UP|Georgia

Other Atlanta Developments

Martinman — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:29:34 +0000

Atl2phx hiked the Beltline NE corridor and shared some pictures including some of recent development along the Beltline.

Inman Park Village

N. Highland Steel and Grinnell Lofts

N. Highland Steel and Parish

Alta O4W

Atlanta Beltline - Emerald Necklace

Martinman — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:34:02 +0000

This document gives some detail on the construction timetable for Historic Fourth Ward Park.

Phase I - 5 acre Clear Creek Basin - completion August 2010
Phase II - 17 acres, extending the park to North Ave and Ralph McGill - completion December 2010
Phase III - 13 acres - contingent on acquiring the remaining land from Georgia Power and other property owners

Macon Area Projects & Developments

george — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:45:28 +0000

mikeit, on 12 November 2009 - 05:21 PM, said:

Does anyone know what is being built between Groome and Jocks and Jills?

It's going to be a Spring Hill Suites by Marriott.

Atlanta Beltline - Emerald Necklace

Martinman — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:41:42 +0000

Here's a great video on the Historic O4W Park. It really was a group effort - the neighborhood, property owners, the Beltline, Watershed management - all worked together to make this park happen.

Should Atlanta share the wealth?

xikartu — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:36:08 +0000

In response to this forum topic, I strongly disagree with the idea of Atlanta sharing it's hard earned wealth. If the other second-tier cities want to acquire the kind of things that Atlanta has, then they need to stop limiting growth and start being much more open to dynamic urban development. The only thing that is propelling the growth of these smaller cities is the low cost of living (somewhat).... and BRAC - military installation expansion and realignment in Columbus, GA. The only metro that I see has a strong sense of it's own identity domestically and internationally is Savannah. Everywhere else in Georgia is the way it is because THE PEOPLE do not WANT to be like Atlanta. So you can't punish Atlanta for continuing to become the prosperous, cosmopolitan, and sophisticated metropolis that it is. In fact, can't think of a "wealthy" country town in America. You have to have big corporate businesses, government, efficient transportation and infrastructure networks (i.e. airport, interstates, public transit), and major research universities to sustain wealthy populations...

I mean lets just be honest... Atlanta is the REASON why Georgia balances the budget it has now. A huge fraction of the state's tax revenues generated from Atlanta's entertainment venues, business, tourism, metro area residents, airport, etc... DESERVES to benefit the City of Atlanta and the metro area. If Columbus, Macon, and Augusta want to become major destinations then they need to be open to the dynamic urban development that has become quite popular everywhere else. Until then, young business professionals, empty nesters, and their tax dollars will ALWAYS go to Atlanta. Why? More jobs, better housing options, a myriad of different lifestyles can be endeavored just within the city limits. I can have the city life and peace of mind in some of the neighborhoods. I don't see why other second-tier cities should benefit more from what they barely contribute to. The major reason why Atlanta became so massive is because Columbus, Macon, Augusta, and Savannah were placing so many limiting factors that often spurs development. Less limitations and more incentives for growth and redevelopment = Atlanta. More limitations (out of fear of deviating from the "country-life") and less incentives for urban growth and redevelopment = Columbus, Macon, and Augusta. It's simple as that. Note to second tier GA cities - Don't ask for the rewards that come along with something that you don't really want.

Metro Atlanta Projects.

Martinman — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:28:01 +0000

Monti, on 12 November 2009 - 12:06 PM, said:

Does anyone know the status of the Meeting Park mixed use project in Marietta:

http://beacon-park.com/index.php

The website seems a bit dated and Google Maps just shows a cleared area.

They were only able to complete some phase I townhomes before the housing market collapsed. I guess the proper description of the project is "on hold". Heres a photo from flikr

CSRA Job Growth

augga706 — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:29:52 +0000

The city of Augusta was ranked by MSNBC last week in the top 9% of employment growth in the USA and the top 20% in recession recovery.

Development Authority of Richmond County Executive Director Walt Sprouse said in a press release, “The Augusta area continues to put up impressive numbers concerning the local economy. Augusta is (a) the 23rd Strongest Economy in the United States, (b) the 6th Strongest Building Market for Housing in the United States, © the 21st Best Housing Market in the United States, (d) 79th out of 392 metro areas in the United States for Economic Health during the nationwide recession, and (e) #36 out of 392 metro areas in the United States for Employment Growth. Our inquiries at the Development Authority are at an all-time high, thanks to these strong economic factors and Augusta’s excellent workforce.”

http://www.nbcaugusta.com/news/local/65983562.html

Macon Area Projects & Developments

mikeit — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:21:01 +0000

Does anyone know what is being built between Groome and Jocks and Jills?

Downtown Atlanta Developments

Jim856796 — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:02:57 +0000

The Capitol Gateway Park is a proposed linear park to be placed on a strip of land stretching from the Georgia State Capitol to Oakland Cemetery. It would provide a front lawn and event space. It is bounded by Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Memorial Drive, Capitol Avenue, and Oakland Avenue.

Metro Atlanta Projects.

Monti — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:06:28 +0000

Does anyone know the status of the Meeting Park mixed use project in Marietta:

http://beacon-park.com/index.php

The website seems a bit dated and Google Maps just shows a cleared area.

Atlanta Photo of the Day

Hybrid0NE — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:18:20 +0000

Cumberland area...

