By Suburbanite

March 14, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

I heard it’s a scary place full of black people and gays everywhere!

By Scrappy

March 14, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this

I’ll come back downtown when there is mass transit that will take me there from Cobb county. I’m not fighting traffic to get to a new ‘hip’ restaurant to pay $10 to park, $10 for a bottle of beer, and then $10000 for the DUI on the way home.

By Nope

March 14, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

Nope…no desire to…no matter what “improvements” they make.

By Ghetto scumbag

March 14, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

There’s nothing in downtown Atlanta worth seeing or going to. A few restaurants, big deal. Restaurants are everywhere. The Underground and Coca Cola museum? Once you been why would you want to go back? The city of Atlanta is full of currupt police officers, thugs, gang members, homeless and traffic—NO THANKS!!!

By Bill

March 14, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

No downtown for me if I can avoid it. Its not worth the chaos.

By Rick

March 14, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

Why would I go downtown often?

Other than the occaisional Braves game or High Museum trip, I get everything else more conveniently in my own Gwinnett neighborhood.

By MrHughes

March 14, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

@Scrappy

That’s is the fault of your government in Cobb County. Marta has been ready to move into there for at least a good 20 years. It’s seems some of ya’ll thought Marta was a “scary place full of black people and gays everywhere”. It’s the county’s loss. Case and point the economic development seen around the Perimeter Area in Sandy Springs.

Downtown needs more shopping. The Richs store was an institution. Having the Macy’s building on Peachtree was a dream. Maybe a reworking of Underground and The Old World of Coke would bring some of that back. On the otherhand, maybe Atlantic Station can stay is the shopping district and we can somehow link it to downtown via mass transit.

By Kiljoy

March 14, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

Downtown needs more of everthing; more shopping, more nitelife, more attractions and more police who are actually working. I’ve go downtown for the Hawks, Braves, Falcons, Musuems and not much else. I can’t think of a single place I want to shop at or eat at that I can’t get in Gwinnett.

By greg

March 14, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

DownTown Sucks but it has nothing to do with race you prick!

By John

March 14, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

I’m not afraid of DownTown but there’s nothing there to come to…I go out in Midtown all the time though. There’s probably not even a mile between the “borders” of DownTown and Midtown but the boredom factor just goes through the roof when you go south on Peachtree over the connector. I love the downtown skyline though.

By Jen

March 14, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

I live less than 3 miles from downtown yet I almost never go there…

It needs a higher residential proportion, more kid friendly attractions, and better public transit.

I think public transit, ie, ease of access, is the main thing it needs…

By jen

March 14, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

Rarely do I venture downtown. A few times I went down there to take my daughter to the circus, a dora show, and the children’s museum. Other than that, no. I feel unsafe, I don’t like driving there where there’s so many one way streets and I don’t know where I’m going, difficult to find a parking space, which I have to pay for. No thanks.

By Stewie

March 14, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

My wife and I go downtown frequently, and I used to live there.

I’d love to see them clear out the panhandlers. From living there, I can tell you that many, if not most, of them are just street hustlers and scammers.

The On The Bricks series of concerts was good at bringing in folks from outside the area and letting them see that downtown isn’t as scary as they think. If you want to bring in the suburbanites, just schedule old washed-up rock groups…you know, like the ones who play at Chastain and the new amphitheatre in Alpharetta.

As others have said, though, most aren’t going to come downtown just for restaurants, but they will come for attractions (i.e. the aquarium) and for events.

By Jamal

March 14, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

There are alot of dumb,ignorant white people here in Atlanta. Most can’t get past the third grade with these ridiculous comments. If you don’t have anything to say that requires much thought, you should stay in your own suburban town….because we don’t need your sorry a**…

By QweenB

March 14, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

I only go downtown for work and it’s more like Midtown than downtown. My own neighborhood in Dallas, Paulding County has much more to offer, less traffic and no hassle from police and others looking to spoil the fun.

By Scrappy

March 14, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

Mr. Hughes - You need to lighten up. I didn’t place blame on anyone just pointed out why I don’t come downtown. And while I am not Suburbanite, most posts of those nature are sarcastic, intended only to get a rise of others, which seems to have worked.

By VineCityAttorney

March 14, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

I am a professional living in Vine City, a downtown Atlanta neighborhood on the rise. Downtown is starting to blossom into an affordable alternative to buckhead and midtown. One can check out Castleberry Hill if they are interested in the arts or go to the zoo in Grant Park. Downtown provides the young urban professional with an opportunity to be at work in 10 minutes as opposed to 2 hours. By the way, there are no gay bars in downtown as of yet….all are in midtown or in dekalb. So to the suburbanite who thinks there are a lot of gays…..your dead wrong. You obviously have never experienced life outside of your Cobb County experience. I truly feel for you and your ignorance. Good luck selling your home…i hear traffic is just gonna get worse once they start repaving the 85/75 connector in conjunction with the closure of techwood.

By JJ

March 14, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

The traffic and the roads downtown are horrible. They need to install left turn lanes. I thought my tires were going to fall of the vehicle at Colony Square. The traffic is horrible. It took us 30 minutes to get from the Fox to Lenox…..

I go downtown for the Christmas Parade, and sporting events, and occassionally the Fox Theater. Other than that, I am a happy camper in Gwinnett County…….We have plenty to offer up here, prices are way better. I would much rather go to the Gwinnett Arena than the Dome. And parking is free……

We have the Georgia Force, the Gwinnett Gladiators, and coming soon, the Atlanta Braves. I have lived in Gwinnett for 16 years and I absolutely LOVE it up here!!!!!

By Nobody

March 14, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

Jamal

That’s the pot calling the kettle black. Speak for yourself. We’ll stay in our “suburban” towns and we’ll keep distancing ourselves from Fulton and Atlanta’s racist corrupt goverment. You can have your city and Clayton county. We’ll keep Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Milton, and South Forsyth. And you can kiss my white a$$

By .

March 14, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

Because gay people are SOOO scary!!! Violent, nasty people!

Whatever.

By Nobody

March 14, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

Jamal

That’s the pot calling the kettle black. Speak for yourself. We’ll stay in our “suburban” towns and we’ll keep distancing ourselves from Fulton and Atlanta’s racist corrupt goverment. You can have your city and Clayton county and keep voting for the Mckinney’s and Lewis’s. We’ll keep Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Milton, and South Forsyth. And you can kiss my white a$$

By atldweller

March 14, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

if you think that downtown needs more mass transit, look at a MARTA map. sure, the entire metro area could use better transit, but downtown has 7 MARTA stations (trains every 5 to 7 minutes), converging on 2 lines at Five Points. not to mention tons of bus service. and if you want to get downtown from Cobb without driving, your county has a bus system that connects to MARTA in midtown.

By .

March 14, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

How does Clayton County play into Downtown Atlanta???? WTF???

By Downtown Not So Bad

March 14, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

Downtown Atlanta has come a long way in the 15 years I have lived here. It used to be an absolute ghost town except for office workers and conventioneers. But now, go down there on a nice day, and you see thousands of college students (Georgia State) walking around Woodruff Park and families with kids playing in Centennial Park. I have even seen pick-up football games being played in Cent. Pk.

Are there still homeless people, yes. There will always be homeless and panhandlers. I have experienced this in most every other large American city. I fact, I was in Dublin, Ireland last week, and you would be surprised by the number of homeless there.

My wife and I have made an evening of going to the Aquarium and then dinner downtown without being hassled or feeling afraid.

I think a lot of people on these forums just like to talk and haven’t been downtown in ages. It is definitely not perfect, but not as bad as people make it out to be.

If suburbanites do not want to go down there because they have everything they want in their backyard that’s fine. I live near downtown and feel the area has everything I need and have no desire to go to the suburbs.

By MiMi

March 14, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

When we take the cue of the Mayor Daleys of Chicago and see what they did there, I will come downtown. I lived in Chicago for 30 years and NEVER had one moment of fear when I walked around at night like here esp from the panhandlers who are very aggressive. That does not fly in Chicago. There is great nightlife, wonderful little neighborhoods tucked everywhere, museums, plays and wonderful MASS TRANSIT that takes you everywhere you want to go. I stay in North Fulton where I can find everything.

By Edward

March 14, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

I live in midtown and love it. But downtown? The only reason I ever go downtown is for some government office business (car tag, etc.). I took visiting family to Underground once and that was a huge mistake, they still talk about how bad that place is and I have to agree with them. They liked Centennial Park until a couple of “homeless” began following us and shouting nasty expletives at us because we wouldn’t give them money. We couldn’t leave downtown fast enough.

By Bill

March 14, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

Geee lets think: Downtown = dangerous, traffic, gangs, thugs, gays, in debt, marta, TERRIBLE schools, more thugs. The NICE burbs like east cobb, johns creek, etc = white, safe, less blacks, very nice. Tough call on that one!

