Melissa at the ARC sends along this announcement…

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is hosting a new style of informational gathering from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11 that will transform an empty storefront in Downtown Decatur into a come-and-go public meeting.  It’s the first test-run of an idea we got from the overwhelming response to a community engagement survey conducted this summer.

In that survey, more than 2,000 metro residents said they wanted more local choices, different ways to engage and online options. They want informal connections, innovation and, dare we say it, fun. So, save the date and come try this first “Pop-up” conversation right here in Downtown Decatur.  It’s an idea we hope to replicate in communities all over the region.

This gathering is part of the latest update to the $61 billion Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), metro Atlanta’s framework for mobility and prosperity. ARC invites you to come learn about transportation choices, ask questions and give us some critical input about how to make these kinds of important meetings more fun, informative and engaging.

We need your help to pass along this message, so please share this message.  More information can be found at ARC’s website.

Looks to be at the old Sammiches and Stuff space on N. McDonough.

This cold weather and threat of ice on Monday got me thinking about how interesting DM was during 2011 Atlanta Snowpocalypse.  So I put together a recap of that whole week for you all to enjoy at your leisure.  I was actually surprised by how enjoyable it was to go back and look at pics and comments from that week.

Put on your ice skates, here we go!

Sunday January 9th

• Posted an “Snow Day Open Thread”  - mood is generally light.  We didn’t know this was about to turn into a weeklong thing.  TOK wrote…

Nice sledding on 3rd Avenue (the road itself), between Oakview and East Lake. Lots of neighborhood families out sliding down the hill, trying not to ram into one of the cars parked along the street.

• People sent in a ton of great “playing in the snow” pics, including the one below from Kate…

Monday, January 10th

The snow and ice started having an impact on the regular goings on of the city on Monday.  The ZBA meeting was cancelled.  A train stopped randomly for an hour on the tracks between College and Howard, blocking traffic at intersections.  Photo courtesy of Andisheh.

Judy had a good idea and we started what became a reoccurring thread throughout the week “What’s Open in Decatur Today/Tonight?”  What was open?  Square Pub, Farm Burger, Dancing Goats, Starbucks.  That was basically it.

Things are just getting started!  Continue the week after the jump!

Read the rest of this entry »

In case anyone was still wondering. From CSD…

As of 9:40 PM Tuesday evening, barring any unforeseen emergencies, City Schools of Decatur will be operating on a normal schedule tomorrow. We look forward to seeing all of our students back in school! Today, district staff checked all buildings, HVAC units, and buses to make certain all were operating properly. Please be sure to bundle-up tomorrow. The CDC suggests that children and adults wear the following in extreme cold:

• - a hat

• - a scarf or knit mask to cover face and mouth

• - sleeves that are snug at the wrist

• - mittens (they are warmer than gloves)

• - water-resistant coat and shoes

• - several layers of loose-fitting clothing