Opinion Talk

By Frank Johnson

March 13, 2006 08:50 AM | Link to this

Yes.

By Mike

March 13, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this

From what I see, Atlanta’s best days are far behind us. Thousands of people desperate for jobs that aren’t available. Or companies who are hiring but are offering 1/2 of what they used to offer for the same job a few years ago. This city went to hell in a handbasket years ago. From the former corrupt mayor’s office, to the current corrupt, inept, and just plain dumb sherrif’s office. And of course our bumpkin governor doesn’t help matters one bit. We’ve got a nest of rubes and hicks running this state who would dole out tens of millions of dollars to entice all the rednecks downtown to look at a bunch of race cars, but these same yokuls won’t give a dime to help build a new symphony hall. The level of stupidity in the Georgia state government is staggering.

I’ve lived here 32 years and I am so sick of this place I would be willing to move anywhere just to be rid of “hotlanta”.

By corey

March 13, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this

For the folks who complain about this city, we have a great airport you should visit one last time. Atlanta’s best days are still ahead.

By Syed

March 13, 2006 09:28 AM | Link to this

Mike I kind’o agree with you, best days are gone due to the “redneck” and somewhat Bigots city and state officials. Good thing is, Kia is bringing it’s plant here, I guess state officials deserve credits for that. We should bring more giants like that to resolve the job situation, also need some law changes to allure the big corporate. And, another advice to the state official, get rid of Xenophobia. Think what’s best for the city and state, not just some mullets

By George

March 13, 2006 09:32 AM | Link to this

All cities and regions go through cycles. One hundred years ago, it was Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Detroit and Chicago that were the “Silicon Valleys” of their day with explosive growth. Today, those are mature and more livable cities with a legacy of foundation philanthropy, arts and culture. Atlanta is going through the same thing and needs to mature into what it will be. Cities can’t grow at breakneck speed forever. Take a moment to pause.

By J M

March 13, 2006 09:33 AM | Link to this

Best days ahead? Give me a break. The areas outside the perimeter(East Point, College Park, Riverdale, etc) are simply too dangerous to live in. I’m a southsider, but the same thing is true all around the city. Translation, you have to live further out to get a decent quality of life, and for a commuter like me, the traffic has become ridiculous over the past few years. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but it KEEPS getting worse and the areas outside of town keep getting less and less livable (Fayetteville anyone?)

Give it 15 years, and the Southside gridlock will begin on I-75 N around McDonough, and on I-85 N at Peachtree City.

What we need is another million dollar hip-hop theme song to attract people to the A-T-L. WHAT A JOKE!!!

By Shannon

March 13, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this

Absolutely. I know there are gonna be alot of naysayers, but I moved here seven years ago and the change has been remarkable in the city. I made a conscious choice to live in Midtown, which is close to my work and all the cultural amenities of the city. The influx or new residents has caused a marked increase in the amount of sidewalk activity, giving Atlanta the feel (finally!)of a real pedestrian city. I spent the last two weekends walking Peachtree from Renaissance to 17th Street and was delighted by the energy, the restaurants, and the cool and interesting shops that are springing up all over. The sidewalks are being widened, benches are being installed, and attractive street lamps have been added. Even downtown, despite the beggars, is exuding a new energy as compared to when I first arrived here in 1999. Don’t be so pessimistic, people! Atlanta still has huge problems to fix, but it’s exciting to think about the kind of city we’ll be living in over the next 10 or 20 years.

By bill

March 13, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this

I think the best days are way gone. Crime is all over the city. Thugs and gans are roaming the underground, the malls, and all th attractions. Who wants to go to Atlanta.

By time for the truth

March 13, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this

I’ve done nearly nine years here and its getting worse and worse. The racebaiting and endemic corruption and incompetence of so many public officials, the horrendous traffic and pollution, the never ending crime cheerily shown mightly on WSBTV et al - which nothing is ever done about. There is NO metro wide sense of any kind of “community” or “belonging” in metro Atlanta, just defacto “segregation” in many areas. Its just a place to work and exist. I hate it here too, so does my wife now who is a native Atlantan. Funding elitist arts projects for the selective few would hardly improve things for the more cerebral philistines amongst us :)

By Anderson

March 13, 2006 10:04 AM | Link to this

George, you said it well. Atlanta is now in the mature cycle of its growth. As you say, no city, or anything for that matter, can sustain breakneck growth forever. Atlanta is experiencing some of the problems that come with growth. I will say it is sad for us born and bred Atlantans to see major companies such as Delta struggle and BellSouth being swallowed up. The traffic congestion has to be resolved somehow. If that happens, Atlanta can remain a viable city to live in.

By Gartrell Robinson III

March 13, 2006 10:07 AM | Link to this

The question you posed to the readers of your newspaper asks: “Are Atlanta’s best days are ahead of it ?”. As a person who grew up and lived the majority of his life in the ATL I feel I have some relevent thoughts on this subject. Presently I have been living and working in Dallas Texas for the Federal Government for the last 20 months. The Dallas / Fort Worth Metroplex is a fine, sophisticated and proud urban area with approxiamately double the poplulation of metro Atlanta including the sprawling suburbs and exurbs.This is an (Unidentical) Twin city that I greatly enjoy living in and exploring. North Texans love their sports, local history, traditions, food, land and institutions just as strongly as lifelong North Georgians. The region has a lot going for it and I don’t regret choosing the area to relocate for my job. However, it does’nt seem to have a higher purpose or vision that can manifest itself into a place where good and great things can be created and happen at any time. That , in essense, is what I miss most about my home town. The feeling of positive expectancy for yourself, family and friends; that there is always a chance beyond just survival but a real chance of sustainible success and happiness, no matter who you are or where you come from. It’s hard to put into words what a resident feels who has lived there for a number of years that can explain how one feels to be accepted without much pretense. The unofficial mottos for the city should be: “It’s not who you are now but who you want to be.” “It’s not where you’re from but where your want to go.” It can be best described I think when I encountered two musicians who were visiting Dallas for a religious event and asked them where they were from. One was from North Carolina who had been a resident in Atlanta for 20 years and the other from Pittsburg who had been there for only 7. But the most interesting thing about their responses was that both emphatically identified them selves as Atlantans now. Hey, even Dallas-Based Bishop T.D. Jakes knows the deal, when chose to hold his Mega-Fest religious convention in Atlanta and not in Big-D. Essentially being an Atlantan is a state of mind where you aquire an kind of viral enthusiasm and optimism that helps drive you to do greater and better things than you might have not attempted or imagined while being somewhere else. In any case, I feel Atlanta can be at the fore front of the new American of Dream of socially responsible, innovative, entrepreneural success for profit-centric and non-profit enterprises alike. Doing well by doing good. Turning itself into a model the whole world can emulate. confident but not arrogant; being wise enough to willing and able learn good ideas and solutions from any one, from anywhere at any time. Atlanta is a city that expects change to happen and endeavors to make them changes for the betterment of it citizens and for all people worldwide. Where leaders emerge and become legend from any where. Think King and Carter, Jackson and Franklin, Blank and Marcus. Ponder on the fact that only one of the people listed above was actually born in the city. In closing I know that the ATL is one of those rare places in the world where citizens actually invent and reinvent the future for themselves and everyone else. Being an Ex-Pat, pining for my home, I plan to learn all I can from the fine place I’m in and eventually, at the appropriate time return back to North Georgia. In the meantime, whenever I’m there visiting in person, or even in digital, electronic, photonic, quantum form, I can’t wait to see what the old Gate City does and what happens there next! Now, does this answer your question?

By RWH

March 13, 2006 10:08 AM | Link to this

In order for Atlanta Best Days to be ahead of us; several important things must move quickly! There has been no stable America-Labor Workforce; Business…either moving overseas, shuting it doors to American Workers, hiring a low-wage labor force; pricing things out of reach..even for the rich; they to are tired of seeing our own become those who are on the outside looking in while others who don’t live here are continuing to alter America way of life. Our needs are not met when it comes to actually getting what our dollars are paying for. We see our officials watch and do nothing about our poor structure trying to get those who are intitled back to work so that they can take care of their families. One family suffer…think about how many other families are being put out of work; we have thousand of our own hungry, homeless and those who had good jobs are now unemployed. Its not funny watching America being consumed by others because of a mere $1 that goes unnotice, yet, its right at our front door. Crime, murders and lowdown things happen to people who are down on their luck and it force them to do things they shouldn’t. We have lowered our standards here in America….we were suppose to produce, make, build and distribute the very best…instead, because of that mere $1 we have let others do for us and without even questioning it! No, Atlanta Best Days have yet to begun.

