CL: Solutions For Downtown

[cqholt]

Also, I can't seem to find the article that listed the MARTA station properties they were looking to redevelop. I know that King Memorial was on the list, and I think Edgewood/Candler, but I'm trying to recall if Garnett was on it too. Anybody know for sure?

There is no parking at Garrett Station, MARTA owns only the station land. There is no extra land to be redeveloped.

[westau]

Cut down on crime and run off the panhandlers.

Problem solved.

[tikigod311]

Originally Posted by westau

Cut down on crime and run off the panhandlers.

Problem solved.

It certainly would be the biggest problem solved.

That area has so much potential it pains me to see it as one of Atlanta's crime tolerance zones.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by tikigod311

It certainly would be the biggest problem solved.

That area has so much potential it pains me to see it as one of Atlanta's crime tolerance zones.

I think one of the biggest things holding south downtown back is the perception that is unsafe and/or that you're going to be hassled by bums and panhandlers.

Whether that is true may be debatable, but I believe many people have that perception. Gotta fix that.

[tikigod311]

Originally Posted by arjay57

I think one of the biggest things holding south downtown back is the perception that is unsafe and/or that you're going to be hassled by bums and panhandlers.

Whether that is true may be debatable, but I believe many people have that perception. Gotta fix that.

Honestly, I don't even think that is debatable arjay. South Downtown is the domain of the homeless and serial loiterers at this point. A drive through the area proves it very quickly. I am comfortable in just about any urban setting, but I'm not walking through there without a damn good reason.

Its not just perception, its reality. Once we fix the reality, then we can move on to the perception, which will take AWHILE.

[arjay57]

I hear you, tiki, but I just didn't want to get off into another one of those endless debates about "downtown is not that dangerous", "crime can happen anywhere", "just toughen up and be aware of your surroundings," etc., etc.

[Mutiny77]

It's just so unfortunate that at this point in time, the most historic part of Atlanta is also the most underutilized and has the worst image. It feeds the perception that Atlanta lacks a historic urban fabric because it's not what visitors see when they come here. If the city could ever get its act together with regards to downtown, that will go a long way towards helping change popular perceptions of Atlanta in this regard.