[scania]

Which area would be the section to live in the next 2 or 3 years?

Allen Plaza
Midtown (between 5th & 10th)
Midtown (between 11th & 15th)
Atlantic Station

Keep in mind everything that is being built and going to be built.

My personal pick will be Midtown (between 5th & 10th). Because everything is pretty much in walking distance. The park is right in front of you, AP is a 10 or 15 minute walk, and on a good day AS is not to bad of a walk.

[sprtsluvr8]

Midtown is shinier, downtown more "real" in a way....I guess it depends on what appeals to you...

[dante2308]

Too many Atlanta threads here. This one should at least have the "ATLANTA:" title out of respect for the other cities in the "Southern States."

[SteveD]

Here's the current breakdown in the "Southern" subforum, by number of threads

Atlanta 24
New Orleans 10
Charlotte 6
Greenville 6
Mobile 5
Greensboro 5
Baton Rouge 4
"Alabama" 3
Birmingham 2
Montgomery 2
Richmond, Asheville, Savannah, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Louisville, 1 each

Also, my personal preference I believe would be for the Allen Plaza area.

[Chris Creech]

Even as a frequent Atlanta poster - I have to agree.

We do get way too many Atlanta posts going, a lot of them not even on particular blockbuster projects, or areas, but just general speculation and theoretical questions, quality-of-life, etc. A lot of those could probably more appriately be put under the general discussion Atlanta Thread.

Then there's the Atlanta Project Thread for general construction items.

Then aside from some larger blockbluster items, like Atlantic Station or MARTA/Transit we do seem to have a lot of needless threads.

[Andrea]

Then aside from some larger blockbluster items, like Atlantic Station or MARTA/Transit we do seem to have a lot of needless threads.

It would be nice if we can find some way to keep the connector problem on the front burner. It's really a gigantic hindrance to the recovery of downtown.

[MarketsWork]

It would be nice if we can find some way to keep the connector problem on the front burner. It's really a gigantic hindrance to the recovery of downtown.

Just when I was starting to feel sorry for you after everybody piled on about the "Andrea Connector" -- you go and stoke up the embers! I hope your Aussie friends enjoyed the view from that beatiful stretch of road. Come to think of it, I'm going to drive it tomorrow in your honor. Both ways!
:cheers:

[sprtsluvr8]

Downtown seems to be recovering quite well, in spite of the oppressive evil of the connector.

[jason21atl]

My vote is for Allen Plaza.

[dante2308]

Everything there is to say about the connector has been. That why that thread has died.

[LoveAtlanta]

Allen Plaza will be the best.

[CityFan]

I guess Allen Plaza will be number one.

[sprtsluvr8]

Everything there is to say about the connector has been. That why that thread has died.

More than everything really...and that damn connector has the nerve to STILL be sitting there.

[A-town]

Allen Plaza without thinking twice. Not to mention the number one community in Atlanta for years to come I think, Twelve CP is just across the street.

[Andrea]

Everything there is to say about the connector has been.

Au contraire. There's a consensus building to turn that 1960's era dinosaur into a 21st Century urban thoroughfare. If sensible minds prevail it will likely happen within the next 25-30 years. That's not very long at all, when you consider they're saying it may be 30-40 years before the Peachtree Streetcar is rolling and a century before the Beltline is done. I probably won't be around to see any of this personally but I'd like to think we can start laying the groundwork for a modern city.

As to my Aussie friends, they were mystified. They loved the river and they loved MARTA's $1.75 fare -- it's about $15 to ride the train from the airport to downtown Sydney. They were also impressed with the old Buckhead mansions and Grant Park. As to the rest of Atlanta, well, as we know, it's not exactly what you you'll find in some other cities. When I took them down Peachtree into downtown, they asked, "Could we see the central city area?" To which I replied, "Well, this is it." They didn't get it.

:haha:

[dante2308]

I'll give it to you, you do keep the topic dragging on. It seems that no one is talking about until you come around. If you really want it done, do more than post on this website. Create an interest society and petition the Mayor.