By m

March 13, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this

HEY! If some of you are so unhappy, move away. My mother always said, things look greener on the other side. Where else are you gonna move..thats so much better…with so many more jobs and excitement? PLEASE….give us all a break. Complain, complain, complain. God has a unique way of punishing people who dont appreciate. Atlanta has its problem, but every city best days “appear” to be behind them. Faith is a substance of things hoped for, but the evidence of things not seen. How can we be so unappreciative? weve had so much success. The moment the “going gets tough”, we complain. STOP IT!

By Van

March 13, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this

At one time the downtown was the hub of big business. Over the years big business, not all, have moved from downtown to the far suburbs.

In the evolution of cities, these cycles will repeat.

Atlanta’s downtown will rise and fall over the years, and its best days are yet to come.

Between the fear of crime, real or not, to corruption at all levels of City government, real or not, these and other topics are things Altanta must face. But at least Marta will have clean and safe cars. I wonder if that meant they weren’t before?

By m

March 13, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this

It seems as though a lot of the comments made here are undercover racist comments. CRIME at our tourist spots?? When has that ever occurred? Ive heard of it in Miami. Dont comment on here if you dont live in the city of Atlanta. Alot of the comments are based on preception from people who live outside of 285, and cant afford to live in the city to begin with. I hear of a ton of crime in up 85north in Gwinnett county too. Dallas,TX? Im from Texas…and Dallas is NOT double the size of Atlanta. In fact, they are very similar in size. And they are going through the same problems. AS IS EVERYONE ELSE.

By Aulesia

March 13, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this

Atlanta was a great small city back between 1978-1990…WHATDAHECK happened? Atlanta needs to put a border around its perimeter to keep people out. We can only handle so much. The traffic,people and crime has been on the rise. It’s crazy, cost of living havent gotten any better either. This city is going down. The Mayor needs to get a handle on things here.

By mark c

March 13, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this

I am originally from Atlanta and have been living in NYC for 11 years now and every time I come home I can’t believe the difference. Its breathtaking! The development, energy level and pedestrian activity within the city are a wonderful site to behold. There are growing pains, no doubt, but that comes with the territory. I am so glad to see people returning to the core. The best days are definitely ahead. If city life is your thing its a very exciting time. Enjoy it!

By hh

March 13, 2006 10:37 AM | Link to this

As once stated in an Elton John song Georgia is changing and it’s not for the better. Give me 35 good acres and let progress keep the rest.

By A native

March 13, 2006 10:40 AM | Link to this

Such potential continues to be wasted with one corrupt or inept politician at a time. It began long ago when MARTA rail was used to buy votes by linking not buiness areas together but rather housing projects to downtown. City government continues to buy votes with patronage (ie jobs) while trying to provide services which are so inept , businesses band together and pay in addtion to thier city dole, more funds to get the services that they’ve already paid for once a second time.

I look forward to the next installment of COPS to see how Atlanta looks after the folks who work for a living retreat home to thier non-Atlanta, non-Marta served addresses.

By JC

March 13, 2006 10:41 AM | Link to this

For the person who said that the Dallas metroplex had double the population of metro Atlanta, please go check your facts. Metro Atlanta has 5.2 million people now and the Metroplex has 5.9. For the people who hate it here so much, don’t let the door hit you in the rear on the way out. You must dislike a low cost of living, great weather, and great accessibility to so many places and things. Please go up to Pittsburgh where there are no jobs, or Boston, where a the average home is 385,000 dollars. Why not head to North Dakota and live on the prairie? These posts about Atlanta being being a craphole are coming from spoiled pansies who need to realize wth they have and stop whining.

By atltoday

March 13, 2006 10:43 AM | Link to this

I think Atlanta’s best days are just ahead of us…I can’t wait until the new Beltline is completely materialized along w/ all of the growth in the west part of town. So many people need jobs here but that’s everywhere in this country in case you hadn’t noticed. I wish that there were some kind of metro government to help intergrate the entire metro area together for the common good of all of us but the state government would never allow much a thing.

By Chris

March 13, 2006 10:46 AM | Link to this

Many of Atlanta’s “problems” have been the result of rapid growth. Just as businesses that grow too quickly often find things suddenly slipping through the cracks, such is the situation with Atlanta.

I believe our city leaders are working in the right direction. Not everything can be solved overnight. City leaders in northern cities dealing with continuing departures of their populations to the south and west are the ones with the severe problems.

By Tamika

March 13, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this

Atlanta will have better days in the Future— As the city becomes less of a Majority ‘Chocolate city’ Voters will actully hold city officials more accountable for their actions—In turn The future Atlanta Govt. will be less Corrupt. Years of mismanagement in the City of ATL are nearing an end — Now that people from the Suburbs are moving into downtown to end that Welfare State.

By Woodman

March 13, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this

Projects like Atlantic Station are the things that are going bring the city back up. The 90’s (particularly during and after the Olympics) caused severe growing pains. I believe it is the politicians who walked around with their hands out for 10 years that caused all the problems. Hopefully people will finally stand up and hold the elected officials accountable, and Atlanta can begin to grow productively. A city is on the move when the citizens stop moving away from the downtown and start moving back in. A city with no residents is nothing but a place to go to work.

By MajorityOfOne

March 13, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this

I lived in Atlanta in the mid 90’s thru 2002. I finally moved away, letting the problems that exist here (traffic, crime, smog) run me off. After I left, I realized it really isn’t such a bad place. I finally moved back after 3 years and am happy to be back, despite the problems that exist here.

No more grass is greener on the other side.

By Lee

March 13, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this

I feel like the best days for Atlanta are gone indeed, at least in my lifetime. So many of the above comments express my exact sentiments. Crime, traffic, cheap and poorly constructed homes going up all over the area, racial politics, thugs seemingly taking control of the area, esp. Buckhead, and lack of a network mass transit system are just a few that I think makes ATL and now its surroundings a less than desirable place to live. Many of the suburbs have now become urban centers…and many of us moved to the burbs to at least semi-escape from Atlanta’s problems. Yes times have changed, but I think for the worst. I can hardly wait til retirement in a few years so I can move and have a higher and better quality of life. For those of you who may be saying “theres a plane waiting for you”, trust me, I know that already !

By GAngstaCrip

March 13, 2006 11:23 AM | Link to this

ZONE 1 CRIPS IN THIS B*** WEST ATLANTA GANGSTA CRIP

By Rick

March 13, 2006 11:24 AM | Link to this

Atlanta has great opportunity, but not with 23 lane expressways. Cobb County’s recent sales tax increase to build roads and reduce mass transit was a big mistake.

If companies would concentrate at Perimeter, Cumberland, Buckhead, Downtown, and the airport area, mass transit could move people.

The City of Atlanta is much better than 10 years ago.

Unfortunately, with Bell South moving to San Antonio, Georgia Pacific to Wichita, and Delta downsizing, a new direction needs to be found.

It will take leadership and improved public schools, but it can be done.

By time for the truth

March 13, 2006 11:25 AM | Link to this

Its very telling that certain “defenders” of Atlanta default to flowery liberal emotion, seemingly glossing over the undeniable huge negatives that the “core” metro area has. Predictably even charges of “racism” have already emerged. Clearly its only reasonable to “include” Fulton County in any legitimate assessement of Atlanta, after all the official city limit hardly acts as a (literal) buffer for the unending crime, corruption etc that have beset this part of Atlanta in the last two or three decades.

Perhaps if the city’s politicians and “concerned self serving clergy” actually aspired beyond smug, cynical platitudes about eradicating neighbourhood crime/drug abuse and seriously targeted the violent criminal elements mired in the single parent yoofs/gangbangers etc the city’s image would not be anything like as tawdry or negative as it is now. Tax dollars wasted on moronic hip-hop songs “branding” an entire, supposedly diverse city do little but perpetuate the seemingly widely held peception that (actually) Atlanta is maybe not for everyone. And that a certain,
“unchallengeable” cultural ambience is dominant. The city is quite poorly run by a well established self serving homogenous clique that bristles at legitimate criticism from, yet demands extra public subsidy from its N. Fulton et al critics.

