Free-For-All Friday 5/13/16
Decatur Metro | May 13, 2016 | 9:06 amFeel free to use this post to make comments and ask questions about local topics not yet discussed here over the past week.
Feel free to use this post to make comments and ask questions about local topics not yet discussed here over the past week.
TOK
brianc
brianc
George#2
Sharron
DarenW
gardener
James
Chris Billingsley
MelissaM
Robert Butera
Robert Butera
Anyone have thoughts on cheap pine bark mulch delivery? Even better, someone that spreads it for you? I’ve used North Lake Pine Straw in the past, but I’d prefer the look of pine bark if I can afford it.
Cummin Landscape is one of the few purveyors of bulk landscape materials in the area. They have a couple smaller pickup sized dump body trucks for delivering light materials like mulch.
Multifamily cul-de-sac Yard Sale (one is moving sale) tomorrow, Sat 5/14, 8-1pm, COTTONWOOD PLACE, Decatur 30030. Items include adult bike (never ridden), baby cloths/gear, book cases, desks, love seat, drawers, kitchen items, China cabinet, ottoman, exercise bike, outdoor bistro set, lamps, tea cart, clothing, household décor. Apartment complex across the street also having yard sale at same time (Adair Oaks on Adair Street).
Numerous families at Adair Oaks Apartments are participating! Lot’s of goodies. 212 Adair Street starting 8am in the big green field next to the apartments!
Anyone else read the article in the AJC about our new school superintendent’s inability to buy a house in Decatur on his $179k per year salary? I know the big, beautiful new houses are very expensive but it sure seems like a lot of people live here (even new residents) making less than that.
He can afford my condo. Call me, Dude!
I don’t think his salary or current expense stipend is inflammatory or out of line with market values for someone in his position.
The AJC article made it sound like the “additional assistance” that was being considered was financial in nature, and I could see how it would rile up a lot of folks.
The follow up by Dan and Decaturish makes it sounds more like they were just considering renting him one of the vacant properties the system recently purchased while he continued his search, which seems less egregious.
I do think that it’s a rather telling situation that one of, if not THE, highest paid municipal employees is struggling with finding suitable housing on what they consider a reasonable budget within the city limits. And I mean that more as a criticism with the general absurdity of housing prices, and not whatever personal financial decisions they’ve made. It’s entirely possible their struggles in finding a suitable home has less to do with them reeeeeeally wanting the marble kitchen and dual master suites but not being able to swing $900k . . . and more to do with every house they’ve had interest in getting sold to a developer to build to build the first thing.
DM – where is the like button in this thread?
King T, you are spot on with your comments. On another note, many “advice” comments in the Oakhurst FB thread about this were over the line. Just what gave some of those people the idea that a public employee is fair game for attacks on his family budget or even worse his choices about number of children was okay? It’s not, no matter what the level of employment. smh
This piqued my interest — I mean, it certainly seems like someone making $200k (this includes the stipend) should be able to find an affordable house without much difficulty. So I did a quick check of listings in Decatur, and . . . wow. The prices are ludicrous. It’s true — he really can’t afford the vast majority of the listings that I saw.
Good luck to those of you paying these sorts of prices. There must be a large number of “house poor” Decaturites out there.
Bought an old house here in ’99, when I thought pricing was at the top of the market. Boy, was I wrong.
We bought in 99 as well! No way AT ALL we would be able to afford to buy here now.
Same here. We bought in January 2000. Even our tax appraised value is now out of reach. Yikes!
There are always several nice 3-4BR homes, newer or newly remodeled with 2500+ square feet for sale in the city at prices less than $750k. Maybe they have not found a house they like, but there are certainly plenty that one could afford on $179k / year
I just have to laugh at “less than 750k”. Our combined family income is not that much less than the superintendant’s salary, and even if we could technically qualify for a mortgage on a 750k, or even 650k house, it doesn’t mean it would be a good idea for our family to take that on. Because, you know, groceries and property taxes and car insurance.
That’s exactly the right point to make. Even if you could get a mortgage for a $750k home, it’s ludicrous for most people to do so. It’s basically saying that every single dollar you make will go towards paying off your home mortgage, property taxes, and utilities. Forget any additional quality of life expenses. Forget vacations. Forget helping your sick parents. It’s your home and nothing else.
DM – where is the like button in this thread?