[Andrea]

I'll give it to you, you do keep the topic dragging on. It seems that no one is talking about until you come around. If you really want it done, do more than post on this website. Create an interest society and petition the Mayor.

Er, a lot of us are talking about it, Dante. I realize that many folks are invested in maintaining the status quo and are extremely defensive about anything that they fear might change the connector. But the rest of us are entitled to express an opinion, too.

[dante2308]

Er, a lot of us are talking about it, Dante. I realize that many folks are invested in maintaining the status quo and are extremely defensive about anything that they fear might change the connector. But the rest of us are entitled to express an opinion, too.

I hope you aren't referring to me because you aren't even on the same page with your response. In fact it can't even be called a response. Its really more of a general ranting aimed at the world. Did you lose a loved on on that thing? Or maybe you are so knee-jerk about the issue that you need to dreg it up to keep yourself going.

You are free to express your opinion of course. I don't think me saying that you should do more than post on a website is me telling you to not to post or me expressing fear about change or me even being defensive. All I was doing, really, was making the observation that the center of that argument is usually you. The "Andrea" connector is named after you after all which is fair because I'm almost certain that you are the person most passionate about the issue on these forums, if not, the internet.

[gttx]

In all fairness, Dante, Andrea has a pretty good point. While I certainly can't imagine the city without the Connector, I definitely think the quality and the urbanity of the central city would improve dramatically were it to be removed (and replaced elsewhere, of course). Sure, she gets passionate about it, but what's the big deal? Currently, all you're doing is provoking argument for the sake of argument, and turning an otherwise interesting discussion into an ad hominum attack on a well-educated Atlanta native who wants her city to be a better place.

[austin356]

I have had enough connector talk to last me several more months. Can we please move on 1)because it has been discussed to the point where everyone has made his/her points several times over and there is little new information 2)the damn thing will have zero chance of any change within the next couple of decades. The only possible change will be strategic caps.

And in response to the OP, I am think thinking 11th-14th... especially on Peachtree. How would that specific part of town be classified? Mid-Midtown?

[dante2308]

In all fairness, Dante, Andrea has a pretty good point. While I certainly can't imagine the city without the Connector, I definitely think the quality and the urbanity of the central city would improve dramatically were it to be removed (and replaced elsewhere, of course). Sure, she gets passionate about it, but what's the big deal? Currently, all you're doing is provoking argument for the sake of argument, and turning an otherwise interesting discussion into an ad hominum attack on a well-educated Atlanta native who wants her city to be a better place.

No way. If it appeared that way, no I'm not trying to inflame. I just don't appreciate off-base accusations. I think she makes a good point too, but I don't like her implying that I'm "invested in maintaining the status quo and are extremely defensive about anything that they fear might change the connector."

To be honest, I'm also somewhat tired of the argument repeating itself over and over again. There is an entire thread just for it and yet she wants to "keep the connector problem on the front burner." She's free to do and say what she pleases of course, but I'm not sure the discussion can really maintain itself at the forefront of everyone's mind indefinitely.

[CityFan]

In all fairness, Dante, Andrea has a pretty good point. While I certainly can't imagine the city without the Connector, I definitely think the quality and the urbanity of the central city would improve dramatically were it to be removed (and replaced elsewhere, of course).
I have to disagree with you on that. First of all I would like to know how you define central city. Without the connector, I am afraid there would be no Georgia Dome, Philips Arena, Georgia Aquarium or relocation of World of Coca-cola in downtown area. Visitors are not limited to intowners. Without the connector, subburbaners have no ways to get into town under today's condition. If you take all these away, what's left? There would be no midtown either. Where ever is the connector moved to, all facilities will have to follow. So the urbanity and connector go hand by hand. They are not separable. Too bad, but it's the fact. We are in car driving era until we can't afford driving cars. Driving cars is superb over any other means of transportion disregaring traffic jam. It gives you freedom, privacy, confort and efficiency. Downtown connector won't go anywhere. When it goes, the central city will go too.

