ATLANTA | Construction Thread V

[ATLaffinity]

Originally Posted by STrek777

What an uneducated comment. Did you even read that PDF you attached? Each of the projects approved were in some way connected to an already existing project. NOTHING exist for the streetcar... absolutly nothing. Washington gave us 80 million for a rail project and not one red cent of that money has been touched in a decade. So why should washington believe us when we say "we'll build a street car... honest"! It has nothing to do with this administration. If it did then how did so many red states get tens of millions and Texas got almost 2 billion! Seriously educate yourself before you start spewing nonscense. Thanks

I won't address your vitriol but isn't the Tucson streetcar brand new?

If Sam Nunn were VP instead of Joe Biden, Atlanta would have federal streetcar money. Period. Politics does matter.

[gttx]

That's what you get for living in a state with Congressmen who speak out loudly about federal government spending. With Saxby and Johnny Isakson criticizing the stimulus every chance they get, do you really expect Georgia to get a big piece of the discretionary funding?

Of course, the biggest reason is probably that the last time the federal government gave Georgia money for a transit project resulted in nothing ever happening.

[Pessimistic Observer]

Originally Posted by gttx

That's what you get for living in a state with Congressmen who speak out loudly about federal government spending. With Saxby and Johnny Isakson criticizing the stimulus every chance they get, do you really expect Georgia to get a big piece of the discretionary funding?

Of course, the biggest reason is probably that the last time the federal government gave Georgia money for a transit project resulted in nothing ever happening.

agreed atlanta needs to do something with that (87 million if i remember correctly) preferably something related to commuter rail and they need to do it asap

[atl2phx]

Originally Posted by Pessimistic Observer

agreed atlanta needs to do something with that (87 million if i remember correctly) preferably something related to commuter rail and they need to do it asap

as recent as november-09, the GDOT was trying to divert the $87MM toward funding of the multi-modal terminal proposed for he gultch next to the old AJC building.

http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-poli...or-205638.html

i haven't heard anything since.

[ATLBlaxican]

Originally Posted by TarHeelJ

If you can't see Atlanta's unique identity throughout the city then you aren't looking very closely. There are signs of it everywhere. Of course it isn't going to be the same as the star in Texas - then it wouldn't be unique.

The last two rounds of stimulus funds have been tragic for Atlanta, but it's not the end of the world. Atlanta has risen from the ashes a few times in the past...I think it can easily happen again.

The problem isn't that I don't see it’s that everyone else doesn't. You don't have to sell me Atlanta culture, it's the rest of the U.S. What makes ATL special to everyone who doesn't live hear and already have an affinity for the city??? Even the director of the GWCC told our class that Atlanta doesn't have an identity and that is something that has hurt them for a while. I'm not trying to knock Atlanta, I want to help. It's a sad truth, but the truth nonetheless...

[cabasse]

International district considered in Buckhead

Atlanta Business Chronicle - by Douglas Sams Staff Writer

Friday, February 19, 2010

http://atlanta.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2010/02/22/story1.html?b=1266814800^2906261



As the $1.5 billion Streets of Buckhead project sits stalled, some Buckhead leaders are floating an idea to turn the surrounding area into the state’s first true diplomatic hub.
The concept’s supporters envision creating a “Georgia International District” among the mid-rise office buildings and apartments bounded by Peachtree Road on the west, Piedmont Road on the east, to near East Wesley Road on the south.
They would like to create a plaza lined with foreign consulates and international restaurants, and paved with cobblestone streets.
Forming a centralized district for the numerous consulates across metro Atlanta is a key benefit of the concept, according to its proponents, who include leaders of Atlanta International School, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, the Buckhead Community Improvement District and the Buckhead Coalition.
...

“All the great cities of the world have international schools and districts that help make them into global hubs of commerce, whether that’s Amsterdam, New York or Washington, D.C.”
An international district would give Atlanta — which touts itself as an international city — “something tangible, a true venue of international commerce,” said Jorge Fernandez, vice president of global commerce with the Metro Atlanta Chamber.

-----------

not only would something like this be a huge asset, it might also allow the midtown mile more of a chance to flourish.

[AtlantaMustang]

Officials in Atlanta are pushing forward with plans to build a streetcar, despite being left out of a recent federal stimulus-led package of transportation grants.

Officials are hopeful that new funding opportunities will enable them to build a streetcar along Atlanta's Peachtree Street.

"'We worked very hard on this project, and we will continue to,' said Luz Borrero, deputy chief operating officer for the city. "It was disappointing to learn that we did not get the grant, but at the same time, it is encouraging to see the commitment of our partners remaining intact."

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, who pushed hard for the grant, said in a statement, 'Our resolve to see this project through to completion remains steadfast.'

Borrero said the city would work on winning other federal funds for the project. That includes competing for another $600 million in federal grants that soon would be available."

http://www.planetizen.com/node/42977

[gttx]

Originally Posted by cabasse

[B]International district considered in Buckhead

As the $1.5 billion Streets of Buckhead project sits stalled, some Buckhead leaders are floating an idea to turn the surrounding area into the state’s first true diplomatic hub.
The concept’s supporters envision creating a “Georgia International District” among the mid-rise office buildings and apartments bounded by Peachtree Road on the west, Piedmont Road on the east, to near East Wesley Road on the south.
They would like to create a plaza lined with foreign consulates and international restaurants, and paved with cobblestone streets.
Forming a centralized district for the numerous consulates across metro Atlanta is a key benefit of the concept, according to its proponents, who include leaders of Atlanta International School, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, the Buckhead Community Improvement District and the Buckhead Coalition.
...