King T, you are spot on with your comments. On another note, many “advice” comments in the Oakhurst FB thread about this were over the line. Just what gave some of those people the idea that a public employee is fair game for attacks on his family budget or even worse his choices about number of children was okay? It’s not, no matter what the level of employment. smh
If he’s ok in living in a smaller, older house there should be some in his price range. Though these houses have been lately been bought by developers and torn down for big infill house, so he might have to act fast if a house comes up on the market.
Just another point to add to this discussion. I invited Annie Caiola to write a letter to the editor on this subject. You can read it here.
http://www.decaturish.com/2016/05/dear-decaturish-superintendent-never-asked-for-housing-stipend/
He should be able to find something within a few miles of COD that meets his needs – East Lake, Kirkwood etc.
It’s ballsy of him to ask for a handout, no?
I do hope he can resolve the soccer IB issue though – that is terrible
I’ve read both the AJC and Decaturish coverage and neither says anything about The Dude asking for anything beyond his present compensation. Can you direct me to where that’s detailed? All I see is the school board discussing options for renting him a house, along with Annie Caiola’s off-the-cuff considerations for how housing should be handled as a part of compensation over the long term.
yeah, all the Dude ever wanted was his rug back.
Yeah………………….. MAN.
and a white russian.
Yup. The personal attacks are pretty appalling, especially considering they’re based on misinformation. Makes me ashamed of my community.
I am so saddened by many of the attacks I have read various places. A good compensation package is important. How it is structured can vary. Housing is getting expensive. In a high value real estate area, including housing in a compensation package (like a house to rent) can be a useful tool. I expect more of Decatur than to jump to “kitchen sinking” insults like they have. A superintendent anywhere is likely making a quite good salary, perhaps one of the higher salaries in the community. Comparing him to the salaries of average residents isn’t even a reasonable comparison. I like that he lives in the community. I just fear that our collective willingness to snipe and bully will make him regret that. It’s certainly not a good example for our kids. Let’s be kind Decatur!
Congratulations to the Decatur High School Boys soccer team for winning the Georgia AAA High School state championship yesterday. It was an exciting 3-2 win. Well done, boys!
Outstanding !!
http://highschoolsports.blog.ajc.com/2016/05/12/aaa-boys-soccer-final-decatur-3-east-hall-2
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local-education/decatur-students-had-touch-choice-big-test-or-cham/nrMFb/
Check-out the Thurs AJC article about Decatur’s city leadership rejecting a call for a new park downtown in favor of yet more development.
As a long-time Decaturite, I am very disappointed. I don’t begrudge downtown Decatur growing, and we all realize the schools need the new tax base to meet the demand of a growing student population. But there needs to be some new green space to help balance the new, mammoth apartment complexes that the city is approving. All of the new residents being added downtown are going to need a park to figuratively and literally breathe!
If you live in downtown Decatur, the time to make your voice heard about the lack of green space is now.
to that point – what is the status of the lovely greenspace at the SW corner of commerce and trinity? I thought I recalled there was a plan for that corner, but I can’t seem to find anything.
Sure do like it as it is right now – big green empty space.
Tiny house space!
Maybe I saw a different article but all it said is that the city confirmed the BOA site’s not available as an option.There was no “park or development” choice on the table and nothing before the city that would give them the leverage to tell an owner of private property that they need to do something other than what they want to do. That’s not the city rejecting a park. That’s them dealing with reality.
The park is a speculative idea that’s presently lacking a home. Just because this site won’t work doesn’t mean it’s dead. In the same article, there was a quote that the city’s not against a park. So hopefully advocates will stay on top of it until a workable proposal emerges.
The point of the article was, in fact, Decatur not wanting to spend the dough it would take to get that property. And they are correct for a variety of reasons from sheer cost to preferring commercial over massive green spaces. Decatur is a total of 4 square miles….expecting a park over an acre in the center of town, where your commercial property stands at only 15%, isn’t rational. Pocket parks have worked many many places with geographic issues and Decatur would do better to develop a beltline style connection of small parks through creative permitting and ordinance use. Decatur knows that its financial future rests on improving its commercial percentage which it why it is annexing and attempting to annex every contiguous piece of commercial.
I respectfully disagree. Actual space for a park in downtown Decatur is rapidly disappearing – this is the point. To say it isn’t “rationale” to put a park downtown is short-sighted. Would you argue that Central Park in Manhattan isn’t rationale? Surely there isn’t more valuable park space in the country than that 2.5 mile long park, but by your logic the only “rationale” action is to turn part of it into a giant development of apartment complexes?