The downtown area in my opinion has little to offer anyone, other than a few concert/sporting venues. The shops are generally speaking pretty limited, the handful of tourist attractions are pretty unimaginative, or dependent on the largesse of profligate corporate capitalists. Aside from the requiste federal and state buildings and a pretty dingy university there is little to attract folks down there, which is why downtown and its immediate environs are usually pretty empty - beyond those who work there.

Chattanooga and Seattle by contrast, as just a couple of examples, are pretty cool places to visit. Doubtless someone will tell me “Delta is ready when I am” - but for how much longer (big smirk).

By LHK

March 13, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this

Atlanta may have her best or her worst days ahead. So much of our growth up to this point has relied on the abundance of cheap crude oil. City planners and officials seem to be looking short-sightedly into the future, imagining a 2030 in which people are still commuting into Midtown and Buckhead from north Cobb county. Unless we find a sparkling, untapped oil reserve beneath the north Georgia mountains, however, I think the days are numbered for many metro Atlantans’ current lifestyles. The oil supply can’t go on being cheap and abundant forever, and we haven’t seen the emergence of any viable alternatives for the substance that’ll power our future society. Atlantans — and particulary city officials — need to begin thinking realistically about a future in which the far-out suburbs really are too far out to be part of the Atlanta metro area. We’re already seeing a lot of people getting fed up with their 15-mile, one-hour commutes. If the city proper continues thinking of “smart growth” options and follows through with the Beltline project, I think we have a lot to look forward to. If it continues to plan for more suburbs, exurbs, and massive highways, then I can foresee a quick and disastrous downfall for Atlanta.

By T

March 13, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this

The best days will be ahead for Atlanta as long as we get rid of this ridiculous ‘ghetto’ hip/hop image. Guns, crime, and lack of education don’t attract employers and investment…

Plus, the City of Atlanta and Fulton County needs to lower property taxes to attract more residents.

By Bryan

March 13, 2006 11:39 AM | Link to this

I think Atlanta is a great city. I’m in Raleigh NC which is also growing but Atl is where I want to be. Atl does seem to have a little crime but thats most major cities that I’ve been too. As soon as people let the marta rail into their communities and the pattern of pedestrian friendly growth continues Atl will only get better!!

By m

March 13, 2006 11:52 AM | Link to this

THIS IS IN RESPONDS TO “TIME FOR THE TRUTH”. Youve probably never lived in the city your entire life. Youre probably part of the elite class in Hall county Georgia. Just go ahead and say what you wanna say. I know a undercover racist when i see one.

By MIchael

March 13, 2006 12:02 PM | Link to this

I think much—much but not all—of Atlanta’s future depends on three factors: the development of great, workable, inspiring public spaces, the re-working of the transportation infrastructure to move people efficiently, and the development of something like an indigenous architecture. If the real estate developers (the city’s real rulers) can learn from the success of the revitalization of Piedmont Park, the build-up around Centennial Park and the expansion of the High Museum, for example, they will see that great public spaces create all kinds of opportunity and, in fact, serve a critical social need by showing all kinds of people that they have more in common than they tend to think.

The roads are a mess, and we need a Baron Haussman to redesign them. Making the major arteries in midtown one-way boulevards wouldbe a start: Ponce de Leon one-way westward starting at Moreland; North Avenue one-way eastward starting at Tech Boulevard; Tenth St. one-way east and Fourteenth one-way west their full length; and Peachtree one-way north starting at the Peach-W’Peach split downtown, continuing to Pershing Point. This alteration would reduce accidents (fewer left turns into oncoming traffic), elimiate some red-lights and generally ease traffic.

As for archticture, the city needs to learn to make better use of the ample sun and mild weather in all its architecture. We aren’t in England old or new, and we aren’t living in plantation culture anymore. Good architecture that makes good use of our environment would enhance life here a good deal.

It would also help if some of the transplants with bad attitudes would go back to the rusted-out wrecks they left to come here. We could use more people with good will and sound judgment, and fewer runaways with axes to grind.

By time for the truth

March 13, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this

to ‘m’

Now that was hilarious!! The “elite class in Hall County” … I’m still larfing … exactly where would I find them?

The most telling part of your hissy fit was labelling me “an undercover racist”. Now that was truly an intellectual gem. Clearly you are unable or unwilling to actually debate any of the points I made which were perfectly valid commentary and factually solid. You may not agree with the general sentiment but tell me where my FACTS are “wrong”. I have quite fairly critiqued Atlanta based on almost nine years in the metro area, observing the unremitting disproportionately urban yoof crime on nightly TV, the unending local corruption and the invariably one sided racial politics from the civil rights industry - to reiterate but three. Tell me where ALL the wonderful attractions aimed at ALL visitors are downtown - I must have missed them on my numerous visits. Atlanta is not really a tourist town - is it?

Note I didn’t even mention the panhandlers or the corrupt/incompetent Sherrifs Dept. How about riding on MARTA after dark?

If folks dont feel safe, or uncomfortable in an area they wont go there, or not very often. Hence Atlanta is usually relatively empty outside of the 9-5 M-F shift. There’s nothing “racist” about stating this.

For me there is no pleasure in going downtown, other than to see the Braves or an occasional concert. There is no real identity/ambience etc in downtown Atlanta either, its mostly concrete - yeah … I know the yankee Sherman burned most of it.

By living in fl

March 13, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this

I am currently living in Florida. I moved from Atlanta in 2002 because I wanted a slower pace and a lower cost of living. I have visited a few times and I talk to family members who live in Atlanta and the burbs. I have lived in Decatur, Stone Mountain, Smyrna, Southwest Atlanta and finally, Midtown. I also worked downtown at a major university. I choose that lifestyle because I love the energy of the city. I love the lights and the sounds and the people. I walked, and rode MARTA just about everywhere I went. For all of the people that talk about crime, not once when I was walking or waiting for the bus, was I a victim of crime. When I walked home alone from the clubs at 2 a.m., I was never harassed or threatened. I have heard of people who have experienced horrible crimes but I know plenty of people who never had anything happen to them. STOP Worrying about crime. It happens. I live in a small town and our news programs are full of crimes happening on a daily. I live in a state that has a very high number of convicted child molesters. This is a fact that was reported on a national news program. I watch my children all the time. I fear for them more here than I do when I visit Atlanta. And the cost of living in this small city is just as high as in Atlanta. Gas is cheaper in Atlanta than it is here. And do not get me started about the homes. There is an affordable home shortage in Pinellas County, Florida. The county and city officials are trying to come up with ways to keep teachers, police officers and firemen in the county because they cannot afford a decent 3 bd home in a decent area of town. An average 3 bd home will run about $250,000. And it will only have about 1200 sq feet. The traffic is not as bad but our highway is only three lanes wide. And it only goes north to south. I can count on one hand the number of exits that exist. Please count your blessings that you are in a progressive city. I am living in the stone ages.

By Anita

March 13, 2006 12:28 PM | Link to this

Atlanta’s best days are yet to come because life is a cycle. It had its reign and it will come back; especially when enough people leave/relocate to other area’s and give the city a chance to breath again. Change is always painful because it requires acceptance of new and different thoughts, ideas and meshing of cultures. Once the good-ole boys mentality is forever removed, and ATL stops attempting to cater to and attract ONLY the african-american hip hop market and realize it needs to appeal to all…then things will improve. I have enjoyed Atlanta since 91, and as an African americam from Detroit, I have watched this area grow and adapt under the harshest of circumtances. But an attempt to accept any should not come at the cost of alienating anyone else and that is the only lesson I see Georgia as a whole not learning. Perhaps when Atlanta gets a “White Female” mayor, perceptions and agenda’s will change and become more inclusive of the true picture of what Atlanta is about; its about mexicans, blacks, white, hispanics, asians, christians, gays, vietnamese, and others.