By slim

March 14, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

Need to have police seen but unheard.

Atlanta police need classes in Tact and Customer Service.

Do their jobs when their jobs is required to be done other wise leave.

Seeing them means there is crime expected it doesn’t make the scene appear safer.

Let them patrol Buckhead.

I know that won’t change and I won’t be downtown Atlanta any more than to work and go home.

Atlanta Police are the most overweight, short bus riding waste of tax payer money.

I dare the ajc to position an undercover reporter for 1 week in 5 pts just to watch the actions of the Marta and Atlanta Cops. Then report front page on how they saw the Police treat the citizens who do not live in Buckhead.

No I will not come downtown.

By Green

March 14, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Being a resident of downtown and not scary like the poor unfortunate bigot above. Downtown is a wonderful place to live we could defiantly use more shopping, dining and activities for locals. But the one thing we certainly don’t need is afraid agitated suburbanites giving off bad energy in an upwardly moving diverse part of town.

By Bad Energy for Green

March 14, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

“…we could defiantly use more shopping…”

Huh?

By Spitzer

March 14, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

Downtown needs more prostitutes! I will be there then.

By Katie

March 14, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

I wish Atlanta was more like San Francisco. SF has the warf area, china town, little Italy and so much more to see. Atlanta has what??? oh yeah, nothing in comparison.

By Camille

March 14, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

I go downtown maybe once every 6 months. I hate driving around downtown ATL because of the traffic problems and all the one-way streets. Took Marta once (from the Doraville station) to a Braves game. Huge mistake! The ride there was not bad. The ride back was horrible because it took almost 1 1/2 hours just to get back because the trains don’t run frequently at night (on the night of a Braves game, at that). So, to the person that says that Marta runs every 5 minutes or so; maybe during the day it does, but it definitely doesn’t at night. That is a huge hindrance to using what passes for public transportation in the metro area and will keep us suburbanites from going into downtown Atlanta more frequently.

By JD

March 14, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

Downtown is starting to come along but it still has a good way to go. I live in midtown and I almost never go south of North Avenue. There’s just nothing for residents to do down there. The attractions are mostly tourist-oriented.

There’s the Tabernacle and Rialto but there’s not much else as far as entertainment.

I am looking forward to a downtown Waffle House. It’s about time. That’s what downtown needs. More “regular” places and not “upscale” or touristy places.

By ..

March 14, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

All of these people comparing Atlanta to other cities: if you don’t like it here, move to those other cities. Nobody is stopping you!

By Downtown Resident

March 14, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

Elliott Street Pub is the best! That alone is reason to come downtown.

By Upwardly Moving

March 14, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

I am defiantly agitated now.

By Old Guard

March 14, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Why would any sane person go to Downtown Atlanta? It’s full of thugs and lazy ass panhandlers. The restaurants are overpriced. The racsist attitudes down there are in full bloom. Ya’ll can have it. Now GET out from round here.

By AeroNautica0909

March 14, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

I live in Henry County right now but I want to move to Downtown Atlanta. Growing up in New York (Queens, that is), I’m a city guy and the suburbs aren’t too bad- but I crave the city life. I love Downtown more than any part of the metro. It amazes me how people live in the suburbs and believe they have it all. I’ve been to Cobb County, Gwinnett, etc- but NONE of them have the beauty of a city like Downtown has. Actually, most of the suburbs are going to end up being lower end and lower class since everyone in the metro lives in the suburbs versus the city itself.

I look forward to graduating from school and moving into a condo downtown. I won’t have to deal with high gas prices and ridiculousn traffic and everything will be right at my fingertips. I bet in another 10 to 20 years Downtown will be just as good as Midtown and Buckhead is right now.

I applaud the efforts of the city and organizations that are working to bring Downtown back. They’re doing a good job and I hope they continue.

By Gorgeous but I live OTP

March 14, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

I live OTP and recently had occasion to go thru downtown via the connector on my way to a social event south of Metro. It had been quite a while and I was blown away by the beautiful skyline, which has developed far beyond what it was just a few years ago. I think downtown Atlanta is a great place for tourist and conventions, for those who choose to live there, and for those who enjoy cultural events, although increasingly there are excellent venues OTP. But I do indeed think the Downtown/Midtown areas are very beautiful and have a lot to offer. But I don’t personally go there a lot since I’m a quiet homebody who doesn’t go out that much except to socialize with friends closer to home.

By 20 year Atlanter

March 14, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

Atlanta up until recently had no real downtown. It was place to work, see a concert, do govt business and leave. It is coming around, but has a ways to go. Dwtwn Atlanta does not have an identity where the community is…downtown, like San Francisco, NYC, Boston. How the suburbanites can say they have it all is funny. I lived in B’head for 12 years and moved to Woodstock for 5 years. Got the h…l out of there and now live in lower East Cobb. We can get downtown in no time, but have no reason to go there. Midtown, Buckhead and the Highlands are places we frequent often and can be home in no time. The Atlanta area is full of narrow minded people and that is one of the things Atlanta city will need to overcome to get local people to visit. The metro area is made up of so many communities where most feel they can get what they want close by without the hassle.

By John

March 14, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

I wish Atlanta was more like SF also..here’s what we need to do. The state needs to buy up enough land from the Atlanta city limits all the way down to the coast…then we need to bulldoze a huge hole from the ocean to Atlanta..several hundred feet below sea level…then viola`, the ocean will pour in the hole and Atlanta will have a bay… All of the displaced people can re-settle along the bay and make great livings doing whatever people do beside a bay…it’s win-win for all of us. I can smell the sourdough now.

By shane

March 14, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

Wow, I wasn’t expecting the slew of negative impressions of downtown Atlanta - although they are pretty much dead on - I really expected more downtown folks to post positive experiences - I guess those folks either don’t read the AJC, or maybe there just aren’t that many positive experiences to mention. Regardless, yes, Atlanta is chock full of homeless people (and not the polite kind, like you find in California), plenty of thugged out dudes, plenty of scary-ass police who’d sooner arrest you for looking at them wrong than to smile and/or respond when you say “good afternoon officer”, BUT, there are also some neat things in downtown - unfortunately Atlanta’s leaders weren’t very forward thinking, so there hasn’t been much in the way of planning for people to come back downtown - i think all the leaders assumed that Atlanta wasn’t gonna grow so quickly and that folks were gonna actually wanna live downtown again.

By common sense

March 14, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

A lot of people would go downtown if there were a CASINO

By Buzzer

March 14, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

There is a downtown?

By Buzzer

March 14, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

There is a downtown?

By Buzzer

March 14, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

There is a downtown?

By Darn

March 14, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

Question from a dorky white guy… Does more white people equal safety?

I live in Lithonia and 80% of my neighbors are black and our neighborhood is very safe. Just never thought being around people who had my same skin color would mean I’d be safe.

Just askin’.

By Sarah

March 14, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

One can pepper their post with ” one only has to go Vinehill..” all you want but truth be told, downtown Atlanta is relevant only to go to an event and then leave. I cannot imagine a girls night out downtown, it’s just not a city conduscive to having a night on the town, downtown. This applies to Buckhead as well. Gone are the days we’d go out in Buckhead and feel safe or secure. Downtown is banal and uninteresting and Buckhead is a live version of ” Pimp Your Ride ” with all the vehichles riding around with loud rap music and spinner rims. Not my cup of tea, nope…not at all. I’ll stick to Virginia Highlands or Decatur.

By OITH

March 14, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

MR HUGHES - MARTA CAN’T EVEN SERVICE ATLANTA YET, LET ALONE SUBURBIA. ATL IS THE ONLY 24HR CITY WHERE THE TRAINS AND BUSES STOP AT MIDNIGHT

By JJ

March 14, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

20 year Atlanter How the suburbanites can say they have it all is funny.

I have it all in Gwinnett. I have a huge house, on a huge lot, that I paid $140,000 for, three bedroom, 2.5 bath, living room, den, 2 car garage that could hold 3 cars, all in 2,200 square feet, with a huge fenced in back yard, full of trees; I have a job in Gwinnett I have been at for 16 years; I have my child in Gwinnett Schools. I am 10 minutes from Lake Lanier, I can get home from work, and 15 minutes later be at the lake with my boat.

Here in Gwinnett, especially Suwanee, we do have it all. We have restaurants, shopping, arenas for concerts and sporting events, we have an arena football team, we have the largest Mall in the Southeast, we have an arena ice hockey team (Free parking at the arena, and 10 minutes from home), we are getting the Richmond/Atlanta Braves and building a new stadium for them. We have more greenspace in Suwanee than any city in Georgia, us citizens voted to keep it that way. They just opened a 400 acre park, and there are several more scheduled to open within the next year.

