A Theory About Atlanta (Decatur, Dallas: hotels, homes, bankrupt)

[George Chong]

Originally Posted by LovinDecatur

Blah, blah, blah. I've read your other posts. It's pretty clear that you're a habitual basher of the city, whatever you motivations. Bitter, party of one...

Your table is now ready

[WilliamM]

Originally Posted by Scott Summers

How's Atlanta a failed city? We haven't even reached our peak yet. About this downtown thing, you have to understand that all almost all of the established cities in the Midwest and Northeast have already been there and done that regarding the people loving the burbs thing;

As I said above, when one speaks of "failed" cities one normally thinks of places such as Flint and Detroit, MI, for example, and arguably New Orleans (even before Katrina).

For someone to come on here and propose that Atlanta might be a "failed" city is certainly legitimate -- there's nothing wrong with a bold or counter-intuitive suggestion, that's what keeps debate interesting -- but after being initially intrigued with the idea, I was quite disappointed to find that all the poster was offering was just another simplistic rant about Atlanta being disorganized, uncultured, or soulless or whatever, which always boils down to someone simply projecting their individual insecurities onto a city. Which, again, is not necessary wrong, but in order to arrive at something interesting one must turn one's own view around and challenge it by looking at the object at hand from multiple angles, and looking at yourself looking at the object - otherwise what you end up with is just childish name calling. So try again Blondandfun. We're waiting to hear what there is of any significance that you might have to say about the city.

[onemanarmy]

It's so funny to me when I see people who I regularly disagree with on politics, social issues, or the OTP/ITP debate, all come together and unite against one common enemy, the person who bashes Atlanta in general. Makes me proud to live her.

[WestCobb]

Originally Posted by blondandfun

Correct me if i'm wrong but isn't downtown LA nicer than downtown ATL?

I'm not an Atlanta lover or hater (I see pros and cons), but I'd say "no" downtown LA is not nicer than downtown Atlanta. Both leave something to be desired when compared to the downtowns of some other cities, but LA definitely doesn't have anything on Atlanta (which isn't saying much).

[WilliamM]

Originally Posted by WestCobb

I'm not an Atlanta lover or hater (I see pros and cons), but I'd say "no" downtown LA is not nicer than downtown Atlanta. Both leave something to be desired when compared to the downtowns of some other cities, but LA definitely doesn't have anything on Atlanta (which isn't saying much).

LA obviously has always had a major problem because of how it evolved, so far inland. It's never quite been able to live that down in the eyes of the San Franciscos, the New Yorks, etc. -- and probably never will. Atlanta of course suffers from similar geographical disadvantages (though there was no choice involved for it).

But the moment you put down the snobbish pretensions of what a city ought to be -- based on classical models or whatever -- and instead start looking at it as part of a larger and more complex web of social and material developments, that's the moment when you can start seeing something more for what it is instead of how it does or doesn't suit your fancy.

And that's of course the moment when you start seeing beyond downtown in LA to the virtually unparalleled fabric of life that makes up that metropolis, with all its blemishes. The same is true of Atlanta.

It will be interesting to hear if our original poster can acknowledge that.

[meadgrad]

Its silly to say that Atlanta is a failed city. The only failed cities I know of are called "ghost towns"...Scull Shoals, in Green county, is a failed city. Even Detroit or Flint is not a failed city. Detroit has had to learn from its mistakes, but it hasnt failed, its in the process of learning how to diversify its economy...same with Atlanta, the city is learning how to deal with the mistakes of sprawl...

The strongest thing Atlanta has going for it now, spicifically downtown, is Georgia State. With the addition of dorms and students living in the area it is really becomming a lively part of the city. I am excited to see what it will look like down there once all the dorms are finished and they are playing football on Saturday's!

[DeaconJ]

Originally Posted by meadgrad

Its silly to say that Atlanta is a failed city. The only failed cities I know of are called "ghost towns"...Scull Shoals, in Green county, is a failed city. Even Detroit or Flint is not a failed city. Detroit has had to learn from its mistakes, but it hasnt failed, its in the process of learning how to diversify its economy...same with Atlanta, the city is learning how to deal with the mistakes of sprawl...

The strongest thing Atlanta has going for it now, spicifically downtown, is Georgia State. With the addition of dorms and students living in the area it is really becomming a lively part of the city. I am excited to see what it will look like down there once all the dorms are finished and they are playing football on Saturday's!

In addition to Georgia State's fantastic contributions to Downtown...there is Castleberry Hill, Fairlie-Poplar, GWCC/Georgia Dome/Phillips Arena, the convention hotels, Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium/WOC, Ivan Allen Plaza, the huge federal/state/county/city government center, the Gift/Apparel/Merchandise Marts, CNN Center, the beautiful historic buildings/churches/other historic spots, the public art, the restaurants, the Tabernacle, Underground, the revival of Auburn Avenue, the lofts/apartments/condos and all the residents in them...there is actually a lot about Downtown that is exceptional.