By MHK

March 13, 2006 12:30 PM | Link to this

To JM: Your idea that areas south of the city (East Point, College Park, etc.) are too dangerous to live in is ridiculous. I’m lifetime southsider myself, and a proud 7-year resident of East Point. Why don’t you just say what you consider to be dangerous - BLACK PEOPLE. I am white, 29 years old and female, and live in a diverse neighborhood consisting of all races, sexual orientations and backgrounds. And though you may be shocked - a great majority of us (black and white) are well-educated, upwardly mobile professionals who enjoy our art collections, trips all over the world, and good wine. Many of us want to be part of the urban renewal that’s (THANK GOD) taking place in Atlanta. We don’t want our children in lily-white schools, or to live amongst lots of bad architecture in gated communities. Some of us want the real, time-worn substance of a community, even if that means a little grit a few car break-ins come with it. And why this prevailing notion that everything on the soutside is blight? When you speak of dangerous neighborhoods why not mention Grant Park or Kirkwood?? Do you not know that the crimes per capita in this n’hood are higher than those in EP and CP communities? And every night on the news I see home invasions and car jackings happening all over Cobb and Gwinnett counties - so why not mention them as dangerous, too? Probably because you don’t see them as majority Black, and that’s what really troubles you. Afterall, what’s happening in Fayetteville (where I’m from, PS) that would lead you to believe it’s dangerous? OH, there happens to have been a large African-American influx there over the past several years. Better pack up and head down to Meriwether before they start playing that rap music.

It’s people who share your perspective that I hope will continue to retreat to the white suburbs. The faster we can get rid of your kind, the better off this city will be.

By atl4ever

March 13, 2006 12:34 PM | Link to this

First things first, to all the detractors who say that Atlanta is “to dangerous”…Do you remember the 1980s when entire neighborhoods were being destroyed by crack? Its no picnic now-a-days but its nothing compared to when all the major housing projects were still open. Also to the people making sly comments about the city’s problems being rooted in it being a “Chocolate City”, Atlanta is 61% black and there is a growing Latino and asian population. This is the face of most major cities and if you are uncomfortable with that you should probably move to Utah or perhaps Europe. They have wonderful cities there.

As for the comment at hand I believe whole heartedly that Atlanta’s best days are ahead. Those who derides the city’s lack of culture seem not to get out of the burbs to often. Within 3 blocks of my apartment off of Ponce you can see a play at 3 different theatres. Eat at a Thai, Ethiopian, Southern, Italian and two Cuban restaurants. From the jazz fest to gay pride midtown is never a dull place. Nor is the rest of the city.

With world class shopping, sports, entertainment (have you taken at a look which city has the most represntation on the billboard charts??)and a progressive LIBERALIZED city government Atlanta is one of the best places to live not only in the South but also in the country if not the world.

Don’t believe me? Go to New York or any other northern city and see the segregation of the neighborhoods. Travel to southeast asia and see they problems they have with sprawl and pollution. For example, in Manila the smog is so thick its darker than a thunderstorm cloud (literally pitch black) and in Bombay India their largest slums has an estimated 1 million people living it. That doesnt count the dozens of other slums in the city of 20 million. Go to any of these other places and you’ll instantly realize that driving 1 hour to and from work or occasionally having to interact with scary urban people isnt necessarily the worst thing in the world.

Indeed Atlanta’s worst days are behind us (ahem, Jim Crow) and we only have to look forward to greater things. We need boosters to prop our city up however. It will not be completed on its own. If you feel the need to incessantly complain, leave. This city is not for you. If you do not then lets make Atlanta an even better place to live!

By Atlien

March 13, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this

From East Point to East Lake the city is blooming. I live in East Lake and homes are selling like hot cakes. You see great things popping up in downtown College Park, Castleberry Hill, etc. There are so many buildings and condos that havn’t been built yet. So the best is yet to come.

By Kady

March 13, 2006 01:14 PM | Link to this

Oh, Atlanta…..and those of us who grow up in the city, lived as a mature adult in the city…Job situation is not good, people continue to move here thinking there is alot of opportunity which there is not. But forget about the traffic, jobs….Atlanta has will always be about the Southern way of life….The Best is yet to come!

By living in fl

March 13, 2006 01:16 PM | Link to this

To Time for the Truth: I resent the fact that you elluded to the fact that all crime in Atlanta is committed by blacks who were raised in single family homes. I am a product of a single mother home and I have not committed any crimes, with the exception of speeding, and I am raising two young males you are constantly complimented on their good behavior. I agree with “m”, you are racist. I am willing to bet that you do not even live within the parameters of 285. I have lived inside and outside of 285. I experienced more negativity and racism when I lived in Stone Mountain and attended the schools where I was the only black child in attendance. I received a wonderful education, at a National School of Excellence, at a Southwest Atlanta area high school. It seems that you are a bit upset that certain urban people are making strides. Don’t Hate. Congratulate!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just because you see young “urban” men and women out and about doing their thing, don’t jump to conclusions. When I worked at GSU, plenty of students wore their clothes baggy, grungy, punkish, preppy, slutty. The one thing I learned was that you cannot judge a book by its cover. Some of those students wearing the baggy clothes were biolgoy majors, pre-law majors, enigeering students, music students. I love the pride that a black person can have in Atlanta. I am residing in a city where most of the black residents work as domestics or a CNA in a nursing home or they do nothing. Yeah to a city where black people are doing their thing…

By Cory

March 13, 2006 01:24 PM | Link to this

Two things, and I’ll shut up. First, the thug culture wanna be’s are from out of town. Remember Ray Leiws etc. Whenever awful things happen in Buckhead you can bet it’s caused by people visiting here. Ride down Boulevard and your perception is this looks like crime. When was the last time you heard of a murder on Boulevard? Boulevard is populated by locals. Contrast Boulevard to Buckhead when you think of shootings etc. Awful people do awful things wherever they go. Awful people visiting Atlanta create an awful perception of the city. Too bad we can’t keep them out. But we get stigmatized because of their behavior. Second, the place can’t be that bad. Heck, condos are going up all over the place. Even in-fill housing a taking hold.

By Flowery Emotional Liberal

March 13, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this

Better be careful, “living in fl”! “time for the truth” might use alot of really big words to cut you down to size!

Or should we call it “flowery right-wing emotion”?

By Gentri1

March 13, 2006 01:51 PM | Link to this

Atlanta is a nice city. It’s no different than any other major city. It has some of the same problems that they have. Ever since the Olympics came and went in 1996, things seemed to have just been steam-rolling along for the city. There was a population growth, and as a result, traffic grew as well. Other than big business’ either closing up shop and going over seas, or just closing down altogether, my main gripe is with transportation. Here’s an suggestion for local officials: Instead of putting another lane on our already congested highways. How about investing some time and money into the city’s mass transit system? Or maybe even adding on a commuter service rail or two? It would help ease the city’s growing traffic woes, since a lot of sub-divisions are popping up everyday around Metro Atlanta. It would also help the residents that live inside I-285, get to better jobs beyond Fulton County. And if the “potential” for an increase in crime is the issue for the hold up, it shouldn’t be. It happens everywhere. Just a thought.

By david

March 13, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this

Gartrell of Dallas-you have been gone a long time. the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex is not “twice as big as metro Atlanta”; in fact, it only has a few hundred thousand people more. According to most figures about 4.5 M for the Big D, and about 4.1 for the big A.

By atl4ever

March 13, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this

Gentri1:

Good suggestion but unfortunately its easier said than done. In the city proper strides are being made to add to mass transit. The beltline is being pushed thru faster than you can say peachtree and once completed will add another 45 stations to whats already here.

OTP is a different story however. Since there is no centralized governing body for most of the 4 or so million people outside the city of Atlanta mass transit proposals would have to come from the state government. Being that they are more engrossed with NASCAR and adding another bazillion lanes to I-75 thats not going to happen anytime soon.

So what to do? I suggest a city and burrough system similar to New York City. Decisions that the entire area can be made in downtown atlanta and decisions that affect just a certain area would remain local. Some if not most people would shide away from this idea but if we’re to fix our cities problems (and they are not insurmountable) we’ll have to look past our differences and politics to achieve that. We’re all georgians at heart.

By msteven

March 13, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this

test

By msteven

March 13, 2006 02:26 PM | Link to this

We have a wonderful huge airport here in Atlanta. Here’s a suggestion. Since its so much crime,traffic, thugs. How about going to the airport, booking a one-way flight to where ever(east jesus for all I care) and leave the city never to return. I promise, no one will notice you even left!

By Bob Ramsey

March 13, 2006 02:34 PM | Link to this

Anybody that can recommend a place for me to move to? I’m serious! I’ve lived in Atlanta all my life and I’m tired of it. So that nobody can tell me to move, I’m saying that I want to leave here, and I will at the earliest opportunity. I’m tired of race being such an issue, all the time, everywhere it’s about race. One race complaining about the other. Atlanta has “culture”, if you’re talking about racial mix, but whether that is a positive culture…?
If people would just try to do something with their life, instead of waiting for someone to give them something, or making excuses for why they don’t have anything, things would be a lot better. Too many rednecks here too.
I work downtown and I can’t even go to a drug store at lunch, because there aren’t any, unless I want to walk through the urine stinch at Five Points and go to CVS and risk getting robbed.