Besides the many aesthetic, community, and environmental benefits, there are known economic benefits to green space. Many, many studies have shown that green space can actually be an economic catalyst that more than pays for itself. Some examples:
https://www.planning.org/cityparks/briefingpapers/economicdevelopment.htm
What the proponents of a downtown park are arguing is that there needs to be a balance… Allowing developers to profit in the short-term by building only cookie-cutter apartments will turn Decatur from the unique community it is into just another sprawling, traffic choke point. In 5, 10, 20 years, how will these apartments look? What will the crowded roads look like? Who will actually want to LIVE downtown?
Our city’s leaders don’t seem to understand that MANY apartment buildings are going up all over Atlanta because that is the current need. But that shortage will eventually be filled and then we will eventually have over-capacity. Will these potentially half-filled, depressed-priced apartments provide economic benefit then?
My guess is the opponents of a downtown park don’t actually live downtown. Most people that I know that live within a half-mile of the Courthouse say the one thing Decatur lacks is a decent downtown park. Nobody ever says, “What we need is more apartment buildings to bring in more traffic and pollution.”
At least one City Commission member does live downtown – Scott Drake.
Yes, and probably not coincidentally, Scott Drake is the one City Commissioner who I have seen respond positively to requests for a downtown park.
I don’t question your motives for a downtown park – I love parks.
But I would ask the question – why should the city invest in a park downtown vs. other neighborhoods in Decatur? Downtown actually has greater proximity to parks than most other neighborhoods.
If the city can convince developers to incorporate pocket parks into their plans at no cost to the taxpayer – I’m all for it. But I think the city is right to be cautious before investing limited capital to take our highest value land off of our tax digest.
I’d encourage you to keep pressing the issue – I believe there is a way to address the need you raise, but it may not be addressed in the manner you recommend.
One reason is because very soon 25% of the population will live downtown.
That’s a fair point – it would be interesting to see the relationship between available (within 1/4 mile or 1/2 mile) park space per resident by neighborhood.
Not sure what parks you consider as close to downtown Decatur? By close, I mean an easy walk. Yes, the Courthouse Square is great, but is no longer adequate as a green space (and has more concrete than grass, anyway). In an email, the Decatur Mayor claimed the cemetery is a park. But most residents would disagree, as evidenced by the lack of picnicking or ball games that occur among the tombstones.
One difference between downtown residents and those of Decatur’s residential neighborhoods is that those living in downtown condos and apartment buildings don’t have yards. I believe the total number of new units being added between the 3 new apartment complexes is over 600. A pocket park or two, no matter how charming, isn’t going to meet the need for green space.
Our city went into overdrive with the downtown apartment complexes, and I am okay with that. I understand the economic argument for development. But what the proponents of a downtown park are asking people to consider is what will downtown look like in the future? We believe balancing development with long-term amenities like a park is the smart way to grow. The space downtown is finite and the time for a park is now before it is all gone.
If Adair and Glenlake aren’t easy walks for you, I’d say you have more pressing problems than a lack of parks. Both of them are likely closer to you than any official “parks are to me in the far nortwest corner of the city. And the cemetery may not meet your definition of a “park” but it’s one huuuuuuge greenspace.
Scott Park is as perfect a city park as you’ll find anywhere– and nestled right into downtown. It also has just about everything on the expressed wish list: in easy walking distance of many downtown residences (and with nearby handicapped parking); shaded area with picnic tables just far enough away from kiddos’ play area to allow for grown folks’ conversations or reading a book; walking track; delightful sunny garden space; laid back, inviting vibe. Seems like all that’s missing is a sign proclaiming DOWNTOWN PARK.
As lovely as they are, Adair and Glenlake Parks are not downtown. Both are over half a mile from the square. Scott Park is downtown, and my daughter likes its playground. But nobody is going to choose to live (or stay) in downtown Decatur based on Scott Park.
The majority of people who live downtown understand the need for a park. If you don’t live downtown, I can see why you might not think a new park is important. But downtown is Decatur’s magnet and a successful downtown obviously benefits everyone in the city.