[gttx]

Downtown areas across the country exist without freeways slicing through the middle of them - Atlanta would be no different. Yes, people in the suburbs do need access to the city, but it could just as easily come 1/2 mile, 2 miles, or however far away from the downtown area.

From your previous posts (and the discussion that has already taken place about this) I know that I could never convince you of anything, so let's just move on. Any more discussion about the Connector should take place in its respective thread.

[dante2308]

agreed, lets talk about the topic at hand.

[sprtsluvr8]

As to my Aussie friends, they were mystified. They loved the river and they loved MARTA's $1.75 fare -- it's about $15 to ride the train from the airport to downtown Sydney. They were also impressed with the old Buckhead mansions and Grant Park. As to the rest of Atlanta, well, as we know, it's not exactly what you you'll find in some other cities. When I took them down Peachtree into downtown, they asked, "Could we see the central city area?" To which I replied, "Well, this is it." They didn't get it.

:haha:

Had your friends never seen a central city or are they just mentally challenged? Or maybe you got confused and took them to Douglasville? I can hardly believe that being downtown on Peachtree St. isn't identifiable as a central city - especially Five Points or vicinity. Atlanta isn't exactly what you'll find in other cities...like which other cities and what exactly do you find there that Atlanta isn't/doesn't have? I tend to focus on the good things that Atlanta DOES have, and there are a lot of them.

Ya know, it's tiring to read the criticisms of Atlanta from outsiders, many of whom have never been here and simply jump on the easy targets that they read about. But it's even more of a concern when the pot shots and worn out "Atlanta isn't urban enough" crap comes from residents, and that's exactly where I think this is coming from. People in smaller/lesser cities than Atlanta (and there are MANY) would be and ARE amazed at the offerings of this city. If it's not good enough for you then try living in Montgomery, or Tulsa, or Toledo, etc...

Am I defensive? Yes, I am...and with good reason. If I were escorting friends around the city and they made sarcastic or rude comments like that one, the tour would be over. How about if you visit Sydney and criticize the city they are so proud of? I wonder what kind of defensive response you would get? Criticisms with a purpose are fine as are comments/questions seeking an actual answer. But a good visitor to a city keeps his catty comments and sharp criticisms to himself and enjoys the sights.

[atl2phx]

all i can say is DAMN people, feelin a bit "testy" lately?

[Andrea]

Am I defensive? Yes, I am...and with good reason. If I were escorting friends around the city and they made sarcastic or rude comments like that one, the tour would be over. How about if you visit Sydney and criticize the city they are so proud of? I wonder what kind of defensive response you would get? Criticisms with a purpose are fine as are comments/questions seeking an actual answer. But a good visitor to a city keeps his catty comments and sharp criticisms to himself and enjoys the sights.

Er, they weren't criticising Atlanta or being rude or sarcastic in the least. To the contrary, they went out of their way to praise our fair Southern town. And yes, I have visited them in Sydney and heard them voice a number of specific critiques of that city. I believe what threw them off is that in Sydney and many similar cities downtown is the center of business activity, shopping, street life, etc.

Although Sunbelt cities like Atlanta are different from the traditional urban model, that doesn't necessarily make us better or worse. We simply is what we is.

[Andrea]

[Y]our response. In fact it can't even be called a response. Its really more of a general ranting aimed at the world. Did you lose a loved on on that thing? Or maybe you are so knee-jerk about the issue that you need to dreg it up to keep yourself going.

Dante, everything I've said about this issue has been exceedingly civil, specific and factual. And I am hardly alone in my critique -- many astute, highly trained and concerned city dwellers, both here and elsewhere, find old style suburban freeways less than optimal for central cities.

That you view my comments as a "general rant against the world" or that you'd suggest that I've lost a loved one or need to "dreg it up to keep myself going" reveals a lot about your attitude toward this highway.

[A-town]

Andrea I have a question for you, or anyone else who can answer, but you specifically. When was it said that the Beltline would take a 100 years to complete.