By Ryan

March 13, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this

One major bright star of Atlanta is unfortunately behind us: BACKSTREET. Say what you will, but that place was a legend. I’ve yet to see anything like it anywhere in the world and we were lucky enough to have it in our backyard. Whether you went or not, it’s a shame it’s gone.

By Ryan

March 13, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this

Blogs illuminate the poor state of education and English speaking and writing skills. No wonder I have such a hard time hiring worthy candidates.

City’s (possesive form of City—NOT “cities”).

You people make my eyes hurt.

By Chanetta

March 13, 2006 02:48 PM | Link to this

Here’s the deal with Atlanta. If you live intown.. the best days are yet to come because we are enjoying a huge influx of upwardly mobile, cool, artsy, highly educated people… and they are having babies and sending them to the urban schools in Atlanta and Decatur. If you live outside the perimeter in the burbs… well, your hay days are about over because you are slowly being overrun by the losers who can’t afford to live intown anymore so they are moving to the burbs and having babies and sending them to your schools.

By Van

March 13, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this

Chanetta, you may be correct. I do have one question, where do these “upwardly mobile, cool, artsy, highly educated people” work to afford the high price of housing and the tax burdens of intown? Personally, I enjoy the open space in my own backyard, heck a half acre isn’t much, but it is mine.

By Craig

March 13, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this

Its amazing the differences of opinion regarding the current status of Atlanta. Last time I checked, the school systems in metro Atlanta and the surrounding counties are exploding with growth. Small to medium size companies are expanding rapidly. I work for a small company that just opened last year and we are expanding from 15 employees to 75 by the end of this year. There are so many small to medium size companies that are growing and expanding in Atlanta, but they do not get noticed like the older, established companies such as Bellsouth and Delta. Cities grow on new ideas and development. Old growth companies such as GM, Ford, Bellsouth, and Delta are not the future of a city. Tech, Life Sciences, service, healthcare, and other areas are the high growth sectors for the future of the US, and especially for Atlanta. Cities that rely heavily on old established companies will not succeed. Fortunately, growth is other companies will continue to explode and you will see other companies take the place of the old business that people have been used to.

Atlanta is the Southeastern US economic hub for a reason. It will continue to grow. The current population will need to adjust or be pushed out by others who come in and are willing to work to build a greater city and stronger economic base. That is how cities grow.

Just look at other cities in the country. One example would be Seattle which was mentioned by an earlier posting. What was Seattle without Starbucks and Microsoft (two relatively new companies)?

As the face of Atlanta changes, there will still be growth and success. You just need to adapt to the change, or fall behind. Kia is a good example of a sudden change. They are building a new factory in an area that used to be a heavy textile area. They will adapt to the new climate, as will Atlanta.

By Bradley Parkzes

March 13, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this

My family (wife and young son) is moving to the Atlanta area from the Northern Virginia area (Washington DC sururb). We like the Northern Virginia area very much but the pace is very very hectic. The cost of living is outragerous.Fortunately for us we have made good investment and have three homes in Virginia and Maryland. The Atlanta traffic is nothng compared to Northern Virgina, DC, Maryland traffic. The grass always look greener on the other side but believe you me all big cities have similar problems. The Northern Virginia unemployment rate is 1.9%. Their are lots of good paying jobs in Northern VA but you have to be willing to commute at least 3 hours a day. Folks up here are used to the traffic. My wife and i have great jobs that pays very well but the commute and quality of life sucks, that is why we are giving up two high paying jobs up for a better quality of life in the surburbs of Atlanta.

I have to say i am very discouraged to see so much racial over tone in the postings. It’s too bad. I guess i have to be more guarded when i move to the burbs of Atlanta in a few month. Not so much form me but for my son. It is really too bad to read some of the postings.

By Marge

March 13, 2006 03:19 PM | Link to this

I have been here 14 years, and I think Atlanta’s best days are behind it. Traffic is choking the life out of everyone and the landuse planning leaves a lot to be desired. Atlanta’s Urban planning could use a refresher in Beautification and usefullness.

By ADL

March 13, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this

I find the “if you don’t like it, just leave” comments very funny.

Maybe everyone can’t just quit their jobs, sell their house and move. Maybe some people DON’T WANT TO. We don’t dislike everything about Atlanta, but it isn’t perfect. We choose to stay and bring about positive change.

Sorry. Deal with us.

By Robert

March 13, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this

Here are some thoughts that the most do not realize….

Atlanta population and the concentration of population is increasing like crazy. Every month a new high rise condo breaks ground. This adds hundreds and thousands of people to the city. As the City politicans smile at the thought of collecting all of the property taxes, no one has thought of:

The City of Atlanta is a ticking time bomb with regards to services. I am selling and moving out asap because I do not see anyone looking out for our future. Forget about future events, etc, what about basic services?

By Melanie

March 13, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this

To Van: the people Chanetta mentioned in her post work in as many different places as the people in the suburbs do. Here’s a key difference - while you value your 1/2 acre of land, I value my ability to walk or ride a bike to restaurants and shops. Values and priorities are the key differentiators between OTPs and ITPs (wince). You may value you big piece of property, safe schools, and three-car garage. I value the character of my old home, the graceful old oak trees, and the diversity of my n’hood’s residents. I also value my time - which is why I don’t want to spend most of it in a car driving to and from the daily activities of my life.

By Ken Roberts

March 13, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this

I cant believe how many negative comments I see here. Currently I live in the middle of midtown at Georgia Tech and I couldnt be happier. There is no crime to speak of within sight of campus, and this part of the city is growing by leaps and bounds. Atlanta Station just opened recently, a new skyscraper was built within the last 6 months less than a half-mile away, new high priced condos are shooting up left and right, and the size of Georgia Tech by itself has more than DOUBLED in the last 10 years. I could go on and on. Things may seem dim when you’re living in the suburbs and sitting in traffic for 3 hours a day, but you made that decision yourself. As Atlanta transitions to less of a commuter city and more of a city, you’ll only see things improve more and more. The vibrance and growth of the midtown area is astounding. Forget the past, it wasnt that great; our best days are still ahead.

By jvw

March 13, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this

Are ATL’s best days behind it? I do not know the answer to that question, but I can tell you that I absolutely fell in love with the Atlanta that I visited last summer. Being from L.A., the Atlanta traffic and air quality didn’t bother me one bit. Be thankful for the low cost of living and affordable housing. The people from Atlana were some of the friendliest that I’ve ever met. I look forward to my next visit in a couple of weeks.

By time for the truth

March 13, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this

FAO living in fl

Your points are intellectually dishonest! I simply pointed out the facts, as presented on WSBTV et al. A disproportionate amount of crime in Atlanta is committed by feral urban yoofs, and gangbangers (latinos too of course)and way too many have single mothers unwilling or unable to control them. This is the case across the USA in many many (urban) cities, its undeniable.

I dont “hate” anyone love - and this pathetic, unsupported assertion of “racism” is simply a hateful smear. As for the yoof fashions, why even raise it? is it a very sensitive point for you? I tend to judge folks on their behaviour/mind set both individually and to some extent collectively - the latter approach with pretty obvious reservations - I dont judge simply on what people look like. The point of this blog is about Atlanta and its future. Look at who runs the city, and note the crime, poor education, corruption, massive property taxes, incompetence in so many public works/safety departments etc I focused on the problems of the downtown area and an informed overview of Atlanta - virtually non of which you actually addressed.

I posted legitimate, objective criticism which you completely ignored, but yet you call me racist.

Perhaps if more blacks actually looked at the situation in Atlanta instead of just robotically crying racist things might (hopefully) change for the better. Sadly this is a common practice, any criticism of blacks (if you’re white) and you’re “racist” - which means that the criticism can then be ignored).

If the ATL “theme” was a dumb country music song I’d be just as contemptuous.

Clearly most blacks, like most whites are decent law abiding folks. The fact I needed to post that blatantly obvious rider shows just how far you have distorted my original posts.

By Ryan

March 13, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this

One need only look at another AJC headline to answer this question:

“The most expensive townhouses in the history of Peachtree Road are being built in Buckhead”

I think the city is just beginning (again)

By jay

March 13, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this

Ryan,

Maybe you have a difficult time hiring worth candidates because your spending your time blogging when you should be screening applications and resumes. Just a thought!