The fact is, we are in competition with other parts of Atlanta. Apartment buildings have sprung up all around the Beltline. Intown neighborhoods like Inman Park and O4W are thriving, filled with energy and young people. For those who need to be near the Emory / CDC corridor, new, but presumably cheaper, apartment buildings are being built just outside the city limits at N. Decatur & Scott. Decatur has come a long way in the last 20 years, but don’t fool yourself by thinking we can’t go backwards.
A half mile is a ten mile walk. That’s all I’ve got to say. Seriously.
That’s what we get for daring to weigh in on an inner inner ring problem … Silly us! :0)
Yeah, I meant ten minute. But I guess it might as well be ten miles for some people.
What about Woodlands Garden?
It is a) on the edge of the City and b) privately owned.
Uh, you knew that was (dormant) prime commercial land next door when you bought your downtown condo. I had no idea that my tax bill was going to skyrocket when I bought my house 20 years ago. Your teeny little “park” would directly impact my ability to stay in my house by removing high value commercial property from the tax rolls. And would incur additional costs for making the park and then maintaining it over time.
If our city was 10 square miles instead of just four, an argument for a downtown park would be supportable. But it’s not. There is already an abundance of green space and parks within a short walk of downtown in all directions. Let’s pay more attention to what we already have and make it better.
I agree, what happens to downtown Decatur will affect everyone in the city. Where we apparently disagree is how to improve downtown Decatur so that it stays the vibrant community it currently is.
What we should strive to do is keep this from being an “us versus them” situation. At least that is my goal, and if my comments above gave a different impression, I apologize. I would hope we can all communicate politely in an effort to understand each other’s views.
There is no “inner ring.” The proponents of a downtown park aren’t looking to damage the city’s finances or take more than our fair share of resources. We believe a downtown park will actually draw in more businesses, which everyone understand Decatur needs to do. (Someone way down this page notes that Decatur’s commercial vacancy is usually below Atlanta’s average.)
You mention your property taxes have skyrocketed in the last 20 years, which is undoubtedly true. This is due to the value people now see in living in Decatur. Why do people want to live in Decatur? I would argue that it is primarily due to the reputation of our schools and to the energy and character of downtown. To keep both of these factors among the best in Atlanta will take active, thoughtful, and data-driven planning.
I remember what Decatur was 20 years ago, and where it was 35 years ago. The City’s schools were neglected and viewed as inferior to DeKalb’s. Downtown was an empty shell. The only time I remember going downtown as a child was to visit the library. But Decatur slowly revitalized itself, starting with the 1982 Decatur Town Center Plan that envisioned a way to grow the central business district. That plan, and subsequent revised master plans, have made Decatur one of the best places to live in Atlanta. This planning has benefited all Decaturites, no matter where one lives.
But way back in 1995, Decatur’s Master Plan actually noted the shortage of greenspace in Decatur as compared to the national average. Many of us think a properly planned park in Downtown can not only eventually pay for itself, but serve as an additional amenity that keeps our city as one of the most desirable places to live AND help draw in commercial business. That benefits us all.
This is all perfectly well reasoned and I agree with every point made. Where I think the effort’s not catching traction, IMO, is in addressing the financials more directly. For example, using the park as proposed and assuming it was actually available for purchase, we’d likely be looking at a $4-6 million price tag to acquire and build out the property. That alone is a hefty outlay but, in addition, we’d likely be looking at maybe a quarter million dollars in lost tax revenue every year in perpetuity. So it’s not a small deal and I suspect that’s why people who don’t live downtown are reacting with as much skepticism or opposition as they are.
The burden to be overcome by proponents, again IMO, is in developing a viable scheme on available property that shows cost and where the money will come from or how it could be raised. But furthermore, I think we need to see how the design process with engage and collaborate with development interests to show how the taxable value of surrounding properties (new and existing) could increase in ways they otherwise would not (due to their proximity to the park) to offset the ongoing yearly loss.
If that kind of creativity and clarity to could emerge, I think it would go a long way towards achieving greater buy-in. The Woodlands Garden had an idea for growing their facility that couldn’t really be justified financially as a tax-funded expense so they worked with the city to overcome their obstacles but they did so in a way that was ultimately privately funded. With the exception of a few ideologues who don’t think the city’s development authority should be involved with the temporary purchase of property for public benefit, I think everyone was pretty thrilled with how it worked out.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment. I agree such a plan needs to be researched thoroughly and a cost benefit analysis needs to demonstrate viability. The dollars need to add up. But to be done effectively, I think the city’s leadership needs to be actively involved in the process of deciding if it can work.