The one thing we don’t have is panhandlers hanging out in our parks harrassing people. We actually feel safe at night out here in Suwanee. I don’t feel I have to keep my doors locked 24/7 and I very rarely hear any sirens.

We have free concerts at several parks, and the traffic moves fairly smoothly. We don’t have 35 high rise condos going in on one city block. We don’t have “infrastructure” issues like downtown has. Our police officers are friendly and will smile and wave at you.

So happiness is where you find it, and I have found it in Gwinnett.

By Reality

March 14, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

The following are words of a DEA agent: “Authorities have found homes in Buford, Norcross and Dacula that did not have much furniture but had large caches of drugs.

DEA agents in the last three years have made two of the largest seizures of methamphetamine on the East Coast in Gwinnett. In Buford, $50 million worth of crystal meth was seized in 2006, which topped a previous record set in Lawrenceville, where $17 million of crystal meth was seized in 2005.” So tell me Rick, what were you saiyng about your convenient Gwinnett neighborhood? And downtown is sooo scary! Take off your blinders, people. It’s easy to harp about homeless and the downtrodden in downtown because we don’t hide them. Peace!

By Atlantan

March 14, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

Downtown is getting better but I must say of any city i’ve been to Atlanta’s downtown has the highest concentration of homeless I have ever seen. I know this does not paint a pretty picture for those trying to promote downtown as a destination for outsiders. I feel for the homeless but honestly most people will choose to not be around that and go somewhere else. and that will continue until the situation is addressed.

By Waste

March 14, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

I’ll go DT for a sporting event, concert, etc but will never drive down Peachtree heading south pass Underground. Holy Sh@%. Its like entering a jungle. I also made the mistake of taking an out of town friend to Underground and then had to spend the rest of the her visit trying to repair her scared image of Atlanta. Homeless people everywhere, Hoopty’s rollin by blaring their music, and not a single worthwile thing to do. What a mess. I’ve lived in Atlanta for 30 years and DT has never really attracted me. Too bad. They’ve never been able to clean up the mess.

By RJ

March 14, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

Jamal Thanks!

I rarely go downtown because it’s too expensive to park and there’s very little to do. Downtown Atlanta needs more places to shop, more restaurants and affordable parking. I tried to go to the parade one day and there was parking for $25! No thank you! Also, a larger police presence is needed. I don’t feel safe walking down the street most of the time.

By Whiskers

March 14, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

Suburbanites are country mice and intown folks are city mice..that will never change. And the gay mice live in both places, even among the rats ( the poster Suburbanite being one of them). There’s crime everywhere, and the homeless problem is relatively small compared to the square mileage of metro Atlanta. Same with drugs, You have cocaine and pot ITP and meth OTP. Everyone needs to live and let live.

By Earl

March 14, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

Downtown Atlanta? Yeah..right. You must have suicidal idiations to want to go to there. All the homeless people begging for a dollar and big fat nasty women that smell like bacon foul up the air.

By MrHughes

March 14, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

Yea, I love the restaurants in Gwinnett. Chilli’s, Applebee’s, Sonny’s, Panda Express, Zaxby’s, and Johnny Carino’s hit the spot. Please!! All of those restaurants have their place and are great in their own right, but places you are talking about don’t compete with the restaurants inside the city because you can find them anywhere! That’s why they are franchises! Where’s Gwinnett’s “6 Feet Under” or “Mary Mac’s Tea Room”? Why are most of the nicer restaurants in the downtown area?

Personally, I’m not scared of homeless people. A person asking me for money doesn’t bother me. My college calls all the time to ask for money and I always get the pitch at charity events. But, I’ve been around the world and realize that homelessness is not limited to downtown Atlanta. I didn’t realize there were gangs in downtown Atlanta… Really, what do the gangs do there? Drink free Coke at the museum… Or, try to sneak into a spin class at LA Fitness or a movie at Atlantic Station. Some of you folks sound ridiculous. It would be better to just say “I’m scared of brown people and/or poor people” and leave it at that. The sad thing is that you are missing out on life, but that’s your choice.

As for people who have trouble navigating the streets… Please don’t venture to any metropolitan area. Clearly, the Georgia DMV made a mistake when they handed you your driver’s license. If a street is one way, then it’s going the other way on the next block. (Case and point: Piedmont Rd, Courtland Ave, Peachtree Center Ave) It ain’t that hard. Buy a GPS or a map!! Navigating downtown and finding parking should not be too difficult for anyone with an 8th grade education. Who cares if you make a wrong turn. You can just get going the right direction in two blocks…

I love the downtown area… There’s so much to do there that people don’t think of. Take visitors to the Cyclorama or take the historical tour at Underground. Walk around Centennial Park or take your dog to Piedmont Park on Saturday or Sunday. Grab a meal at the Varsity or grab a ghetto burger at Miss Ann’s. Tour CNN center and take in a Hawks, Thrashers, Dream, or Falcons game. Walk around Ikea or take in the gorgeous park and arch going up at Atlantic Station. Grab a meal at the Majestic and talk a walk down the bike path’s or check out the Carter Center. Go to Rosa Mexicano and have your guac made at the table and enjoy a great meal. Visit the Margaret Mitchell House or the Botanical Gardens. See a Broadway show at the Fox or check out the symphony. The options really are limitless and are not only for tourists. There’s tons to do here. Don’t miss out…

By Whiskers

March 14, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

And oh yeah, you want to see homeless? Walk down Market Street in San Francisco for a mile…you literally have to step over them.

By Becky

March 14, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Atlanta is a nice city.. No, I don’t always feel safe there, but I will go..People that are talking about the number of homeless must of never been to DC..As for the gay people, you only need to worry about them if you have some self confidence issues..

By JJ

March 14, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

MrHughes Do you have restaurants on the lake downtown? NO, we do, and they aren’t franchises. And they serve up some of the best food and ambiance. I would much rather be at a restaurant on Lake Lanier hanging the locals, then any foo-foo restaurant downtown. As a matter of fact, I dined at Gordon Biersch (SP) close to the Fox Theater on Saturday, and lunch for my daughter and myself was $46.00, outrageous, but we don’t do that ever and we had tickets to see Bill Cosby that day, so it was considered a “treat”.

You may have wonderful restaurants downtown, but they are extremely expensive, and people down there, especially in the Lenox area, are way too snobby for me.

So, to sum it up you have expensive restaurants and snobby people. I’ll stay in Gwinnett with the friendly folks and my huge house and huge yard.

By ATL

March 14, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

WTF? JJ says.. I have it all in Gwinnett. I have a huge house, on a huge lot, that I paid $140,000 for, three bedroom, 2.5 bath, living room, den, 2 car garage that could hold 3 cars, all in 2,200 square feet, with a huge fenced in back yard, full of trees Sounds like you have a huge hunk of plastic! You better be careful, we’re in the tornado season and that thing you call a huge house may just collapse with a strong wind. Huge house…please!

By SteveO

March 14, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

MrHughes

This thread is about Downtown. The Cyclorama is in Grant Park, Piedmont Park and the Fox are in Midtown, the Majestic is in Poncey-Highlands, the Carter Center is in Inman Park, and Atlantic Station isn’t a part of downtown.

To everyone else - Downtown is boring with nothing cool to do, but your suburb is even worse.

By leigh

March 14, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

where are all these skeery gay people downtown???downtown is a scary scary place at night. i live in midtown. don’t come downtown except to work. they need to fill underground in with concrete.

By To JJ

March 14, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

To JJ… Glad you love Gwinnett, but I avoid it more than downtown. Bad traffic, bad drivers and poor planning is the big turnoff. Gwinnett is gross, but admit the Suwanee & Alpharetta side is nice. You have your own set of problems and this is another story for another day. I have lived in Atlanta for 21 years and see what has happened to JC Blvd and the Gwinnett Mall. Your Mall of Georgia is big, but poorly stocked stores. For me and many of the readers, it is easier to get to Atlantic Station, Perimeter or Lenox. I feel safer in Atlanta than in Gwinnett. Glad you are “Likin’ it” up there in Gwinnett.

By JJ

March 14, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

Like I said earlier, Happiness is where you find it……..some find it downtown, some find in the burbs…

By Bill

March 14, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

I for one would not take my family to down town Atlanta not a safe place to be. If we want to see atlanta we will climb stone mountain and see it from a distance.