By stephanie

March 13, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this

I have lived here all my life and it is getting worse in the sense of over developement, bad traffic and bad air. We have to control growth- this city is losing it’s old charm.

By snes

March 13, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this

I think Atlanta’s best days are still ahead because of all the new developments like Atlantic Station, the Aquarium, and in the future the beltline. However, I think all the communities living OTP are in for some rough years.

By Jay

March 13, 2006 03:53 PM | Link to this

Ryan, Maybe you have a difficult time hiring worthy candidates because you spend your time blogging as opposed to screening applications and resumes. Just a thought!

By BPJ

March 13, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this

I noticed the same thing Chanetta did: the most positive comments are coming from people who live in the city of Atlanta, especially Midtown, while the most negative comments are mostly from well OTP. Those of us who live intown are finding that the quality of life is improving, while some of those further out are finding the opposite. Consider the statistics in a recent study reported in the AJC: in 1990, the average income per capita in the city was 10% lower than the rest of the metro area; by 2004, per capita income in the city was 28% higher. No other city in the nation posted such a dramatic shift in the relative income of residents in the central city compared with its suburbs. What this tells us is that many of the people with choices are tending to choose city life. That is a big change, with profound consequences for Atlanta. A few points to keep in mind: first, Atlanta’s greatest asset is its concentration of colleges and universities. These talent attractors and job creators are not going away. Second, Atlanta is the arts capital of the South. (Did you see the rave reviews for the Atlanta Symphony at Carnegie Hall?) The quality of life depends greatly on this. Third, our park system is expanding even without the Beltline - another crucial factor. Fourth, crime is down. What you see on our local news is the typical “if it bleeds, it leads” approach to journalism; it tells you next to nothing about crime trends. Finally, just check out the restaurant scene here. As a native Atlantan, that is the biggest change I’ve seen. In 40 years we have gone from hardly any restaurants worth mentioning, to one of the best US dining cities. (I’m talking about real, one-of-a-kind restaurants, not the Cheesecake Factory!)

By Mark

March 13, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

The ones that hate it here so much, PLEASE leave.. You probably dont even live in the city limits.. I would hate it too! I wonder sometimes the ones that do hate it so much think they are gonna live that is SOOO much better? Please stop complaining, some of you would complain anywhere you lived. Nobody cares if your from up north.. I know why you moved! Go to Piedmont Park one weekend and just relax, and see what some of that tax money Shirley has spent in the area and how good things are looking.

By john

March 13, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this

What a bunch of party poopers and pessimists. No wonder you guys are unemployed or having difficulty. Atlanta is the land of optimists and you’ve just been left out of the party. Atlanta’s best days are now and ahead and kudos to Shirley Franklin for making it happen.

By rojer

March 13, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

Chanetta hit it on the head. People with money are able to take advantage of expanding opportunities for intown resdients and can look forward to continued prosperity and growth. There is no shortage of top jobs in the city, as management/professional positions are expanding. Further, intown leaders are gaining influence regionally and state-wide and city issues are being addressed with greater frequency.

For broke people, Atlanta has past its prime as the allure of the suburbs diminishes and the intown residents/government ship their undesirables OTP for others to deal with their problems. Meanwhile current suburban/exurban residents fall back on racial prejudices to convince themselves that their decreasing quality of life and marginalized social/economic/political power somehow make them better off than residents of Atlanta, College Park, East Point and Decatur who experience a revival of their neighborhoods on a daily basis.

By time for the truth

March 13, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

“Atlanta is the arts capital of the South… The quality of life depends greatly on this.”

WHAT??? You are obviously trying to wind everyone up mate!! As a proud doggedly doltish philistine I strenuously object to such mindless assertions. The quality of life in any metro area is hardly determined by the number of pretentious arty types who arrogate a superior “I’m much more kultured than you peasants” attitude to those of us who don’t share such aspirations that invariably lead to posing in symphony halls and drooling in so called modern art galleries. The performing (fine) arts I deem execrable entertainment, albeit rather more because of the gushing fawning aficionados than the “act” itself.

Now if Rigoletto was being done at a stump jumping contest as half time entertainment I might not turn my i-Pod on :)

By Jeff

March 13, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this

I love the ones: “Oh, I have lived in Atlanta for 30 yrs and cant wait to move”… Uuuumm growing up in North Marietta is not Atlanta.

By J M

March 13, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this

Yep honey, that’s what I’m saying, you proud 7 year resident you. I’ve lived here for 30+ years and base my opinion on observation, not politically-correct ideaologies. Go toke on your hookah pipe and shave your armpits, you transplanted treehugger.

By Greg

March 13, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

I moved away from Atlanta 2 years ago because I wanted someplace with more urban development and arts culture. So I moved to Los Angeles. What a mistake! If you are a native Atlantan or thinking of moving, You really need to read the posts by people who have left or people who live elsewhere and are moving to Atlanta. I think it’s 100% impossible to beat Atlanta for quality of life/standard of living. PERIOD! And someone mentioned the positive spirit of Atlanta - they are right - it’s an entrepreneurial, positive, can-do place. You’ll be surprised at what’s MISSING when you move somewhere else. Everyone in L.A. is mean, miserable, scared selfish, petty and I hate to say it because I don’t want to sound like some kind of holy roller, but I can’t shake the sensation that there’s an institutionalized evil out here. It’s just bad. Stop for a moment and be grateful for what you have there, and be one of the folks who stays positive and that resentment and negative energy and bad race relations will STOP and it won’t spread. If you do nothing, or join in the complaining, you just become another piece of kindling thrown onto a spreading fire. Put that fire out.

Greg Los Angeles

By Robert

March 13, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this

I have lived in Atlanta for 15 years - midtown and buckhead. However, the unchecked rate of growth is going to be our downfall. The City is not keeping up the utilities with the growth. Our water system and sewage system is already over burdened and is on the verge of collapse. Yet, the City politicans continue to grant building permits solely to collect more property taxes.

I love Atlanta, but it is a time bomb. Soon, you will turn on the water and nothing comes out. Soon, when it rains, raw sewage will bubble up from the drain.

By CAR

March 13, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

Speaking as one who was born and raised here, Atlanta’s best days as Atlanta are behind it. I know that continued growth is considered to be progress, but our growth has taken over just like Kudzu, enveloping everything this city was. No longer are we a genteel, kind city of the South, distinctive in what we have to offer. Our local stores have been taken over by bigger chains, and the majority of our history is torn down, paved over, or ignored. I’m just waiting for the day someone tries to do away with The Varsity!

You take your life into your hands every time you get into a car or try and walk anywhere as far too many drivers ignore the fact that anyone else is on the road. Basically, I’m sad to see my city being taken over by so many people moving in, and I find far too many of you to be rude and mean.

By Tommy

March 13, 2006 05:05 PM | Link to this

well, the Clermont and Blondie are still here…that says something good, doesn’t it??…

By Kitty

March 13, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this

I’m a SouthSider. I live inside the perimeter in East Point. I moved there 27 years ago. I am a single, straight, white woman who promised herself that as long as I had to work, I would live near public transportation and would purchase a home that I could afford. I did all that. I’ve always worked downtown and Atlanta has given me a very good living, plenty of decent entertainment, diversity of neighbors and friends of all kinds. I have to admit I do complain occasionally that this is still a provincial outpost wearing gold lame; however, I haven’t picked up and gone somewhere else. There are positive cobwebs holding me here. Viva East Point!!!

By A Pimp Named Slickback

March 13, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this

Every major city in the USA has crime. If you want a completely crime free place you need to move to Oconee County or something, and even there you are not likely to get away from crime altogether. Atlanta has its problems but there are plenty of other cities in the USA which have just as bad traffic, worse pollution, worse crime, worse roads, etc. For a city as big as it is we should be proud of where Atlanta is right now.

If the suburbs realize that Marta is a good thing, this city has its best days ahead of it.

By Kevin

March 13, 2006 06:27 PM | Link to this

Depends on your outlook. We’re losing the last remnants of the higher paying manufacturing jobs in the metro area when the Ford and GM pplants close. Who knows yet what will be the new look of a slimmed-down Delta Airlines. Replacing these type jobs with service-orientated, low wage positions doesn’t exactly leave me all warm and fuzzy inside. Couple this with companies penchant for outsourcing, area military bases closing and negative commuting impacts, I’m wondering if we’ll still be the attractive darling of the nation. God, I hope I’m wrong!