That’s what I personally have been advocating for – to move this from a widespread complaint many have had for years (“Why don’t we have a nice park downtown?”) to an official city planning effort to determine viability. To their credit, the City Commissioners recently seem to be listening.
Please don’t read any of my comments as a complaint about current parks and recreation planning. I think Decatur does a great job with its Active Living programs and its maintenance of current park and recreation assets. Count me as thrilled with all the efforts the City has undertaken to assist Woodland Gardens.
But in a DCC presentation from last August, there is a slide at the end entitled “2040 Vision Plan” with a picture of what such a downtown park might look like. See:
http://www.decaturga.com/city-government/city-departments/active-living/greenspaces-in-decatur
Why must we wait until 2040 to make such a park happen? And, importantly, where could such a park go in 2040 if we continue to develop downtown with commercial buildings and large apartment/condo buildings?
If a downtown park won’t work, then we shouldn’t do it. But let’s not dismiss the idea out of hand.
Right. I think the argument that downtown needs more green space because other parks aren’t close enough is much less persuasive than a discussion of how downtown could in fact be the perfect place for a park that can benefit residents, visitors, and commercial interests alike. Perhaps a design similar to this concept — http://inhabitat.com/green-roofed-superblock-for-fargo-north-dakota/ — a parking deck topped with green space and surrounded by commercial. The land does not have to be dedicated to a park an nothing else.
Anybody have info on what’s going in at the site of the old Oakview Grocery on Oakview Road? Even though I hardly ever used it, I’m slightly sorry it’s gone–my old neighbor used to like to hang out in front of it and say ‘hi’ to people as they passed by.
The producers of the anti-vaxxer doc that’s been making the rounds will be appearing at Landmark Midtown Art for Q&As at the 4:00 and 7:00 shows today and tomorrow. The anti-vaccination movement began with a single 1998 study by British researcher Andrew Wakefield purporting to show a link between vaxing and autism. After years of studies that failed to corroborate the findings, it was revealed that the he falsified his results, and that developmentally challenged children were subjected to unnecessary and invasive procedures, including spinal taps. The paper was retracted and Wakefield’s license to practice medicine revoked.
Wakefield has evidently decided to lean into his exposure as a fraud, and directed this film. It centers around a supposed CDC cover-up of the one subsequent study (among many) to have found a weak correlation, in Africa. The researchers who came up with this result on their initial trial were unable to replicate their results on subsequent trials, and so, in keeping with generally accepted scientific methods, concluded (as has every other reputable study) that no link was found.
Vaccination rates are falling in many parts of this country in reaction to this ginned up controversy and the adherents it has claimed. Over and above this risk posed to children whose parents are choosing not to vax, many children who cannot be inoculated due to genuine immunodeficiency are in real danger as herd immunity (the greatest medical achievement of the MID 20TH century, for crying out loud) has been compromised. Outbreaks are becoming more common, often in areas demographically similar to this one.
Again, 4:00 and 7:00 today and tomorrow, at Midtown Art.
Have you seen this logo around town? I have — on T-shirts given away at a road race, on cars, and even on the blackboard at YogurtTap this past week (which is what prompted this post).
https://twitter.com/decaturcity (see also decaturcity.org for the church’s website)
I worry my post is going to be misinterpreted, but I am going to try anyway 🙂
1) Are there really that many people in Decatur who are biblical literalists? From the church’s website at decaturcity.org — “We believe the entire Bible is the inspired Word of God and that men were moved by the Spirit of God to write the very words of Scripture. Therefore, we believe the Bible is without error.”
I am surprised that so many people in the City of Decatur may subscribe to such beliefs, based on my experiences. Or maybe I just have laser vision for spotting this logo.
*** OR ***
2) Is this an absolutely brilliant marketing strategy by the church (or even just an accidental success?) — a website name and a logo that has been unofficially adopted by some as as cool moniker of Decatur civic pride? And they may not even know they are giving a local church free advertising, whose beliefs they may or may not be aware of or agree with?
Kudos to the church on brilliant marketing. It got me to at least look you up.
I hadn’t noticed the logo before but I’m sure that I will now. If nothing else they have a talented graphic designer.