[dante2308]

Dante, everything I've said about this issue has been exceedingly civil, specific and factual. And I am hardly alone in my critique -- many astute, highly trained and concerned city dwellers, both here and elsewhere, find old style suburban freeways less than optimal for central cities.

That you view my comments as a "general rant against the world" or that you'd suggest that I've lost a loved one or need to "dreg it up to keep myself going" reveals a lot about your attitude toward this highway.

No it doesn't reveal my attitude about the highway. You really lost track there and I really don't know how to bring you back aboard. Start by taking everything in context please. I haven't said a thing about the highway since your thread died and what I did say wasn't that the central city should have highways running through it. If I revealed anything, it would have been my attitude towards your obsession with the highway.

[dante2308]

Andrea I have a question for you, or anyone else who can answer, but you specifically. When was it said that the Beltline would take a 100 years to complete.

Its supposed to be completed in 25 years. The 100 year figure was pure pessimism. They actually have 200 million to start the Beltline today and the have acquired hundreds of acres as yet. Developments are even being planned and built way in advance.

[RobMidtowner]

Why do discussions about differing opinions turn into arguments about the argument rather than the actual opinions? :shrug:

A discussion of the merits of both sides would be much more productive. :yes:

[A-town]

Thanks for clearing that up Dante, 25 years sound right.

[Trae]

Even as a frequent Atlanta poster - I have to agree.

We do get way too many Atlanta posts going, a lot of them not even on particular blockbuster projects, or areas, but just general speculation and theoretical questions, quality-of-life, etc. A lot of those could probably more appriately be put under the general discussion Atlanta Thread.

Then there's the Atlanta Project Thread for general construction items.

Then aside from some larger blockbluster items, like Atlantic Station or MARTA/Transit we do seem to have a lot of needless threads.
That's what local forums (Atlanta Metroscape) are for. :)

You don't have to worry about things like this. You can make a thread like this, or the others you mention. They won't be crammed into one thread (like the Atlanta Discussion thread, or Atlanta Project thread).

[EXbubba]

Had your friends never seen a central city or are they just mentally challenged? Or maybe you got confused and took them to Douglasville? I can hardly believe that being downtown on Peachtree St. isn't identifiable as a central city - especially Five Points or vicinity. Atlanta isn't exactly what you'll find in other cities...like which other cities and what exactly do you find there that Atlanta isn't/doesn't have? I tend to focus on the good things that Atlanta DOES have, and there are a lot of them.

Ya know, it's tiring to read the criticisms of Atlanta from outsiders, many of whom have never been here and simply jump on the easy targets that they read about. But it's even more of a concern when the pot shots and worn out "Atlanta isn't urban enough" crap comes from residents, and that's exactly where I think this is coming from. People in smaller/lesser cities than Atlanta (and there are MANY) would be and ARE amazed at the offerings of this city. If it's not good enough for you then try living in Montgomery, or Tulsa, or Toledo, etc...

Am I defensive? Yes, I am...and with good reason. If I were escorting friends around the city and they made sarcastic or rude comments like that one, the tour would be over. How about if you visit Sydney and criticize the city they are so proud of? I wonder what kind of defensive response you would get? Criticisms with a purpose are fine as are comments/questions seeking an actual answer. But a good visitor to a city keeps his catty comments and sharp criticisms to himself and enjoys the sights.

I have watched Atlanta rise for the past few decades and while it is a big city with an urban core, it unfortunately seems to have forgotten its Sourthern roots and has become rather souless. My wife just got back from ATL and her impression was it was just like any other big concrete city. Not sure what she expected, but she was dissappointed at the hardness of downtown with so little greenery in the public spaces and even in Olympic Plaza. Just an opinion and not meant to be derogotory to ATL.

[RobMidtowner]

I have watched Atlanta rise for the past few decades and while it is a big city with an urban core, it unfortunately seems to have forgotten its Sourthern roots and has become rather souless. My wife just got back from ATL and her impression was it was just like any other big concrete city. Not sure what she expected, but she was dissappointed at the hardness of downtown with so little greenery in the public spaces and even in Olympic Plaza. Just an opinion and not meant to be derogotory to ATL.

