All the cool kids in Decatur know that the Zoning Ordinance Update Task Force is the awesomest task force in the 30030 with the least cool name.

Well, mark your calendars wannabes and wonks.  They’re having their first public meeting next month!

From Patti Garrett’s blog…

The Zoning Ordinance Update task force will host its first public meeting on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 from 6-8PM at Decatur City Hall. The task force is considering updates to the zoning ordinance in the areas of urban gardening, downtown design standards, parking and affordable housing at the direction of the 2010 Strategic Plan. Please attend anytime between 6-8PM to learn about the proposed changes and provide feedback. For more information contact Amanda Thompson, Planning Director, at Amanda.thompson@decaturga.com

Decatur City Commissioner Patti Garrett posted this Top 10 list of city accomplishments in 2011…

1. The City and City Schools of Decatur agreed to participate in a joint maintenance facility and we did a joint bid for office supplies; Fifth Avenue Academy opened.
2. The City Commission adopted a second ten-year strategic plan which was the result of a year-long planning process with input from over 1500 individuals.
3. Standard and Poor’s upgraded the City’s rating from AA to AA+ and Moody’s Investors Service confirmed the City rating of Aa3.
4. CCP Games has leased 40,000 square feet in the Renaissance Building and is relocating its North American Headquarters to Decatur.
5. Real estate property digest remained flat from 2010 but values from 2011 exceeded 2008 values by 3%; sales of existing housing stock increased 13% in 2011 and permit and inspection fees increased 76%.
6. The City secured grant funding for the N McDonough Streetscape improvement project  as well as for Clairemont/CommerceChurch St Pedestrian Safety and Bicycle improvements.
7. Crime rate was down by 3%.
8. The former Holiday Inn was sold to Noble Investment group and the hotel will re-open in February as a Courtyard by Marriott.
9. Through its recycling efforts, the City has reduced landfill deposits by approximately 41% and the two electronics recycling events resulted in 57 tons of electronic equipment being recycled.
10. Decatur was designated a Tree City USA and received a Silver Walk Friendly Community designation from the Pedestrian and Bicycle Center.

Whatcha think?  Did she capture everything?

From Patti Garrett’s Blog…

The Active Living Advisory Board’s Water Fountain Committee is looking for volunteers to help plan the design, funding and placement of drinking water fountains throughout the City. A goal of the ALAB is to make it easier for residents and visitors alike to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Having water readily available to walkers, runners and bikers will help to fulfill that mission and make Decatur an even more livable City.

To volunteer or for more information contact Bill Adams at 404-688-1222-o, 404-273-0687-cell or wtadams@adamsrealtors.com.

A chicken in every pot, an elephant water fountain on every corner!

But seriously, this is certainly something that is sorely missing from city streets these days.  Especially in the DEAD of summer.  Oh and please, let’s not try to be too cute or stylish with the design.  Simple and insanely functional gets my vote.

A couple of openings of note coming up.  The first comes from Patti Garrett’s blog…

Owner Marc Brennan says that the Oakhurst Market should officially open by next week. Located in the old Real Source real estate office at the intersection of Oakview and Eastlake, the market will have: Butchered high-quality, grass-fed meats, In-house roasted turkey, beef, pastrami, Steinbeck’s signature pimento cheese, In-house baked bread, To-go dinners, Fresh herbs and vegetables from the Oakhurst Garden and Sugar Creek Farm, a seven-foot wine wall, and Growlers

Now over to Twitter.  Decatur’s new Italian spot No. 246 says it should open next week.

Looks like we’ll be opening for you on Wednesday, July 13 – thanks for your patience! We’ll keep you posted when it’s confirmed!

Heard good things about the new interior of this space.  They’ve got a couple of teaser pics up on Tumblr if you’re interested.  UPDATE: Also, I just noticed their menu is now online!  Check it HERE.  Also, a just posted blurb on the AJC Food and More blog implies that foodies are jazzed about this new spot.

And finally, Trackside’s Facebook page is promising a July open.

Am I missing anything?

 

 

From Decatur Commissioner Patti Garrett via the Oakhurst Message Board…

The City’s annual Touch-A-Truck event will be this Saturday, March 5 from 10am-1pm. This is a popular event for kids (and adults!) Please see details below:

• Touch-A-Truck
• Date: 3/5/2011 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Cost: FREE
• Location: Callaway Parking Lot

(next to the Saturday morning Decatur Farmer’s Market!)