It’s a fair question and I am one of those who believe the Bible is without error and take no offense at the question. Living in Decatur, I do find my belief contrary to many of my neighbors. For example, many took offense at my attempts to sell my daughter into slavery (Exodus 21:7) She is a DHS kid with good grades, I figure she would fetch a good bit. I have also visited several of our local restaurants on the Sabbath and suggested everyone working should be put to death (Exodus 35:2). That did not go over well with either. I also suggest to the Highschool football team that they should where gloves when they are playing, as touching the skin of a dead pig will make them unclean (Leviticus 11:7). And on a sad note, by brother-in-law has a rather large garden where is lives out in the country. Unfortunately he planted tomatoes and okra right next to each other. He had to be stoned for planting crops next to each other. His was hurt pretty bad, and had bad insurance. Seems he makes too much to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to qualify for insurance through ACA and just had to get the only thing he could afford. It is too bad states were not empowered to expand Medicaid to address this gap. I am also in a bit of hotter with the wife. I burned all of her clothes that were made of 2 different threads. I know, I know I was supposed to burn her, but after 20+ years I have gotten used to her.
Hey! Was your brother married? If he was and he was stoned to death, you get first dibs on his wife!
Well done, sir. Well done.
While we’re on it, I’m still waiting for you to pay me from that time you dug a pit and my donkey fell into it. (Exodus 21:33)
Which Bible? If not the original Greek, then you can’t take it literally.
I thought it had something to do with Connecticut.
huh. I thought it was the logo for the Decatur Downtown neighborhood, and thought it was brilliant marketing for a neighborhood association. But a church? Sorta subversive.
That’s my point. I have friends of all religious persuasions and don’t want this to be a religious debate. I just suspect at least some don’t know this is a logo of a church.
Decatur City Church is part of North Point Ministries which has 36,000 congregation members across 6 campuses. Buckhead Church is part of this operation. Apparently they have been meeting at the Emory Conference Center. Not sure what they have to do with Decatur.
It’s a franchise model – like burrito joints and Subways. They’re popping up everywhere. Clever, really, for religion to adapt to proven methods like this. As a marketer, I respect the “re-branding” efforts.
One of their recent tweets. Yeah, I’d say a bit misleading. Surely there’s something in the bible about that.
“If you’re on the square tonight, stop by @TheYogurtTap from 8–9 for 50% off your yogurt courtesy of Decatur City! “
I would guess that yes, there must be a fair number of Bible literalists in this metro area, because as another poster pointed out, Decatur City is part of Northpoint Ministries which has several other locations. So I doubt people are driving in from the ‘burbs to worship with this group.
It’s also possible that there are people who participate and/or belong to the church who do not hold each and every one of the church’s stated beliefs. This is fairly common in my experience.
There are a lot of progressive (for lack of a better term) churches in this area, so maybe a more evangelical option is filling a void for some people who have not been able to find a church home in Decatur. That being said–there are at least a couple of other popular churches that probably have a lot in common with Decatur City Church, so it’s likely that if you don’t run in Christian and/or evangelical circles you’re just not aware of the various local evangelical communities who may have less compelling logos.
All of the above is speculation.
As someone who has lived in Decatur for 14 years and regularly attends Decatur City Church, I can tell you that it is an environment that welcomes everyone. The mission of the church is to bring others into a growing relationship with God. The key to doing so is to demonstrate love to others.
Contrary to assumptions traded on this blog, it is a community that discourages passing judgement on others, which is why I think it resonates well with people in Decatur.
Is that progressive or evangelical? I don’t know – I’d just invite you to join us sometime to see for yourself.
And yes – the church also has a strong professional and volunteer team that produces excellent marketing, great music and an impactful message.
I’m glad you’ve found a church home that works for you! I have attended a North Point ministries church before and feel like I have a decent handle on what they’re about. I attend another local church that I love. I think there’s room for everybody here. It’s all good.
I have been seeing those car magnets EVERYWHERE — in Decatur, on the Emory campus, driving down the road. I did not know what they were until just now. This is insanity. And yes, perhaps a brilliant marketing scheme because really?
“We believe the entire Bible is the inspired Word of God and that men were moved by the Spirit of God to write the very words of Scripture. Therefore, we believe the Bible is without error.”
This has to do with the guy who comes on after Saturday Night Live, right? Another Church of What’s Happening Now?
This is on a car magnet?? That must be one big magnet! Not your point at all, but that is just bad marketing.