By Lee

March 13, 2006 06:39 PM | Link to this

One of the worst moves the City of Atlanta has made in a number of years, was the new ATL campaign. Its very racist….Atlanta has a variety of musical styles and artists here but to my knowledge, it was left up to the hip-hop/rap crowd. It is NOT portraying Atlanta in a positive light…I know plenty of people who would never consider living in Atlanta or its surroundings…yes, Delta is ready when I am …. and I will take advantage in a few years….I’m sure plenty of you will disagree with this take on things, but people are talking, and ATL does not have the clean/polished image so many of you imply.

By kurak

March 13, 2006 06:49 PM | Link to this

Lee, that’s why the ATL campaign produced different versions of the song for the campaign, including a symphonic version, a marching band version, a jazz version, etc. I don’t think the campaign is that great, but you can’t call it racist. That’s just ignorant.

By BC

March 13, 2006 07:25 PM | Link to this

A lot hinges on how we address the transportation issue. If we continue to just pour more pavement as temporary “patches”, the problem will never be resolved and the pollution levels will continue to rise. Atlanta got where it is today because previous city and state leaders had the foresight to invest in such things as the Hartsfield, Lake Lanier, and the GWCC. If we ever have leadership at the state level with the foresight to invest in our rapid transit infrastructure, Atlanta will have the opportunity to continue growing as an international city. Otherwise, neighboring cities, such as Charlotte, San Antonio, and Orlando will just continue to nibble away at us.

By Lee

March 13, 2006 07:26 PM | Link to this

Say ignorant if you please, Kurak, but theres quite a few people who feel that way … different versions…? the different versions I have heard still sound rather hip-hop to me.

By chally

March 13, 2006 07:28 PM | Link to this

To all you people complaining about atlanta. I moved to metro atlanta(gwinnett county) from new york city in september 2004.I saw a lot of opportunity that existed here. Here has a positive can do,get it done attitude.That’s why i have started a business doing pretty well.atlanta give any entrepreneur a lift that he/she can do anything. What atlanta need is to carefully control their growth,do best practice urban planning ,spend as much money and tax incentives to attract the arts as much as the biotechnology firms,provide efficient public transportion and revamp the educational system so that we can create and establish businesses and business leaders who can sustain job creation and revenue.

By Rick

March 13, 2006 07:56 PM | Link to this

I love my Atlanta. All the good and the bad. The good is better than anywhere else in the country. The bad you’re going to have no matter where you go. Believe me, there are worse places to live.

By vonski

March 13, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

Yes, Atlanta’s best days are ahead.

How good the days are will be determined by expanding the mass trasnsit and creating towns/developments (instead of subdivisions) based on grids where people can work, play, shop, and live.

As for those who really want to live in a city, hang in there. In 20 years only the rich will live inside the perimeter!

By chris

March 13, 2006 09:19 PM | Link to this

As a native Atlantan who grew up in view of the Capital building, I must say the quality of living in this city has gone downhill and continues to do so at an accelerating rate. Crime, traffic, and the cost of living have all gotten measurably worse. I used to be proud to say that I was a native Atlantan, but no more. I would leave Atlanta but unfortunately that would mean not being able to see my children.

By Tar Heel Bred bleeds Tar Heel Blue

March 13, 2006 09:23 PM | Link to this

In the article, Mr. Berry made some very good points about the growth cycles that super-large American cities go through over the long-term. Mr. Berry cited a very good example of neighborhoods becoming more important to the city’s psyche after a grass-roots defeat of the construction of I-485 by neighborhood coalitions in the 1970’s. Over the long-term, neighborhood-identity could grow to have the same importance that it does in more mature large cities.

Right now, Atlanta is such a large and diverse city that it’s image can’t be portrayed by one singluar representation as was witnessed by the ATL theme song debacle back in the fall. Atlanta is so diverse and its people have such diverse experiences that the only types of theme songs that would work on a national level are probably the types of songs that an individual or a group would perform that told about their own experiences in Atlanta, sort of like, for example, Randy Newman’s “I Love L.A.”, Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” or even Jermaine Dupri and Ludacris’ “Welcome To Atlanta” from a few years back.

Who’s idea was it to come up with a pre-fabricated theme song anyway? Atlanta is such a large and diverse city that it has not one nickname, but a series of nicknames like “Hotlanta”, “The ATL”, “The A-Town” or just simply “The A”, just to name a scant few. One nickname or theme song couldn’t possibly represent the myriad of diverse people and experiences in the metro area. Atlanta isn’t a town that you try to sell with a theme song, Atlanta is a town that should only be pitched to outside business people and conventioneers by embracing and marketing its unique Southern cosmopolitan diversity.

Atlanta has become sort of a youthful version of Los Angeles, but on the East Coast with that same feeling of a disconnected and spread out metro area with no cohesive sense of community or one symbol that all Atlantans can identify with. Unlike a New York, Atlanta doesn’t have a true center (or series of central symbols like NY) to bring many divergent parts and different people together from the metro area. Atlanta doesn’t have a Statue of Liberty, or a Times Square, or a street or condensed area like Broadway that is the center of international theatre.

We all know that there are some major differences between LA and Atlanta the lack of oceans, beaches, mountains and deserts. Also, while most of the major surface streets in the L.A. basin are laid-out in a grid system, Atlanta has almost no rhyme, reason or layout to its street “system” and the surface streets that exist have been overlooked in long-term planning. Worst of all, the haphazard gridless layout of surface streets (most, if not all of which, are based on ancient Indian trails) has led to an almost ultra-heavy dependancy on a relatively limited freeway network for commuting long distances producing almost widespread gridlock which has been aided by the crazy patchwork quilt of city and county governments who don’t always like to coordinate with each other and work together.

The city shouldn’t be down about losing the NASCAR Hall of Fame to Charlotte, after all North Carolina is the birthplace of NASCAR racing and most of its superstar drivers live in the immediate area of Charlotte. Putting the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Atlanta would be like forsaking Cooperstown and putting the Baseball Hall of Fame in Midtown Manhattan or putting the Ice Hockey Hall of Fame in Downtown Los Angeles. Granted, the NASCAR official could have just said that the Charlotte location kept the Hall of Fame close to the sport’s roots of running moonshine down country roads in the Carolinas and didn’t have to take a below-the-belt dig at the perception of crime in Downtown Atlanta (which isn’t perceived good nationally and should serve as a wake-up-call to the local powers-that-be, but probably won’t be).

On the better side, the Atlanta music scene has become the “21st Century Motown-of-the-South” and is a dominant international force on the world stage and the city looks to have an infantile jones for filmmaking and appears to want to be an up-and-coming center for independent filmmaking (Hollywood of the East? could happen). So it’s not out of the question that the city’s best, if not most populous and gridlocked, days could still be ahead. The city’s possession of the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson, alone makes it a very desirable location to relocate to because of the easy and almost-instant accessiblity to the rest of the country and the world by plane.

The Metro area has grown by almost 150,000 people a year since the late 1980’s so be prepared for more “Worst than L.A.-style” growth for years to come, economy-permitting of course.

By John

March 13, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this

Ever since the blacks took over years ago, the city has not grown as much as it should have. Take a look at Birmingham, same thing. Open your eyes. Best days were over a long, long time ago.

By l

March 13, 2006 10:29 PM | Link to this

Let’s see if I got this straight… Atlanta is going to lose two big plants, Ford Hapeville plant and Doraville, crime is up by 3% by the national average, Delta is going bankrupt, education here is at a all time low, jobs are scarce here, traffic is a nightmare but on the bright side, at least Atlanta has the largest Aquarium in North America in crime ridden downtown Atlanta! WOW! No wonder everyone is moving outside Atlanta.

Is there anything special about Atlanta?

By monty

March 13, 2006 11:44 PM | Link to this

folks, this is a blog. if someone answers the blog question in a way that doesn’t agree with your personal stance, suggesting they move away shows your limited critical thinking and reasoning skills. it’s a blog…or open forum…all they are stating is an opinion. stop taking it so personally.

By BC

March 14, 2006 12:50 AM | Link to this

Good point monty!!! I was thinking the same thing. Personally, I love Atlanta, that’s why issues such as mass transit (or lack thereof) in Atlanta worry me. I think Atlanta has a lot going for it - but I’m worried that it will suffer if we don’t start expanding MARTA’s rail system.

