New Scott sends in this alert…

We live in the Brownstones at Decatur near the intersection of Scott and Clairemont – We believe our new cat somehow got outside and we are missing her dearly. Her name is Hannah. She is very sweet and playful but must be terribly frightened now. We’ve only had her for 2 weeks and haven’t had time to get her a collar or nametag, however she is micro chipped. If you happen to see her, or know of someone that may have seen her, please call me at 404-228-6092. Thank you so much!

David points to this op-ed on the Saporta Report by Atlanta-based landscape architect and urban designer Mike Morgan urging Atlanta to use Decatur as its model to “reorient growth to people”.  Here are a couple of interesting blurbs…

Fortunately, we do not have go very far to find a great example the results that can be achieved through a change of direction.

Decatur is the place, and it is right next door. Decatur made a radical choice to reorient itself to the realm of the pedestrian. They went on a road diet. They narrowed Ponce De Leon Ave. to two lanes. They replaced auto capacity with shady sidewalks, on-street parking, and bike lanes. They focused a vibrant living environment right on top of their fine downtown train station.

…Atlanta, to date, lacks a focused commitment to an urbane lifestyle. Look at the areas surrounding most of the intown train stations. While originally envisioned as community centers, policies were never put in place to make transit development desirable.

Stations are separated from users by blasted looking parking lots, high fences, atrocious urban design, dangerous roadways and sprawling commercial districts. The stations are not friendly to pedestrians or bicyclists. Is there any wonder that few people use them?

Related to these observations, does anyone with a deep MARTA history know why the North/South line runs close to, but not directly under Peachtree Street?

Still have lots to say about Decatur’s potential zoning changes and can’t make any upcoming commission meetings?  I hope you took today and/or tomorrow off from work!

Until 2pm tomorrow you can provide feedback on seven different changes the Zoning Ordinance Update Task Force is looking for feedback about on the Open City Hall website.

Here’s a list of the seven proposed changes.  Click through to read through more detail and to provide your opinion.

• Home Businesses - Should the City modify the current home based business definition and standards as proposed?
• Downtown Parking - Which distance do you think would work best to allow businesses in downtown Decatur to secure parking for its customers and employees?
• Design Standards- Do you believe these standards provide a reasonable transition between downtown commercial properties and single family homes? If not, how would you add to or revise them?
• Accessory Structures - Which option do you think will work best for Decatur – Option A or Option B?
• Urban Gardens - Should the City adopt the following definitions of gardens? Should the City allow the below gardens in the following zoning districts?
• Light Manufacturing - Should the City adopt the proposed changes?
• Pedestrian Area Expansion - Should the City extend the current special pedestrian area as shown on the map?