Well everyone is entitled to there opinion but there's a lot more to ATL than downtown and it's very short-sighted to conclude a city has forgotten its roots and become souless from a short visit to a small section of the city.

[sprtsluvr8]

See, for some people Atlanta is too urban, for some not urban enough. :)

[CityFan]

What should southern roots look like? IMO, big city is big city. It means density and high rises, i.e., concrete constructions. It's not a laid back place.

[dante2308]

Atlanta is a huge and diverse place. Downtown is a complete different animal than Midtown which is on a tangent from Decatur which is a completely different world than Alpharetta which is the opposite of College Park. Take your friends around town a little more next time. Downtown doesn't really represent Atlanta very well.

[ATLonthebrain]

Downtown may not represent Atlanta very well, but it should. I often feel that when I visit a new city, if I am not impressed by the heart/core (Downtown), then there's not much to excite me about what may lie outside that central zone. In those instances, I walk away feeling indifferent about the city, at best. Some very good things are happening in Downtown ATL, and I hope it continues, along with more and more street life and residents, because that will lead to more visitors (and even ATL suburanites) siding favorably with their experience. I also think that in a few more years, Downtown & Midtown will grow together, and the whole stretch will feed on that union, creating a new far more vibrant center.

I know there are lots of cities that don't have an interesting or impressive core, but there are plenty that do, both large and small.

[dante2308]

Here in Atlanta, most people have access to everything the city has to offer at once using a car so many of the services that we enjoy are not centrally located. I live in Midtown around 14th street, so I don't especially get to go Downtown too often because I don't actually own a car and the summer heat is draining. Midtown, though, especially around Piedmont Park and Peachtree Street offers everything I could really ask for while being very different from Downtown. The feel of the place is entirely something else and I think that that type of diversity can only be achieved with some geographical separation. You can't fit everything that makes a city inside of three square miles or so. In the trying, you tend to sacrifice certain things. Also, the more whole communities there are in a city worth visiting, the more people can enjoy the amenities usually reserved for the core.

[JTLInATL]

Well everyone is entitled to there opinion but there's a lot more to ATL than downtown and it's very short-sighted to conclude a city has forgotten its roots and become souless from a short visit to a small section of the city.

However, you don't have to look very hard to find a city's soul if it's a "great city". Unfortunately, Atlanta has about the same soul as Dallas and Houston, which means very little pedestrian streetlife and inviting neighborhoods. I lived in Atlanta for 9 years, and struggled to find that soul myself.

[sprtsluvr8]

Atlanta doesn't have inviting neighborhoods? You didn't look very hard if you missed the fabulous in-town neighborhoods here...

This "soul" thing regarding cities has always amused me. Where exactly did you search for the soul of Atlanta? Was it Centennial Park? Piedmont Park? West End? Grant Park? Five Points? Georgia State? Woodruff Park? Underground? Fairlie-Poplar? I think these areas are a good start...and there is enough character and history in these and other spots around Atlanta to give you what you were looking for. I've never had to search for any "soul" of Atlanta...it was always obvious to me.

[RobMidtowner]

However, you don't have to look very hard to find a city's soul if it's a "great city". Unfortunately, Atlanta has about the same soul as Dallas and Houston, which means very little pedestrian streetlife and inviting neighborhoods. I lived in Atlanta for 9 years, and struggled to find that soul myself.

So basically what you're saying is that Atlanta is not a "great city". Eh whatever, I guess it's a matter of opinion. I'm just glad I can be happy here unlike you were it sounds like. :shrug:

[littlepnut]

I would half to say between 5th & 10th that is a nice area to live in!!! I mean think about it !!! You are sort of on Georgia Techs Campus, Near Tech Square, Close to Midtown Mile, Good Resturants, among other things I mean its building up around there So that would be the area that i would wanna live in. In fact i sort of live in that area .:) :D