New restaurants opening in West Augusta

DaGABoyStinger — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:05:02 +0000

The 5th Cheddar's Restaurant in GA has opened for business in Augusta on Walton Way Extension. The company will employ up to 150 people and expected to pump over 1 Million of Payroll and tax dollars into the Augusta economy. Great News, and really good food.

http://www2.wjbf.com/jbf/news/state_regional/georgia/article/everythings_better_at_cheddars_on_opening_day/35912/

CSRA Job Growth

DaGABoyStinger — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:42:43 +0000

Article on How Augusta is fairing in this economic downturn as compared to other metropolitan areas in GA and the country. We are definitely very fortunate.

"Augusta is among the strongest metropolitan economies in the country."

"Specifically, Augusta is 23rd, according to Business Week, and is the only city in Georgia among the top 40."

Article Link: http://blogs.augusta.com/node/3631

Two New Interstates for GA?

aboutmetro — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:23:41 +0000

Unfortunately, GDOT isn't recommending any new Interstates for South Georgia. That means no extension for I-185 nor extending I-22 from Memphis to the Coast, or even extending I-16 west to Mississippi. It's very unfortunate. They say the current or projected traffic doesn't justify.

"Presently, GDOT is studying the need for Interstate access within Southwest Georgia. Information on this study (Southwest Georgia Interstate Study) can be found on our website at: http://www.dot.ga.gov/informationcenter/programs/studies/Pages/southwestgeorgia.aspx. This study is near completion and we are not recommending the construction of additional Interstates in southwest Georgia-including the I-22 and I-81 proposal attached to your e-mail. This recommendation is based on existing and projected future traffic volumes plus a benefit to cost analysis which was completed."

Interstate for Columbus

aboutmetro — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:13:01 +0000

aboutmetro, on 28 October 2009 - 12:08 PM, said:

New public meetings scheduled -

Public Involvement Meetings
At 5 p.m.

1. Monday, November 2, 2009
Southwest Georgia Technical College - Sewell Building D 15689 US Highway 19 North Thomasville, GA 31792
(From US 19 heading south, proceed on US 19 through intersection with US 84 Bypass. College is on the right.)

2. Monday, November 9, 2009
Albany State University – L. Orene Hall 504 College Drive Albany, GA 31705
(From US 82 (East Oglethorpe Blvd.), turn south onto College Drive. Continue on College Drive straight until it ends. Turn right into the parking lot, then left into the parking lot.
L. Orene Hall is the last building straight ahead.)

3. Thursday, November 12, 2009
Chattahoochee County Middle and High School - Cafeteria 360 Highway 26 Cusseta, GA 31805
(From Columbus, travel south on US 27/SR 520 and take a left on SR 26. Travel 2-3 miles; School is on the right. From Albany, travel north on SR 520; take a right on SR 26.
Travel 2-3 miles; School is on the right.)

Sadly, it appears the meeting is just window dressing, according to GDOT, the state is not recommending any new interstate access for south Georgia or Columbus based on existing and projected traffic demand.

"Presently, GDOT is studying the need for Interstate access within Southwest Georgia. Information on this study (Southwest Georgia Interstate Study) can be found on our website at: http://www.dot.ga.gov/informationcenter/programs/studies/Pages/southwestgeorgia.aspx. This study is near completion and we are not recommending the construction of additional Interstates in southwest Georgia-including the I-22 and I-81 proposal attached to your e-mail. This recommendation is based on existing and projected future traffic volumes plus a benefit to cost analysis which was completed."

Fort Bennings growth

aboutmetro — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:58:35 +0000

This news report on WTVM doesn't tell the whole story. September will be reported in the November Toolbox (GCHBA's newsletter), but in past ones, they've reported that between 50 & 70% of all new home sales - and permits - are happening on the Alabama side of the Chattahoochee. This news story does beg the question, why is Channel 9 the only local station reporting it? Do the other ones only report BAD local news?

Atlanta Photo of the Day

Hybrid0NE — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:06:11 +0000

Shot this a couple days back...

The Shoppes at River Crossing

mikeit — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:43:22 +0000

PeachMac coming to River Crossing.
http://www.macon.com/102/story/896624.html

Two New Interstates for GA?

aboutmetro — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:53:37 +0000

GDOT is studying a western link for Georgia's coast. But I hope it's just not a 4-lame widening as they've done in the past. Those are good for local travel, but not for Interstate travel. Read the Executive Summary from GDOT.
[attachment=5880:I-16Extension.jpg]

Should Atlanta share the wealth?

aboutmetro — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:10:42 +0000

Savboy08, on 16 March 2007 - 06:48 PM, said:

No, the 2nd Tier cities of Georgia. Savannah, Macon, Albany, Athens, Augusta, and Columbus.(Though normally we refer to Augusta, Macon, Savannah, and Columbus).

Surely Houston, Dallas, Miami, and Atlanta are not 2nd Tier. They are among the largest metros in the country. And they are roughly the same size.(I think Dallas-Ft, Worth has the lead though, but Miami, Houston, and Atlanta CSA-MSA are pretty close in population)

It might be helpful to understand, too, that though we refer to Savannah, Columbus, Macon, etc as 2nd tier, that is just inside Georgia. Outside Georgia, these towns would be considered 3rd tier. As metros go, a Birmingham size city might rightly be considered 2nd tier.

We could compare ourselves to how Alabama has grown. The four bigger metros in that state - Mobile, Montgomery, Birmingham and Huntsville - have all experienced reasonably well distributed growth. Nevermind some of the backward social policies that stagnated mid-20th century growth in that state. But none have risen to the megalopolis status of an Atlanta (though B'ham is trying so hard).

Personally, I think it's the other way around. It seems to me that Atlanta, and I don't mean this disparagingly, is kind of like a black hole for those metros that are too close - Columbus and Macon. Though, Bibb-Houston have fared better due to I-75 & 16. Those that aren't so close, Augusta and Savannah, have done better.