
I think most of us have tons of respect for Mr. Roaden. But there will be some adaptation on his part as well as on the part of the teachers and students. He’s a middle school guru and doesn’t have to break a sweat to relate to that age group. The 4/5 crowd are still little kids although some of the girls aspire to teenhood (which should be discouraged IMHO). In fact, some of the boys are still transtioning from velcro to tie shoes and have to be reminded to use the bathrooom at appropriate intervals.
Despite my leftwing leanings, I’m a change conservative. My family is even worse. I would have liked the transition under Dr. Lee who is already a known quantity to the 4/5 crowd. But I completely respect Dr. Lee’s decision to retire if that is what she feels is best for her and her family. (And am hoping this was HER decision and not reflecting any other pressures). I have every reason to think that Mr. Roaden will step up to the plate (or is it down to the plate, given the younger age group?) just fine.
CSD mom- are such critical remarks really necessary? This is a public space- have some respect. How do put-downs make your child’s education any better? I assure you, they don’t.
Perhaps you would consider making fewer critical remarks towards the folks who have chosen to serve your children and families- especially those who have honorably done so for 30 or more years. [edited]
CSD Mom has a right to say how she feels just like anyone else on this blog.Why attack her for having an opinion different from yours? I agree that the administration at Glenwood was ineffective. I pulled my child out of Glenwood due to bullying which nothing was done about. This was after many very happy years in the CSD system. I was not the only parent to do so. I was very surprised at the lack of leadership at the 4/5 Academy.
I may have missed this previously but I need carpet for a finished basement and am seeking a recommendation. I’m stuck with carpet because apparently there is no “moisture barrier” down there and installing one is cost-prohibitive (this means no wood, tile, etc. can be placed). I’d love to use someone local.
Follow-up question: besides FLOR, are there greener carpets or installs that I should know about and do all carpet installers have them?
I really want to make this easy–don’t want to drive out to Dalton or anything to go carpet shopping (dislike carpet, driving, and shopping!).
Thanks in advance for any advice!
We have used Raburn Nash and they were excellent. Wide selection, knowledgeable people, competent, speedy installation. May cost a bit more than some others, but they’re local and good.
Thanks, Steve!
Hi Decatur Heights Neighbors!
It’s time to reactivate our neighborhood association to really boost our revitalization efforts! We’re having a Neighbors Called DHNA Meeting on Sunday, Jan 30th @ 4pm in the Community Room of The Church at Decatur Heights to reestablish the DHNA. We’ll also share updates on the Communications & Petitions/Watch projects, and discuss other projects ideas. All interested neighbors are encouraged to come join in!
*A short recap of the Nov Neighbors Meeting can be found here:
http://airbornecombatengineer.typepad.com/decatur_heights/page/2/
I love Cafe Alsace and hope that following the law will not be held against this great restaurant.