By MrHughes

March 14, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

@Steve-o

It seems that this dicussion has morphed into ITP vs OTP. Everything I mentioned is within 5 miles of downtown, so I think it applies. But, I will stick to “downtown” attractions this time…

Landmark dinner, Dailey’s, Hardrock, Churchhill Grounds, the Rialto, the historical Underground Tour, High Mus, Atlanta Contemporary Mus, CNN Tour, Aquarium, Apex Mus, Civic Center, Braves Mus, Carter Center & Library, Centennial Park, Cotton Club, Dad’s Garage Theater, The Whole World Improv Theater, Earthlink Live, EyeDrum Gallery, Capitol Mus, GA Dome Tour, GA State Uni Art School and Design Gallery, Halo, High Folk Art and Photo Galleries, Imagine It, King Plow Arts Center, Latitudes Bistro, Musuem of Design, Shakespear Tavern, Oakland Cemetary, Philips Arena, Push Push Theater, MLK Center, Spellman College Mus of Fine Art, the Masqurade, The Tabernacle, and Youth Art Connection…

…several of the attractions mentioned above are downtown as well.

There’s plenty to do in Atlanta…

Also, stop complaining about parking. How expensive do ya’ll think parking is in New York and Chicago? New Yorkers on average walk more than a mile a day in part because parking is so expensive. Clearly, you paid the price so you could afford it. It’s not like those parking people kept food off your table. Do you realize that they had to make parking at Gwinnett free because that’s one of the only ways they can sell the arena? I go to events downtime all the time, drive and don’t pay $25 for parking. Keep your head on the swivel, be willing to look around and walk a block or two. I park for $8 at the Fox and the walk takes 5 minutes. I pay $10 or less at Hawks and Thrashers games. It’s all about not wanting to park across the street from where you are going. But, that requires a moderate amount of physical fitness. Your heart and joints will thank you for it.

By SteveO

March 14, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

MrHughes

Apparently, it is a discussiong of OTP vs. ITP, but you’re still a bit confused about where downtown ends. You’ve still got a ton of Midtown and Inman Park locations lumped in with downtown. Halo, Earthlink, and Whole World are very much in Midtown. Dad’s Garage and Carter Center are in Inman Park. MLK Center is in Sweet Auburn, I’d say that Eyedrum is in Grant Park along with Oakland (practically Cabbagetown) and Push Push is about 10 miles from Downtown in Decatur.

Everything else you’ve mentioned is for tourists. You go once and never go again. What’s the point. The only bar I guess one would go to in downtown would be the Mark or maybe Dailey’s. I wouldn’t hold up Hard Rock as something that anyone would actually want to go to.

There’s a ton to do in Atlanta. There’s nothing to do Downtown.

By CL

March 14, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Yes. But then I work in Midtown and live in Buckhead. Not sure what it needs right now but it will be a happening place in the future. It’s inevitable.

By Outa There...

March 14, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

The good times are way over in Atlanta, or THE ATL as the rapper thugs like to call it. I worked downtown for ten years and lived nearby in midtown for 15 years. Don’t try to tell me that tired old argument that “it is only a perception that downtown is unsafe”. Downtown is about as unsafe as it gets and it won’t change with the current crop of people that are running it. Wake up people, and quit trying to justify your lame purchase of an overpriced loft aprtment.

By John

March 14, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

Gwinnett is downtown to me.

By Dennis

March 14, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

The last time downtown was worth going to was in 1998, just before Buckhead started to slip into the ghettofabulous mode that eventually caused the bar hours to be changed and then the bars to be closed and bulldozed.

Bring back the clubs without the hip hoppers and we’ll talk.

By T.O

March 14, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

GA DOME TOUR??? Man where do I sign up for that one?

By Aurora

March 14, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

CL Buckhead USED to be a happening place until Thugs took it over.

10 years ago it was great to go do the Buckhead Crawl. But then the wrong element moved int, took over and that is not where I would want to be on a weekend night without a gun……

By it's me!

March 14, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

I prefer to stay in north Cobb. Downtown Atlanta doesn’t have any attractions worth seeing. The aquarium is expensive & if I want to see fish I’ll buy my own tank. Underground Atlanta I wouldn’t set foot in. I went back when it re-opened in the late 80s & that was enough for me. Hard Rock BTDT. Centennial Park I prefer not to be harrassed & hounded by hoodlums.

By anbi

March 14, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

I pretty much avoid the hassle of driving downtown, except to catch a new exhibit at the High or if a visiting relative wants to go to the Botanical Gardens.

It’s too expensive for a family of four to attend a Braves game, and I have no interest in the other professional teams.

So no, I don’t get downtown much and have no plans of changing any time soon.

Similarly, I rarely go to a mall any more, because there is plenty of good shopping near my home. With high gas prices, it’s just not worth it.

By CL

March 14, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

OH Aurora,

I hate to play these games but here goes: the question is “Do you spend time in dowtown?” My answer was Yes. That’s mainly because I live in Buckhead and work in Midtown. If I lived in Larryville or Mayberryetta, I probably wouldn’t go downtown as much (if at all) because of the drive. And I worked in the bar biz in Buckhead in the late 70s and early 80s (yes I’m that old) and since then, with the exception of Mike N Angelos, I never frequented the bars there. And it’s gone now anyway. I doubt I’ll be eating, drinking or shopping at the new Rodeo Drive or Worth Avenue or whatever they’re going to call it either. But I will continue to “Yes” spend time in Downtown.

By Ron

March 14, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

Buckhead is not anything now..except boarded up store fronts. It’s all bought up and the developer is waiting for the market to turn around before he starts putting in shops and condos.

So who does anything in a city anyway?…young people. There are plenty of clubs and bars downtown or nearby on the Westside and in Midtown that are always packed…

There’s just nothing for us mature adults to do. But that’s true for most cities except places like Manhattan.

By TI

March 14, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

I have a funny story to tell: I know this guy that grew up in Marietta area that now lives in Macon. He tells his wife and others that he grew up near “downtown” and not to go there. I had to explain to them that he didn’t know what he was talking about because Marietta, well is in another county and not even Atlanta but anyway… kind of makes me laugh still.

By meg

March 14, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

I’d sooner spend time in hell.

By To BILL

March 14, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

If you dont like that black people move somewhere where the is more of you. We are just as rich, famous, influent as anyone else. I hate to say it but racism is still alive and it is people like you that makes African Americans mad enough to kill. Downtown is merely a place not some spectacular scene where you have to be. Oh and for the record last time I checked the statistics BILL=WHITE=INCEST=DAUGHTER HAVING FATHER’S BABY=WHITE PEOPLE AND THEIR VISCIOUS CYCLE OF RAPING THEIR OWN DAUGHTERS IN THEIR OWN NEIGHBORHOODS=SAFE? YEAH THE HELL RIGHT!!!!! GROW THE HELL UP AND REALIZE THAT WHITE DOES NOT EQUAL SAFE BUT MERELY EQUATES TO GETTING AWAY WITH BREAKING THE LAW!!!!!!!

By brad

March 14, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

Downtown? Why?

By MrHughes

March 14, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

Steve-O

I think the Downtown/Midtown thing is ridiculos. If you are within 5-10 mins from downtown I think it’s safe to say you are pretty much downtown. Midtown is 2 mins of Spring/Williams St from downtown. In other words, if you can read Marriott on the Marriott Marquius, then I consider that geographically downtown. Based on your definition almost nothing is downtown. TurnerField is technically Mechanicsville/Summerville, Dailies adn ModernArt would be Peachtree Center. Some consider Oakland Cemetary Grant Park, which is the wrong side of the highway and completely off when you realize that it’s in the shadow of the capitol. Is the Carter Center Inman Park, Edgewood, or Reynoldstown? Is Georgia Tech Downtown or Midtown? Does that make the Varsity downtown or midtown? What about the Olympic Village… Did that change neigborhoods when that changed from GA State to GA Tech? In my opinion… downtown has more than a 10 block radius, but maybe that’s just me…

I welcome the Waffle House… I just hope they don’t put it in Poncey Highland or Grant Park because ya’ll will be all over it. Actually, does anyone know where they are talking about putting the WaffleHouse… There really isn’t one close to downtown… Maybe it will be a bit larger since I am sure it will be swamped on the weekends.

By Jim

March 14, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

My wife, born and raised around Stone Mountain, and I (a transplanted westerner) usually stay downtown a couple of times a year for a weekend getaway, and, quite honestly, it’s not that great.

The last time we went, she insisted that we go to Underground, which she hadn’t been to in years, and I had never been to.

We left the Westin, and started the trek that way. After stepping over, on, and around about a half dozen homeless people during the walk there, we arrived, and immediately knew we had made a mistake. Now I know how the slowest antelope in the herd feels when the leopard heads your way. Saw one other tourist type couple. Between the crude comments and the gang colors, we figured out very quickly it was time to leave, so the four of us spent less that 20 minutes there.

I’m sure we’ll continue to make an annual trek downtown, which is fine withe me, but more often than that, not likely.

By meg

March 14, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

I’d sooner spend time in hell.

