peeplestown/summer hill/mechanicsville predictions? (Atlanta: middle-class, neighborhoods, closing)

[equinox63]

What do you think the peeplestown/summer hill/mechanicsville areas will be like in 5 to 10 years? Why?

Secondly, will the areas ever see a major resurgence and even become desirable to affluent intown dwellers and families? Why or why not?

[cwkimbro]

I'm not so sure affluent is the right word as middle-class or younger people.
I would really like to see a small entertainment destination sprout up near Turner Field (Sports taverns, restaurants, etc..). This would make these neighborhoods much more attractive to some people.

[NYbyWAYofGA]

Originally Posted by cwkimbro

I would really like to see a small entertainment destination sprout up near Turner Field (Sports taverns, restaurants, etc..). This would make these neighborhoods much more attractive to some people.

Cwkimbro, I'm in agreement with you. It would be nice if the area around Turner Field had more Wrigleyville-esque bars, restaurants and establishments. The residential streets already appear to be intact to some degree, but a lot more mixed use development along the corridors and some intersections would really enhance that area. Weren't there plans to develop some of the surface parking around Turner Field?

[lastminutemom]

I was involved in a project 20+ years ago that focused on these neighborhoods and laying the groundwork for revitalization. I am continually amazed at how little changed.

[RainyRainyDay]

According to the folk at Emmaus House, Atlanta the main problem is jobs - or the lack thereof. There used to be some businesses in Peoplestown but they keep closing and/or moving away.

[NYbyWAYofGA]

Originally Posted by RainyRainyDay

There used to be some businesses in Peoplestown but they keep closing and/or moving away.

That's a shame. Hopefully, as more people continue to move intown, things will turn around for that area.

[cwkimbro]

Originally Posted by NYbyWAYofGA

Cwkimbro, I'm in agreement with you. It would be nice if the area around Turner Field had more Wrigleyville-esque bars, restaurants and establishments. The residential streets already appear to be intact to some degree, but a lot more mixed use development along the corridors and some intersections would really enhance that area. Weren't there plans to develop some of the surface parking around Turner Field?

I'm not sure, but it would sure be nice. Wrigleyville and surrounding neighborhoods are nice. One major problem blocking the development is sure to be the Braves organization themselves. The best place to put it and create a neighborhood feel around the ballpark are parking lots owned by the Braves that actually bring in alot of money for them.

I guess any development plan would have to make more money than the amount of building sizable parking decks that can handle alot of traffic on much smaller footprints.

[cwkimbro]

Originally Posted by RainyRainyDay

According to the folk at Emmaus House, Atlanta the main problem is jobs - or the lack thereof. There used to be some businesses in Peoplestown but they keep closing and/or moving away.

I think part of the problem is there needs to be a "critical mass" of entertainment development to attract people to the area. I don't think a few businesses would be successful alone. I think you have to create a whole new area from the ground up that is so interesting sports fans will want to go there before, during, and after games, whether or not they have tickets to the event.

Of course... if this is true... it is all or nothing... More expensive to develop, but also more risky.

[aries4118]

Summerhill, by the way (not two separate words).


A map for those participating in this thread:

http://www.atlantaga.gov/client_resources/government/planning/npu%20system/maps/npu_v.pdf (broken link)

[aries4118]

I think the major hindrance (for Summerhill at least) is the Braves organization and the mega-surface parking lots.