I am curious about the latest regarding the construction of the DeKalb Farmer’s Market. It seems there has been little activity since the site was prepared some months ago. Any updates?
I think their plan all along was to go ahead and do all the earthwork without a start date (firm or squishy) of when to start building.
What’s going on with the road closure on East Ponce at Sams St?
Maybe it has something to do with tonight’s lantern parade?
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1cs7GxqbOjIg5a7QoE2OdAZHuU3E
It’s a gas main leak
The City of Decatur sent out this alert:
“The 1000 block of East Ponce de Leon Ave between Sycamore Dr /East Ponce de Leon Ave and North Arcadia/East Ponce de Leon Ave, is closed due to a gas leak.”
Looking for advice from all you old house owners (I mean that in all the ways):
Last night I noticed a duct had detached itself from the register and when I went down to the crawlspace to investigate, I was appalled by what I found inside the ductwork (organic material, construction debris, etc.). The furnace is 20+ years and thoroughly neglected by previous owner. It’s nasty down there.
What do y’all think it’s going to cost me (ballpark) to replace my furnace (plus all the ductwork) and have my crawlspace fully encapsulated (it’s currently just dirt, bad I know) and who do y’all recommend? 100 year old, 2K Sqft, two story house. Furnace and ductwork are all accessible in the crawl, but it’s narrow af down there.
Thanks y’all!
You have a lot going on. If you’re going as far as replacing ductwork, you might need to consider separate HVAC’s for each story. Getting two may be more expensive, but it would probably be more efficient over the long term. Also, if you do cover the crawl space dirt, make sure they use a thick enough plastic (10 mils? Not sure of the best thickness).
As for cost…might want to consider that HELOC.
we had some similar issues last year and got quotes that all came in around $8.5 – 10k, not including ductwork. That might add another thousand or so. We ended up using Estes and only replaced one of two units (split systems for 1950 sq ft house) for around 5k.
Anyone know when Grindhouse will finally open?
Soon! Check out these awesome picks on Eater. Also the tidbit that the upstairs rooftop bar area will be 21 and over… http://atlanta.eater.com/2016/5/13/11673336/grindhouse-killer-burgers-decatur-photos
No kids. Glory hallelujah.
While sitting in Twain’s last night a little before 8pm, my wife and I watched folks headed with lanterns to the start of the parade. But then a slew of cyclists (not the hardcore kind) rode by and I was wondering if that was an organized (and regularly scheduled) ride. It looked about our speed – given the amount of hybrid bike riders vs. road bikes. Does anyone know the details about this ride? Thanks.
I’m betting you saw this group – The Mobile Social. http://www.themobilesocial.com
That’s it! Thanks a bunch.
So apparently the county voted to “approve the sale” of the Clark Harrison Building.
http://thechampionnewspaper.com/news/local/new-county-government-center-planned-for-memorial-drive/
I cannot find an agenda item or minutes (or even a meeting on April 10 – typo?)
Was this approval to put on the market, or to sell to a specified buyer?
Local real estate people – assuming this becomes an office building, how does this inpact the downtown office market? I canot back this with facts, but it has always appeared to me that downtown Decatur has quite a bit of office space for rent. Am I wrong? Any idea on the future of this building?
Yes, I have answers to this. Didn’t know anything was made public yet. Hold on and I’ll see if I can get confirmation.
The Decatur office vacancy rate is usually below the metro average, but I don’t know the current situation. The AJC recently published a piece on the declining vacancy rates, but Decatur wasn’t singled out.
Having said that, there isn’t as much space in the Harrison Building as you might expect. I don’t know the square footage, but I don’t think it’s a large as, say, the Town Center buildings. It’s fairly narrow and not that deep to accommodate the driveway on the west side and the parking deck in the back.
I guess DM has the deets but I believe it’s being sold to the DDA. Don’t know if there are already plans in the works but I’m hoping that it ultimately sees some sort of adaptive reuse.
The linked article indicates that the county offices in the Maloof building also will be moved to Memorial Drive. Is this property going on the market as well? These seem like good opportunities for true commercial (re)development in downtown.
Knew I recalled seeing something about this somewhere! :0)
http://www.taskforce.org/press-room/press-releases/dekalb-county-approves-sale-government-building-task-force
Thanks for the link, Deanne. Their current building is directly behind the 330 building I believe.
Well that’s good news.