By meg

March 14, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

Actually, hell will probably have many of the same inhabitants as downtown Atlanta.

By MDinGA

March 14, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

I don’t go inside 285 unless I am going to an event (which is rare) as I don’t go to sports games any more. There are plenty of restaurants and stores in my neighborhood - no need to go downtown for those. Like some of the other posters said - too much crime, traffic, pollution, etc. plus the additional cost (either taking your car or riding Marta).

By Akima

March 14, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

If you dont like that black people move somewhere where the is more of you. We are just as rich, famous, influent as anyone else. I hate to say it but racism is still alive and it is people like you that makes African Americans mad enough to kill. It’s not comments about downtown that make you “mad enough to kill”, its a vicious cycle you don’t care to break. Instead of making yourselves better, you want to blame someone for your problems, then sit back and wait on your government check…….Ya’ll are keeping yourselves down, not the white man….

What part of Africa are you from?

By Whatever

March 14, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

I live downtown and I am bored out of my brains. I have to go to Midtown to have fun… then drive home! What a joke. This city is not NYC and it needs to stop trying to be. If downtown does not work then it does not work. Midtown and Buckhead are enough for this small of a population.

By MC

March 14, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

@meg: Now, who said I was going to hell? Let’s keep this an adult conversation, please. :D

By meg

March 14, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

If you’re not saved you’re going to hell. If you don’t believe in Christianity, then why do you care if I think someone is going to hell? You’re only revealing that deep down you believe it too. Hell is adult, no kids allowed.

By Shirley

March 14, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

Somebody must like it because they would not be buying $200,000 and up condos. Those are the smart ones actually because just think what realest prices will be 5 to 10 years from now when the markets settles down in the future. Of course some of you wouldn’t understand that, but oh well just try to be happy for those who choose to live there. You enjoy your vinyl-sided homes in the burbs.

By meg

March 14, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

If you’re not saved you’re going to hell. If you don’t believe in Christianity, then why do you care if I think someone is going to hell? You’re only revealing that deep down you believe it too. Hell is adult, no kids allowed.

By MC

March 14, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

“Actually, hell will probably have many of the same inhabitants as downtown Atlanta.”

The reason I care is that I’m moving in on the 28th, and I don’t think you know me nearly well enough to characterize me as an undesirable.

By It needs to be family friendly ...

March 14, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

At our house we have a 66 yr old, 42 yr old , 38 yr old, 6 yr old and 1 yr old. Going dowtown is too much work for me. There isn’t enough family geared entertainment, plus it’s too hard to move around with small children or those that don’t want to walk alot. I think of it as a place for young adults. And if that’s the case, it has alot of competition because there’s plenty of places like that in Metro Atlanta.

By jane

March 14, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

Marta does not need to come to Cobb as the transit in Cobb is called CCT and does go into Atlanta. I do go to downtown, midtown and Buckhead. I enjoy a variety of things, museums, restaurants, salons, boutiques and concerts etc. Happiness folks is where you find it. You can choose to be narrow minded or not, racist or not, you can be mean or not. I CHOSE the high road - I will find do and go where I wish because I am an American and have the luxury to chose.

By MrHughes

March 14, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

Gangs at Underground…

They must like having their palms read, drinking a malt at Johnny Rockets and those $3 sammy’s at Quiznos.

Please… If a brown person has on red that does not mean they are a member of the bloods.

I’m wearing a black hat… Could that mean I’m a crpt. Or, maybe I don’t know that I’m in a gang.

By T.O

March 14, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

shut up Meg!! You’ve posted enough today.

By P-Diddy

March 14, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

Downtown or Suburbs, Atlanta is an area full of either ghetto hip hoppers who don’t know how to act and never been anywhere, and when they do they say shawty and yell ATL very country and ignorant.
Atlanta is also full of country bumpkins who live in a metropolitan area and complain about it or either think that Atlanta is the most happening City in the world, but never stepped foot in a city outside of the south.

By meg

March 14, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

I wasn’t referring to you personally, my best friend lived downtown years ago and I got to hear some of the crime stories from her neighborhood. I said “many of the inhabitants”, not all. As I understand it, things have only gotten worse since then. I do not envy anyone moving there. The whole city is pretty undesirable to me, there’s nothing there I want, so I wouldn’t risk crime, traffic, pollution, etc to visit there. That was the question, that’s my answer. I sympathize with anyone who has to live there.

By MC

March 14, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

I suppose it all depends on where you are. My new residence is a 15th-floor studio on Peachtree, across from the Fox, so I’m not exactly scared. And, yes, I did (enthusiastically) choose to live here.

By meg

March 14, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

T.O. Didn’t mean to scare you.

By meg

March 14, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

Congratulations on your move then, stay safe!

By km

March 14, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Those who think Buckhead is full of thugs and pimps haven’t been here lately. That crowd moved on to Atlantic Station. Now if only somebody would build something decent south of I-20…

By MC

March 14, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

Thank you meg…and I will. Those 30 lb weights have been getting some use ;D

By Sandy_G

March 14, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

I come downtown everyday to work and I walk everyday at lunchtime. Downtown is absolutely beginning to blossom. As more residential space is being built, more boutique hotels are popping up and even the older hotels such as the Hilton and Marriott are pouring millions of dollars into renovations. New restaurants are opening up and the older restaurants are all renovating to prepare for the wave of upscale, young residents that are moving into the area.

In the summer, areas like Sweet Auburn, Five Points and Fairlie-Poplar are buzzing at lunchtime with sidewalk cafes, people eating lunch in the park or just people-watching.

Are there homeless people in the parks? Sure. Are there a lot of different ethnic groups and ethnic business? Absolutely. That’s what I love about cities, the excitement and energy of so many different types of people all in one place together.

Downtown does need more shopping. I think the whole concept of taking people off of the streets and putting them into tubes that run between the buildings was misguided. All of the shopping is currently in underground venues like the one under Peachtree Center. We need more shops outside along the sidewalks and I think this will happen as more people move in to downtown. I love being down here every day and watching all the new buildings going up and seeing more residents on the street. It’s exciting and I can’t wait to see more.

By ATLDOWNTOWNSXS

March 14, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Don’t care for downtown, it is dirty and the people there are rude, rude, RUDE! You guys can have it.

By BPJ

March 14, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

My favorite things to do Downtown: Theatrical Outfit, the Rialto, Atlanta Shakespeare, the Tabernacle, the GSU art galleries, Churchill Grounds jazz club (the best!), the Fox, lunch at FAB (that used to be Brasserie le Coze, at Lenox - it moved Downtown and has done very well!), Rosa’s Pizza, the jamaican restaurant on Walton Street (don’t recall its name, but it’s excellent!), Ted’s Montana Grill (the mother ship), the new Peasant restaurant by the Aquarium, and the City Grill.

It’s sad some people are frightened of any place with substantial numbers of black people. And it is odd to hear these people say nobody goes Downtown and the traffic is too bad. Well, which is it?

Downtown has a ways to go, but it’s headed in the right direction. I work Downtown, and I have encountered more aggressive panhandling in 5 days in San Francisco, than in 5 years Downtown.

By markattwelve

March 14, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

It’s shocking to see a bunch of people so afraid of others. At least they have the nerve to leave their sheets in the closet. I just moved to Twelve in Downtown. It is always fun to be a part of something that is growing, something that is diverse. It appears that residential growth at Ivan Allen Plaza and the Aquarium is going to continue. There may even be a Publix across from the Coke Museum in a couple of years. Retail is lacking; but, it should follow the increasingly affluent residents. Downtown might not be for everyone; but, there is growing desire to be in a work, live, play area that does not require automobiles. I am proud to be part of an emerging downtown Atlanta.

By kat

March 14, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

Hmm, I own a condo downtown (south of Five Points, north of Castleberry Hills) that I love and that’s increasing in value. I’m a fairly well-off, married, female architect. I feel comfortable walking around downtown. I hate traffic, malls, chain restaurants, McMansions, Wal-Marts, people with no taste, etc. I like being able to walk just about anywhere I want to go, with the exception of a grocery store, or take marta on either line - ten minutes to downtown Decatur, High Museum, L5P/Candler Park, whatever…

By Jakki

March 14, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

Im black and Im scared to go downtown.

By Sandy_G

March 14, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

For JJ: I too, live in Gwinnett, southwest side of the county. Anytime you want to see chollos (gangbangers), just take a drive down Jimmy Carter Blvd. Gwinnett Sherriff’s dept. has had to create a special gang unit because of the 100’s of gangs (not 100’s of gang members, 100’s of gangs) that are currently operating in Gwinnett.