“All the great cities of the world have international schools and districts that help make them into global hubs of commerce, whether that’s Amsterdam, New York or Washington, D.C.”
An international district would give Atlanta — which touts itself as an international city — “something tangible, a true venue of international commerce,” said Jorge Fernandez, vice president of global commerce with the Metro Atlanta Chamber.

-----------

not only would something like this be a huge asset, it might also allow the midtown mile more of a chance to flourish.

Isn't this what was originally planned for 75 5th St? Not sure whether or not that plan has changed...

[briantech]

Originally Posted by AtlantaMustang

Officials in Atlanta are pushing forward with plans to build a streetcar, despite being left out of a recent federal stimulus-led package of transportation grants.

Officials are hopeful that new funding opportunities will enable them to build a streetcar along Atlanta's Peachtree Street.

"'We worked very hard on this project, and we will continue to,' said Luz Borrero, deputy chief operating officer for the city. "It was disappointing to learn that we did not get the grant, but at the same time, it is encouraging to see the commitment of our partners remaining intact."

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, who pushed hard for the grant, said in a statement, 'Our resolve to see this project through to completion remains steadfast.'

Borrero said the city would work on winning other federal funds for the project. That includes competing for another $600 million in federal grants that soon would be available."

http://www.planetizen.com/node/42977

I really don't think the street car is that great of an idea. I'm kind of glad to see it lose its funding.

[gttx]

Originally Posted by briantech

I really don't think the street car is that great of an idea. I'm kind of glad to see it lose its funding.

Use the money for the Beltline!

[briantech]

Originally Posted by gttx

Use the money for the Beltline!

Word. I'm totally for some slick, modern, euro-looking light transit up in this city. Just not squeezed into the middle of peachtree street. And not with ugly ass electrical wires being put up everywhere.

[AtlantaMustang]

Originally Posted by gttx

Use the money for the Beltline!

I would definitely agree with that!

[ajdelo]

Originally Posted by AtlantaMustang

I would definitely agree with that!

I quadruple that statement.

And speaking of which, why aren't all of these federal stimulus dollars being asked to go to the Beltline, or have they already been awarded or requested? It seems to me, of all of the projects that are in design, planned, or currently being constructed, the Beltline is the furthest along and will benefit the city of Atlanta the greatest.

[Pessimistic Observer]

Originally Posted by ajdelo

I quadruple that statement.

And speaking of which, why aren't all of these federal stimulus dollars being asked to go to the Beltline, or have they already been awarded or requested? It seems to me, of all of the projects that are in design, planned, or currently being constructed, the Beltline is the furthest along and will benefit the city of Atlanta the greatest.

its assumed the beltline is inevitable cause it has "developer backing"
plus its still a 20 year plan

[Snakebit]

So I heard in the ABC that restaurant called STK is opening in 1010 Midtown. This is great for Midtown for two reasons. A) Because it creates another top tier option in Midtown and B) because it marks the entry of the ONE group into Atl. Me and the family stayed at a hotel run by the the ONE group (The Hotel Gansevoort). If STK is successful, I could see them opening up a bar or even a hotel in Atlanta. If you look at their website, they seem to focus on metros that they consider worth their time.

Also, according to Creative Loafing, the city of Atlanta faces a 53 Million dollar budget deficit for next year. How will they do this? Sell the city Jail to Fulton County for 11 million dollars, write more parking tickets and finally SELL CITY HALL EAST (FINALLY).

[plorenc]

Originally Posted by Snakebit

Also, according to Creative Loafing, the city of Atlanta faces a 53 Million dollar budget deficit for next year. How will they do this? Sell the city Jail to Fulton County for 11 million dollars, write more parking tickets and finally SELL CITY HALL EAST (FINALLY).

Good! I never thought deficits could actually make bureaucrats spring into action.

[ATLaffinity]

New Agreement for City Hall East Coming in Two to Three Months

"This is more than a money thing," said Morsberger. "This is something that is a legacy thing that we set out on, and worked with, the neighborhoods on during the entire duration of this last seven years. We're still excited about moving forward."

Morsberger adds that a new proposal should surface within the next two or three months.

I hope he can still create housing for those with disabilities. That was a perfect plan since the building connects to the Beltline.

[Fiorenza]

I saw Morsberger the other day at a meeting. He didn't look too happy. I'm thinking there's at least a 50-50 chance City Hall East gets imploded. The size of that facility is huge. Atlanta can't support so many housing units for the elderly or disabled for the foreseeable future. We're talking hundreds if not over a thousand units. Special needs units require additional mandated improvements. Morsberger would either have to build out most of the building - or let it go. I'd like to know where he finds the money to move ahead with it.

[joecool]

Originally Posted by Fiorenza

I saw Morsberger the other day at a meeting. He didn't look too happy. I'm thinking there's at least a 50-50 chance City Hall East gets imploded. The size of that facility is huge. Atlanta can't support so many housing units for the elderly or disabled for the foreseeable future. We're talking hundreds if not over a thousand units. Special needs units require additional mandated improvements. Morsberger would either have to build out most of the building - or let it go. I'd like to know where he finds the money to move ahead with it.

They won't or rather they can't. It's too historic.

[Terminus]

Originally Posted by joecool

They won't or rather they can't. It's too historic.

Legally they can. It is not protected.