AT ISSUE: IS ART PARK GOOD SOLUTION FOR VACANT AVONDALE ESTATES PROPERTY?
Last month Avondale Estates’ commission approved construction of a temporary pop-up park called “The Art Lot” which, members of the city’s Art Alliance say, should open by early to mid August. In a city that’s rarely, if ever, in a hurry, The Art Lot was discussed, vetted and approved during the span of four public meetings in eight days. Mayor Jonathan Elmore admitted there was some “urgency” implementing the plan to take advantage of the late summer and fall weather. We asked if the Art Lot will generate more vibrancy downtown? Would it be better suited for another location? Does the plan need more study?
Here’s what some readers said:
"Urgency?" No. There needs to be an established program, with leadership. Not something that just gets thrown up in August. As Terry Giager stated, the plan is mostly hypothetical with little accurate data. It would be premature to proceed with the Art Lot, as enthusiasm does not equate with success. — Kathleen Collier
The plan needs more study. You can't say 'okay' to a plan without knowing many things: Who is charge of running/supervising it? Who schedules the art shows? Who takes care of art exhibited? Who protects it? — Anonymous
Movies? Again, who is running the project? What kind of movies? Who decides what, and when, and how? Schedules? Performance area/stage? How would this work? Same questions. — No Name
Bill Banks for the AJC
To many Georgians, few things say “home” like a Waffle House. No matter where you go, the shoebox-shaped 24-hour breakfast restaurant has the same size, colors and inexpensive hearty meals, topped by the iconic sign-on-a-stick out front.
Yet to some Woodstock residents, a Waffle House on Main Street in the historic downtown area makes as much sense as chateaubriand with a side of hash browns.
“Downtown Woodstock is a unique treasure of a place,” a Change.org petition against the proposed restaurant says. “It combines our long history with quirky boutiques, mid- and high-end restaurants and foodie destinations. We don’t want a Waffle House.”
The Woodstock Planning Commission on July 7 approved Waffle House’s plan to build downtown, with conditions. Within days of that decision, signatures on the Change.org petition doubled to more than 1,300 against. The proposal goes to the City Council on July 25.
Waffle House says the unit, which will replace a Hot Dog Heaven on the site, will be unlike any other in its 1,800-restaurant chain. It will have a brick-sided exterior and tasteful “WH” emblems attached to the structure – no big yellow sign here.
In a letter to residents, the Norcross-based company says it would offer 20 to 30 quality jobs, tax revenues for the city, and a less expensive dining option.
“Waffle House will serve as a place for our neighbors who leave the local restaurant or bar to enjoy a cup of coffee and pie before walking or driving home,” the company says. “A community without a Waffle House is somehow not all it can be for all its citizens.”
Should Waffle House have the right to open in an historic district? Or should the idea be scattered and smothered? Send comments by email to communitynews@ajc.com
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