In my neighborhood near Lilburn, we deal with gang graffitti on a daily basis. Add to that, the crippling traffic situation (it takes me 20 minutes to go 3 miles from my house to the on-ramp at I-85 every morning), the fact that “white flight” from Gwinnett and the influx of non-english-speaking immigrants has turned our school system from excellent to “needs improvement” in the course of just 6 or 7 years, makes me more afraid to walk the streets of Gwinnett at night than downtown.

We have drive-by shootings, home invasions, armed robberies, bank robberies, murders and drug busts almost every single day in Gwinnett. You may have found a little “bubble” of safety in Suwannee, but the southern part of Gwinnett has just as much crime, homeless people and probably more gang-bangers than downtown does at this point in time.

By tblade92

March 14, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

i think this report would be a more accurate assessment if we only heard from the people who actually visit the downtown area at least once a month or maybe during a sporting season. all of these emotion filled responses are ridiculous! By the way, I think any growth and development is great!

By John

March 14, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

The Waffle house is going to be on Upper Alabama Street just across from the Hagen Daaz store. It is right next to the dorm.

By samuel

March 14, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

I want to make a few points here. First, I have traveled all over the world, and I have come across homeless beggars in most of them, lncluding London;Paris;Madrid;Barcelona;and especially San Francisco Very few of the beggars that I have come across are black. And the beggars in other cities are no more or less agressive than they are here in Atlanta

By samuel

March 14, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

I want to make a few points here. First, I have traveled all over the world, and I have come across homeless beggars in most of them, lncluding London;Paris;Madrid;Barcelona;and especially San Francisco Very few of the beggars that I have come across are black. And the beggars in other cities are no more or less agressive than they are here in Atlanta

By samuel

March 14, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

I want to make a few points here. First, I have traveled all over the world, and I have come across homeless beggars in most of them, lncluding London;Paris;Madrid;Barcelona;and especially San Francisco Very few of the beggars that I have come across are black. And the beggars in other cities are no more or less agressive than they are here in Atlanta

By samuel

March 14, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

I want to make a few points here. First, I have traveled all over the world, and I have come across homeless beggars in most of them, lncluding London;Paris;Madrid;Barcelona;and especially San Francisco Very few of the beggars that I have come across are black. And the beggars in other cities are no more or less agressive than they are here in Atlanta

By samuel

March 14, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

I want to make a few points here. First, I have traveled all over the world, and I have come across homeless beggars in most of them, lncluding London;Paris;Madrid;Barcelona;and especially San Francisco Very few of the beggars that I have come across are black. And the beggars in other cities are no more or less agressive than they are here in Atlanta

By samuel

March 14, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

I want to make a few points here. First, I have traveled all over the world, and I have come across homeless beggars in most of them, lncluding London;Paris;Madrid;Barcelona;and especially San Francisco Very few of the beggars that I have come across are black. And the beggars in other cities are no more or less agressive than they are here in Atlanta

By samuel

March 14, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

I want to make a few points here. First, I have traveled all over the world, and I have come across homeless beggars in most of them, lncluding London;Paris;Madrid;Barcelona;and especially San Francisco Very few of the beggars that I have come across are black. And the beggars in other cities are no more or less agressive than they are here in Atlanta

By KJ

March 14, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this

Samuel,

Would you like to make a few points?

By Foobs

March 14, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this

Downtown is not my cup of tea. All I see is cramped traffic, panhandlers, crackheads, crackhoes, expensive food and drink, wackos, lack of parking, police, and otherwise rude people. There are some neat things, but the bad outweighs the good for me. I guess I just don’t like cities, but I wouldn’t say Atlanta is any worse than most other cities.

By Jeff

March 14, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

It’s come down to this: The white culture in the suburbs has made their own community interest and will not come back downtown. Call it what you want but with the influence of the AJC, th eTV stations, the radio stations, the white suburbanites just don’t feel welcome and won’t change their mind just because you said so.

The young single 20-30 somethings will come to areas where they feel safe from the “hip hop” crowd. Basically, you made your bed and made your allegiances pretty apparent, live with the repercusions and stop asking why.

By Do what

March 14, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

Jeff all my neighbors are white! Except for one or two and i live in midtown. Do you have any idea what it cost to live down here now? Minorities cant afford it! They are all heading your way…

By Wow

March 14, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

JJ - you consider 2200 sq. ft. a “huge house?” I guess you must be one of the poor suburbanites!

By HS Teacher

March 14, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

I live in Clayton Co, so downtown ATL is not scary to me. I go to FernBank, the Carter Center, MLK Center, High Museum of Art, Whole Foods on Ponce, walk on The Path, and just this past week, I went to the Pendleton Store in Peachtree Center.

I also go to Lenox Mall; so much better than Southake Mall.

By Charles

March 14, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

Only on the rare occasions when I-285 is backed with construction to the airport or when attending a Braves game (and heading out as quickly as possible afterwards dodging the panhandlers). There’s nothing inside the City of Atlanta I can’t find outside the perimeter where it’s safe, less expensive and a more pleasant experience.

By Sam

March 14, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

I grew up when downtown was an exciting place to be — shopping, great movie theaters, the best restaurants. It was really the center of things. If you wanted to do something “special” it involved going to town. These days I find less and less reason to go there. It’s a hassle getting there, parking is expensive and why go there when I can have great shopping, restaurants and almost everything else? I’ll make my occasional trip to a game, or take friends to the aquarium, but I never think of it as a place to go have fun. Even the arts are moving away.

By Bill

March 14, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

Downtown Atlanta is not perfect but it is getting better. People are beginning to move back into the city. New hotels and shops are coming back to the city also. If Downtown Atlanta is that bad then all the development that’s going on now would not be happening. With the rise in gas prices and heavy traffic this will drive even more people to live and work downtown Atlanta and thing will only get better.

By Mom

March 14, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

I used to live intown and now live in the suburbs. I have no desire to go back. I never felt safe there and would still have to drive everywhere anyway. The schools are terrible, which affects both resale value of my house and my childrens’ future. I rarely find a reason to go downtown, other than shows or a museum exhibit, and I make those trips quickly because I don’t see a reason to linger. Any time I’ve looked for a job, they’re all in the Perimeter area, which I live close to, so there goes that reason also. The only thing that intown has going for it is some variety from the chains in the burbs, but even that is changing.

I think the suburbs are the new “intown” where it’s all happening.

By Joe

March 14, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

Wow.. reading some of the postings, we would think that we were in a pre-civil rights era South. Scary. I’m glad those people are “scared” of coming downtown: otherwise they would ruin it.

Personally, I live in Midtown, near Ponce and 4th. I commute on a bike to Georgia State, where I work and attend school. Publix is a 5 minute walk. Target is a 15 minute bike ride. A local drycleaner picks up and drops off my clothes. Post office is less than a five minute walk. Having lived in Northern Cal, the homeless problem is minute compared to San Fran. We need bike lanes on Juniper and Piedmont. Atlanta needs to stop reinventing the underground. No one wants to live, work, or play under the ground level of a building. Period. Raze and Rework the whole thing as a simple residential block with a possible grocery store or target below grade. We need more student housing downtown, to reinforce the GSU campus. Decatur street needs to been “greened” up.. with trees and street furniture. Atlanta needs to provide incentives for facade improvements to existing businesses, and encourage retailers to move downtown. Rework the street vendor system so that they use decent-looking kiosks, or put them on one street so we stop having those ugly displays of knock-off merchandise. Support the beltline- this will help to reinforce downtown as a central place.

By TS

March 15, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this

Suburbanite,

You are such an idiot. Downtown is the heart of Atlanta. And yes there are black people as well as gay people who reside, work and shop downtown. Sadly, there are idiots such as yourself who do the same. You white folks seem to think that you all are so much better. Those black and gay folks that you refer to are those who actually run the city and make legislation for you stupid folks who hide out in the suburbs away from civilization.

Have a great day!

By .

March 15, 2008 2:18 AM | Link to this

Wow, I guess all these people who think you can’t possibly find a good neighborhood to raise a family in have NEVER been to Inman Park, Candler Park, Lake Claire, Virginia-Highland, Morningside, Medlock Park, or Decatur….all within about 5 miles or LESS of downtown.

And 2200sqft is NOT a huge house - it’s normal sized. I lived in Gwinnett, just south of the Mall of GA. My house there was a 2300sqft, 4 bed/3bath on 3/4 acre that I paid 145K for (in 2002). It was okay. Traffic getting to the mall of GA was horrible. There wasn’t anywhere I could walk. And it was pretty hard to find ANYTHING but a chain restaurant.

To say it was pretty vanilla is more than talking about demographics.

Now I live in Candler Park (if you’ve ever been to the original Flying Biscuit then you’ve been here). I have ANOTHER 2300sqft house (OK, so this one cost 400K), this time it’s on a tiny lot - tiny enough that I can garden but I don’t have to MOW! My son doesn’t need a big yard because we’re just about across the street from a fabulous park. He goes to a GREAT school that he can walk to. And my commute is 10 minutes to work.