By Michael

March 14, 2006 01:37 AM | Link to this

Hello all, I’m a recent transplant and I love Atlanta so far. I moved from a state in the northeast with a declining population, no economic growth, and zero entertainment(maybe some entertainment, but that was few and far in between). It’s funny to hear people talking about moving out of the ATL-metro area when there are so many stores, restaurants, events, bars/clubs, and people to keep you entertained on any night of the week.

And for those people that think the growing numbers of minorities (black/hispancis/non-white) are ruining ATL/GA, you would be wise to leave now because statistics show it’s not going to slow down in your lifetime!!!

Also, hip-hop is not going to die like many had hoped it would back in the 80’s. It’s going to keep growing and invading almost all areas of media and entertainment, so the ATL theme song was just a taste of what the future will bring. You can either accept it or deny it’s existence, but it’s definitely not going away anytime soon.

Since I’m from another state, I wish to offer a few suggestions to help Georgians ease some of the traffic problems and accidents on the highways:

By Matt

March 14, 2006 06:32 AM | Link to this

Better days will definitly be ahead if I could get my North Fulton property taxes reduced.

South Fulton is entering a new building boom and should be able to pay for itself.

By Lynne

March 14, 2006 06:47 AM | Link to this

J M mentioned in her comments about East Point and College Park on the southside and being “too dangerous to live in”.

I take offense to that. It’s obvious that J M does not have enough education to make a sound judgement. East Pt. is a diamond in the rough, not only is it safe to live there they have a police dept. that has an incredible response time (> 5 min.) College Pk. has an area (Rugby Rd.) that you gasp at the different aura. I know because I lived in East Pt. for 10 years, believe me they have their problems, but crime is something I could not complain about. I could walk 3 in the morning and feel safe, left my keys in my front door. I had some of the best neighbors who were better than any alarm system or barking dog, they were my best crime deterrants. East Pt. has a back road that will lead you into downtown Atl. So watch it J M ‘cause you just don’t know about East Pt.

As far as Atl. best days ahead? Hard to say, depends on a lot of things, with gentrification here it’s going to take some genius’ to keep Atlanta thriving and growing.

By frank

March 14, 2006 06:50 AM | Link to this

Hey, if you don’t like Atlanta, there are several ways to leave, including I20,85,75,Hartsfield, Amtrak, Greyhound, taxi, your huss puppies(feet), and move to where ever you desire. Nobody’s stopping you. This isn’t Commuist China or the USSR. I can think of many places worst than Atlanta, like Nagshead N.C.

By C.Diddy

March 14, 2006 07:59 AM | Link to this

To be honest, Atlanta has been going downhill every since Freaknic died, but that’s another story.

I’ve been here for about 10 years after moving down here to attend Morehouse and Georgia Tech. I love the city and decided to make it my home after school. I’ve been many places, and the grass is not greener on the other side. No place is perfect, but the pro’s certainly outweigh the con’s when it comes to Atlanta.

I think Atlanta is headed upward. When the Falcons win a superbowl, and the Hawks finally make the playoffs, Atlanta will be off the Hizzy!

By Kimarie

March 14, 2006 08:42 AM | Link to this

I am currently residing in Miami, FL, and we are in the process of relocating to the Metro-ATL area, with the prospects of having a better quality of life. In Miami, we have a constant, BOLO for lurking child molesters. Our children can’t ride their bikes, in front of our home. Walking home from school, is completely out of the question. Fast paced cars are zooming through the residential areas with no response from the police; They have bigger fish to catch. Let’s not talk about our TAXES, they are outrageous!!! Future neighbors, please be thankful that the ATL has zoning ordinances in place that require builders to respect the environment. In Miami, these builders would pave paradise and put up a parking lot, some condos and zero lot 1200 sqare foot homes for $350,000.

By J&J Ranch

March 14, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this

I went through Missouri back in 1999 or so.

Several things I found really amazing:

The Arc is not set up for the handicapped to visit. If you get off of the highway, you may never be able to get back on.

And…All of the older houses were boarded up. Graffiti was everywhere. It was a rundown dirty city with nothing in it. The whole city looked like the slums.

While on the highway, you go on through St. Louis, not believing what you see. Then all of the sudden you come upon “New City”. New City is a brand new, sparklingly clean, pretty and thriving place. New City is where everything that once flourished in St. Louis moved to.

I have been here since 1959. Atlanta looks like St. Louis right before moving to New City.

By Nancy

March 14, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this

It’s clear JM doesn’t know what they are talking about. East Point is INSIDE the perimeter. I’ve lived in EP for almost 4 years now and love the proximity to downtown, that I can walk to MARTA, that main street has a small town resaurant/business atmosphere that attracts new commerce everyday, and that housing is still affordable and they aren’t cookie-cutter style houses. Sure we’ve had our share of budget and management issues. We have things that need changing but safety is no greater concern here than it would be in any city. I’ve never felt unsafe in EP. I’m a non-black female and I often run alone. I’ve never had a problem. JM should actually get to know EP and it’s residents before passing judgment.

By ACC 12 Booster

March 14, 2006 05:38 PM | Link to this

A little off the subject, but going back to that ATL theme song and marketing debacle last year, some great marketing slogans for Atlanta to shamelessly promote itself would have been: ATLANTA- The only city in the world with an ocean named after it

or another version: ATLANTA- The only city in the world that’s so great, they named an entire ocean after it

That type of slogan would have been a great marketing ploy (or stunt, like most marketing ploys are) because it would have shown a burning desire to dominate on an international level of a New York, a Los Angeles or a Tokyo both culturally and financially. A slogan like that using some kind of comical, aloof revisionist history in it also would have a desire to compete at an ultra-high level and an intention dominate in the same international sphere of influence (the Atlantic Ocean/Old World/Western Civilization sphere) as some of the world’s greatest cities like London, Paris(yuck!) and the world’s greatest and most dominant of all, New York. A slogan like “Atlanta, a city so great they named an entire ocean after it” also kind of displays on the self-confidence showcased by a great city like New York and it’s great civic slogans like: “New York: A City So Nice, They Named It Twice” and “New York: A City So Great, They Named An Entire State After It”.

Every great American city has its lingering and sometimes festering social and financial ills and goes through periods of turbulence over time, just look at New York and its history of stock market crashes, riots, blackouts, crime, terrorist attacks and labor strikes or Los Angeles and it’s history of riots, earthquakes, landslides, fires and massive gang crime just to say the least. Atlanta probably hasn’t even been through half of that wild stuff in it’s history (it was burned to the ground in the Civil War, but that kind of started the great streak didn’t it) and people complain like it’s the end of the world because of some traffic.

Atlanta though was the cradle of the American Civil Rights movement, has a history of fascination with air travel that has culminated in being the WORLD’S busiest air hub and has become a very dominant player on the world’s music stage, so obviously it has some great things going for it (CNN, Fox Sports Net South, UPS, Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, great numerous shopping malls, an eclectic club circuit, great sporting events just to name a few), which many other areas in the U.S. and even the Southeast don’t have. One condescending dig at large cities like Atlanta and others outside of the Northeast is the supposed “lack of arts and culture”. Not everywhere does “arts and culture” come to the surface like it does in New York because in most places, culture isn’t displayed through Broadway plays, Opera shows and art displays. In Los Angeles, dominant culture is movies and television; in Nashville, dominant culture is Country and Western; in Miami dominant culture may be Caribbean music and going to be beach; in some parts of the country dominant culture may be Rodeo; in other parts of the country dominant culture is sports like basketball, football, hockey, auto racing and hunting; in other places it may be just cruising in a souped-up car; in Atlanta dominant culture is Hip-Hop and R&B music whether some may like it or not. Just because you don’t purchase $1000 seats to the symphony, the ballet, the opera or a Broadway show like they do in New York doesn’t mean there’s a lack of “culture” everywhere else.

By Ga Liberal

March 15, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this

Atlanta will never mature into a great city as long as people continue to vote against their own best interests and elect Republicans. Our current legislators are an embarrasement particularly with their bible-thumping laws to display the ten commandments to the xenophobic ‘security act.’ Who wants to live in a state that backward and bigoted? Atlanta will have to take charge of its own fate. Charge an income tax on salaries earned within the city limits to pay for infrastructure maintenance and improvements. Put a transit tax on parking rates to fund expansion of MARTA. The state isn’t going to help out - they want to destroy the city.