[Georgia]

Originally Posted by blondandfun

I think you could almost call Atlanta an abandoned city, like Detroit, as far as downtown is concerned. Just to see the looks on all the tourists faces today during my walk downtown was quite embarrassing to me, to be an Atlantan. I think that it is pretty ignorant for people to brush that off as if that's how it is and we accept it.

Correct me if i'm wrong but isn't downtown LA nicer than downtown ATL?
Also, remember that downtown LA is also accessible more easily with a grid system. Atlanta is only accessible by North/South Streets, Except North AVe and Atlanta Rd.

Would be glad to. Also, just about everyone on this board knows that I, Georgia, the one and only, isn't a big fan of Atlanta, mostly because it is to darn hot and the leadership of the city is borderline incompetent, But......... To knock Atlanta against LA, ugh c'mon. First LA is about 15 times the size in regard to city population than Atlanta so you cannot compare that one. Next, when I am in Atlanta I feel good not to see the yellow haze clouds passing by my face (smog so thick you could cut it) and lastly elbow room.

Nah, I'm not a fan of Atlanta, but Atlanta isn't end all. Also to comment earlier about $10.00 per gallon gas because "rail" isn't in effect. Today gas is $1.49 per galllon and $2.05 per gallon in LA. LA has the wonderful trains and rail, but when was the last time you drove the I5 mid-day? Sorry, let me change that to, when was the last time you sat on the I-5 at mid day. So much for rail, it's overpopulation.

Atlanta itself has not failed as a city thanks to the businesses based here and many Atlanta folks who want to invest in the city to make it better. Now, in 2009 if they finally wake up and elect solid common sense leadership you will find Atlanta to be the jewel of the South as it well should be.

[johnatl]

This is absolutely not a failed city - in my opinion. I would think that would also be the opinon of most people of this region. Sure, there are people that have an obvious dislike of all things "City of Atlanta," but they are to be taken with a very large grain of salt.

As far as L.A., yes - downtown Atlanta is nicer. L.A. is working very hard to improve, but at this point in time we do have the edge. And just a quick note re: rail in L.A. L.A.'s combined light and heavy rail daily ridership is just a few thousand people higher than MARTA's! We should all be very pleased that MARTA rail is now accommodating 294,000 weekday riders, a very impressive figure for a 48 mile rail system.

Georgia makes a good point in his last paragraph above. The very wealthy business leaders have never abandoned Atlanta. They still for the most part live in the City Limits, and still care deeply about this place. That is one of the huge differences between Atlanta and many, many other cities.

[coolyfett]

Originally Posted by blondandfun

A lot of people defend Atlanta. A Lot. I have this theory about that. I think that Atlanta is a failed city. My theory is that most of the group is older and married and settled down (maybe that explains the barren sidewalks)? The other group that DOES like Atlanta is the young college-aged group who grew up out in the country and are so happy to be in a big city that they just say they love it. In reality, though most of these kids move off. I've seen it countless times and it's gotten to be such a cliche it's quite depressing.

For me personally, downtown Atlanta, is symbolically huge in my mind. How could you let the center downtown discrict of your city become what it is? How can you live with yourselves I ask you people who grew up here. Doesn't it make you feel like a failure? To everyone else, how do you like living in a failed city?

I just think we need to stop building residential and just STOP everything and see wait a minute, this is screwed up. You can't build your way out of your problems. This whole "midtown mile" thing quite frankly, pitiful.

You can't just keep telling people to move here and expect new construction to solve all your problems.

The only way to solve all the problems, sadly, would be if gasoline hit $10/gal. I think that all the highways the State built around Atlanta are the source of the problems.

Is anyone else as depressed about this place as I am? I don't like it here at all. I feel like by living in such a failed city too much longer, the ignorance of the people here is going to rub off on me.

Oh, and I'm sure I won't have a problem finding a job in another city.

These types of post is why I love this forum so much!!!!! This is the only post I have read and I already know what 5 or 6 posters to expect in this one!! Ha ha ha ha!!!

My take:

I don't think many of the college kids move off, though I wish some of them would, I don't think many leave.

Sounds to me like you hate traffic? Why don't you just rebuild your life around Marta. Not trying to be mean, but there is ways to enjoy this city with out using 85, 75, 285 & 20. Failed city? Thats a bit much sweetie. Do you have many friends? The more friends you make the more fun you will have. Use the Marta. Only thing id like for is more jobs, but I have to be patient. Things take time.

Now to read the rest of this entertaining thread.