After living for equal times in both areas…I’ll take my intown neighborhood to raise my kids in…

Do I go downtown? Not often, but only because I am also a homebody and most of what I need I can find in my neighborhood.

But when I do I just walk to the MARTA station in my neighborhood and ride the train - no parking or traffic to worry about.

And homeless? Please! You ain’t seen NUTHIN until you’ve been to Moscow….

By MiddleAged

March 15, 2008 2:27 AM | Link to this

Mayor Franklin: I dare you to make this city safe. I don’t think you and an entire army could do it. I’ve been to major city all over the world, and NONE of them felt as scary at Atlanta!

Get tough on the thugs and panhandlers, or is that not P.C.?

By MiddleAged

March 15, 2008 2:28 AM | Link to this

Mayor Franklin: I dare you to make this city safe. I don’t think you and an entire army could do it. I’ve been to major cities all over the world, and NONE of them felt as scary as Atlanta!

Get tough on the thugs and panhandlers, or is that not P.C.?

By Nickie

March 15, 2008 6:39 AM | Link to this

We have lived in the Atlanta suburbs for 17 years. Are they perfect? No. We are both retired and before that worked in the suburbs, too. To us “downtown” = ITP ( we simply don’t know midtown from downtown, from cabbagetown, etc.) and the answer to the blog is we rarely go there. Aside from tourist attractions,Zoo, Aquarium, World of Coke, etc. which are are a one time thing, the occasional sporting event, exhibit or show there is no draw for us. There are good restaurants but the best are out of our price range. We will occasionaly splurge on a fine restaurant when we travel but not drive “downtown” to do it. I sometimes think I would like an “idealized” life downtown where I can walk to everything - stores, restaurants, parks, museums, theaters, etc.- but I don’t think that ideal really exists. Nowhere is perfect and one lives where one feels comfortable - for us it’s the ‘burbs. If we were 30 somethings with lots of money maybe we would live ITP.

By Producer

March 15, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

Heck no! Haven’t been in years. Don’t like the traffic, don’t like the potential crime.

By Bob

March 15, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this

First, I don’t know what “ajc.com” the anonymous article writer was thinking when the wrote this article and asked for open comments.

Whiskers with his “Country Mouse/City Mouse” analogy referenced a huge irreconcilable difference.

The change in DUI laws over the past 25 years has certainly reduced the amount of in town visits for lots of people. Gone are the days when a Fulton County Deputy Sheriff working security at a Roswell Road nightclub might hand you a carry-out cup for your drink.

Underground as it is today does not compare to what existed in the 70’s and early 80’s. What was a really neat place with restaurants clubs and specialty shops is now a flea market with kiosks and may undesirable elements which have already been detailed to death in this blog.

To get back to “the Meeses,” many of us OTP’ers are from other parts of the country and/or have traveled a god bit.

The actual city of Atlanta is less than 450,000 people. In terms of offerenings, other than the afore mentioned restaurants, events, High Musesum, Fox Theatre…. there just isn’t that much to draw people in.

There is no beach or waterfront. Its not New Orleans, Las Vegas, NYC, CHI, SF, or even Georgetown in DC. Atlanta used to be called the “City to busy to hate.” I don’t think that name fits now anymore than calling Philly “the City of Brotherly Love” -er- Shove? Whatever.

Crime, The perception of Crime. Things which are culturally offensive. (Boom Cars, Pan Handlers, Thugs or Thug Wanna-Be’s, loud raucous behavior….)

Most of us OTP have what we need or want. A lot of people ITP, can’t understand this. Its never going to change.

By JJ2

March 15, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

I am in my 50’s and have lived ITP 40 of those years. I lived in Gwinnett the other 10. It’s all in the toilet pretty much. Traffic, drug users, thugs, robbery, even police officers who think they own the world. It’s only going to get worse. It’s called population explosion and with the weather here the negative impact on Atlanta will be huge. I just don’t think we can sustain the growth we are experiencing. It’s getting exponential. I’m retiring to South Carolina by 2015 along with 4 million other people.

By John

March 15, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

NOT TODAY!!

By Mark

March 15, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

greg March 14, 2008 9:33 AM

It has everything to do with race, you ignorant fool. What, are you blind or something? Blacks trash everywhere they go.

By Steve

March 15, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

.

More shopping would be nice in downtown …

What I can’t stand, is the gazillion amounts of homeless who are always harrassing you every step of the way …

That’s the number one reason people don’t like to come downtown … .

By Steve

March 15, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

.

More shopping would be nice in downtown …

What I can’t stand, is the gazillion amounts of homeless who are always harrassing you every step of the way …

That’s the number one reason people don’t like to come downtown … .

By old school cracker

March 15, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

i think its funny ajc removed my reply to jamal but didnt remove his entry

By HCA

March 15, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

I moved Downtown in spring of 2006 from Woodtock, GA. I absolutely love it! There is always something to do. Plenty of trendy restaurants, bars, clubs. Midtown is only a $7 cab ride away. I can hit up Centennial Park on the weekends for a nice walk. Every Winter the city decorates all of downtown - it’s really beautiful.

Plus since I work ITP not only do I walk to work but I’m always going against traffice when visiting clients or what not. I just moved to Chicago 2 months ago and guess what there are homelees people here as well! Intown living is where it’s at. Give it 5-10 years and you won’t be able to afford moving Downtown.

By NotInsane

March 15, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

Go to downtown Atlanta? Well, after my UZI cleared customs and my machetes have be razor-honed, I feel almost safe going downtown now, but even the UZI and knives may not be enough. On second thought: Not “no” but HELL NO..ain’t lost a thin down there and afraid of what I’ll get if’n I do!!

By Stella

March 15, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

I think a casino in downtown Atlanta is a brilliant idea!

By Jen

March 15, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

Geez - all you people who want to bring guns ands such for protection are a bunch of weenies. I mean, if the only way to handle a bunch of feeble mentally ill homeless people is with a weapon then I guess you can’t handle much…

By BPJ

March 15, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

Gosh, the Downtown bashers have disappointed me; I expected to readdid you hear about the tornado that struck Downtown and did millions of $ of improvements!

To pause for a fact-check, the Central Business District is one of the lowest crime areas in metro Atlanta.

For those with something close to an open mind, try visiting the Museum of Design (MODA), Theatrical Outfit, the Shakespeare Tavern, and Churchill Grounds Jazz Club.

By LS

March 15, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

Some of these comments are ridiculous. I live here, in what some suburbanites consider a ‘rough’ neighborhood (I think it’s a nice neighborhood), and I’m sorry, but we are NOT overrun by ‘thugs’ and ‘gang members.’ If I wanted to live among gang members, I would move back to east L.A. Homeless people? Well, the city has been running them out for the past 5 years (which is actually pretty sad). Yeah, there are problems with the ATL police, but you can’t make such a blanket statement. Our neighborhood has great personal relationships with cops who really look out for us. On the other hand, I don’t think a lot of these readers know what you mean by ‘downtown.’ I think they think all of midtown, downtown, and the surrounding areas is downtown. This is one of the reasons I rarely read AJC…the strings of comments with people dissing each other and being ignorant.

By Dana

March 15, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

I work downtown. I think that downtown needs a whole bunch of improvements. If I were making the improvements, I would over haul underground. Underground needs a major renovation. Back in the day it used to be the happening place that everyone would try to get to, now it’s just blah! I would get rid of the one way streets. I would build up the night life. Me personally, I hate that they took away club 112 and Visions. I’m not saying that they have to build the night life up with clubs, but atleast with places that would give people something fun to do after work. They need to build up more shopping areas. The bus transit system needs to be better. Those are just some of the things I would like to see done.

By White Guy With Street marts

March 15, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

I moved here in 1975 and have never been a victim of crime in Downtown, Midtown, Vine City West End or anywhere else. When street urchins ask for change I pretend I don’t hear them. Maybe I’m lucky, or maye it’s this Dont Mess With Me Look on my face. Street smarts is what people who display that I’m Scared look on their faces need to wrap their heads around, and they stand out like sore thumbs. Yes if that profile fits you, then you are a potential victim. I go downtown all the time;it’s a free comedy show. By the way, the best festival in this city is the Sweet Auburn Festival. In one blck you can listen to poetry being recited. In the next block jazz. In the next block the blues. In the next block Caribbean sounds, tons of food etc. It is truly a festival, not these sanitized things that are festivals only in name to appeal to bland suburbanites.

By White Guy With Street Smarts

March 15, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

I moved here in 1975 and have never been a victim of crime in Downtown, Midtown, Vine City West End or anywhere else. When street urchins ask for change I pretend I don’t hear them. Maybe I’m lucky, or maye it’s this Dont Mess With Me Look on my face. Street smarts is what people who display that I’m Scared look on their faces need to wrap their heads around, and they stand out like sore thumbs. Yes if that profile fits you, then you are a potential victim. I go downtown all the time;it’s a free comedy show. By the way, the best festival in this city is the Sweet Auburn Festival. In one blck you can listen to poetry being recited. In the next block jazz. In the next block the blues. In the next block Caribbean sounds, tons of food etc. It is truly a festival, not these sanitized things that are festivals only in name to appeal to bland suburbanites.

By weather bug

March 15, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

Don’t go downtown..tornadoes

By weather bug

March 15, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

Don’t go downtown..tornadoes

By baby sniff

March 15, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

ajc: don’t you thinkit would have been a good idea to take this question off of the blog today? helllllooooo, tornadoes. you guys deserve all the smart comments which you receive. tornadoes, tornadoes, tornadoes.

By Joking right?

March 15, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

Depends on what you mean by “needs.” Atlanta only “needs” more of an intown culture if an appealing central city is desired. Most of metro Atlanta clearly couldn’t care less if the central city is worth seeing, so I’d say it doesn’t really “need” anything.

By toopster

March 16, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this

So I work downtown…and I love living in Atlanta, there is so much to do here…and I don’t go downtown. I’m not afraid, but I just don’t find that much to do there. Aquarium..once you go, you don’t have to go back. CNN Center, my husband works there. Coke…blah. There are great restaurants in Decatur…why fight the convention and tourists to go downtown?

By toopster

March 16, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this

So I work downtown…and I love living in Atlanta, there is so much to do here…and I don’t go downtown. I’m not afraid, but I just don’t find that much to do there. Aquarium..once you go, you don’t have to go back. CNN Center, my husband works there. Coke…blah. There are great restaurants in Decatur…why fight the convention crowds and other tourists to go downtown?

By Downtown is worthless

March 16, 2008 1:13 AM | Link to this

I go Downtown whenever I am in the mood to be panhandled incessantly by worthless adults, or whenever I’d like to see about 3,000 shiftless youths hanging around and stagnating at Underground Atlanta or near Marta Stations…

By ukiddingme

March 16, 2008 2:46 AM | Link to this

I’m justing wondering if all those bloggers with racist comments and opinions are willing to go public with these ideas maybe in front of the camera, or better yet at your job. I doubt that because most of the bloggers are too weak-minded to expose their hatred. So they are not worth the time. NEXT

By Vox Veritatis

March 16, 2008 2:55 AM | Link to this

Haven’t all of you suburbanites noticed that gas has gone up from $1 to $3 in the last few years? That sweet, sweet oil is getting more scarce by the day, which means the Ay-rabs will be charging more and more for it. That means gas will keep going up, to $4 in the summer and probably to $5 next year, and who knows after that? Eventually, and I don’t mean when your grandchildren are in a nursing home, it will be $30 a gallon and more, and long before it reaches that suburbanites will have to make a choice: either live in a real city or go out to the real country and grow things for a living. The ‘burbs are doomed.

By CMH

March 16, 2008 3:02 AM | Link to this

Other than the occasional concert, Braves Game, or relatives from out of town, I don’t really have a compelling reason to go downtown. I took my, then, new wife to Underground and the old Coke Museum a few years ago, and she didn’t really care for it. She was frightened by the groups of teens hanging around, the panhandlers, and the ‘crazy’ people on the MARTA trains. Come to think of it, I haven’t rode MARTA once in the last five years when there wasn’t some drunk, panhandler or possibly mentally- unstable person in our particular car or bothering us on the platform. Our last foray on Marta (Medical Center station) to a concert, wife was cornered by a young man at the gate while I was parking the car. She said he stood there at the gate, took her money, and then ‘tapped’ her through. Having never used the new system, and without me there, she just assumed this was the procedure. The young man then followed her in and tried to strike up a conversation about ‘car trouble’ until I arrived a few minutes later. He then beat a hasty retreat out of the station. We found a MARTA ‘security guard’—and I use that term lightly—who told use there was nothing she could do as she was the only one there and that we could ‘call it in’ ourselves at a phone she showed use. She then disappeared wherever these folks go when there supposed to be monitoring the platforms/station. My wife has refused to use MARTA or go Downtown sense, even with me along. A heightened security/police presence at all the locations listed above would sit much better even with me. CMH

By CMH

March 16, 2008 3:04 AM | Link to this

Other than the occasional concert, Braves Game, or relatives from out of town, I don’t really have a compelling reason to go downtown. I took my, then, new wife to Underground and the old Coke Museum a few years ago, and she didn’t really care for it. She was frightened by the groups of teens hanging around, the panhandlers, and the ‘crazy’ people on the MARTA trains. Come to think of it, I haven’t rode MARTA once in the last five years when there wasn’t some drunk, panhandler or possibly mentally- unstable person in our particular car or bothering us on the platform. Our last foray on Marta (Medical Center station) to a concert, wife was cornered by a young man at the gate while I was parking the car. She said he stood there at the gate, took her money, and then ‘tapped’ her through. Having never used the new system, and without me there, she just assumed this was the procedure. The young man then followed her in and tried to strike up a conversation about ‘car trouble’ until I arrived a few minutes later. He then beat a hasty retreat out of the station. We found a MARTA ‘security guard’—and I use that term lightly—who told use there was nothing she could do as she was the only one there and that we could ‘call it in’ ourselves at a phone she showed use. She then disappeared wherever these folks go when there supposed to be monitoring the platforms/station. My wife has refused to use MARTA or go Downtown sense, even with me along. A heightened security/police presence at all the locations listed above would sit much better even with me. CMH

By Southernlady

March 16, 2008 7:19 AM | Link to this

As a native of Cobb County…downtown Atlanta was a vibrant city in the 60’s. Rich’s, Davison’s(now Macy’s)J.P. Allen, Regenstein’s, Woolworths, lots of restaurants and night clubs….what happened????

By Oh, come on

March 16, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

Can we please, Please, PLEASE stop calling young black/brown kids “thugs”?

A “thug” is someone who actually commits crimes, not some barely-out-of-high-school dude who likes to stand or drive around , trying to look or act intimidating. That’s mostly what people seem to be afraid of. Until you’ve seen that guy actually do you or someone else some harm, it’s as silly for you to call him “thug” as for him to call you “racist” because you scurried by him, looking afraid. He’s no more a thug for standing around, striking a certain posture, than a woman is a prostitute because she goes out in tight or revealing clothes and four-inch heels, wanting men’s attention. Both of them are acting/dressing in a certain way, trying to achieve a certain result. Until she takes money for sex or he hits somebody over the head and takes a wallet, you’re just making up stuff about them in your head.

By Danimal

March 16, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

Born and raised in Atlanta area. Used to take the bus from East Point to Atlanta with my brother, just to walk around and eat at Krystal. That was the late 50’s. I was 7 and he was 11. We never had any “problems”.In the 60’s, we all went downtown to act like hippies around 14th street. In the 70’s, we went to bars and pro games downtown. In the 80’s, the excitement moved to the Buckhead area. The 90’s was an Olympic decade that we will always remember.Times were good. Now? Between Snellville and Loganville, I can find everything I need. I go downtown only if I have to.

By J

March 16, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

An old boss of mine used to say the smartest thing: It is what it is.

Let’s look at people complaining about the race issue. I don’t see a ton of white well-dressed stock brokers causing problems downtown. I don’t see groups middle-aged asian women tennis players hanging out at MARTA bus stops.

We’re not the ones CAUSING racism. Look again. It’s all about being something they are not. Fake LV bags from a south ATL flea market. Fake Prada sunglasses from same flea market. $1k jeans stolen from a store in midtown. Another thing with all of those designer things: you guys have purchased sooooo many fake items as to make having the real useless as no on will believe you. That’s why we choose oddball designers. I love seeing a babies-mommas using food stamps at WalMart on Howell Mill while holding her LV bag. I will laugh out loud at her. But wait, there’s more. Huge t-shirts. Huge puffy down jackets in July. Pants sagging. Record about to “drop” (cause you’re all rappers or singers). Bumping shoulders with you in Lenox. Walking slowly (obese thighs rubbing slowly) in every store. Chewin’. Always chewing on something-you guys will have to explain that. Talking loudly on a cell phone to “Pookie”. $5000 rims on a $2 Cutlass or 2008 Range Rover (leased I might add) while living in a 1 bedroom apartment with 6 others. No priorities. It’s all about being something they’re not. It’s all about getting “props” or “respect”. Idiots. All of them.

So, with that said, who are you more afraid of at night? a group of Thugs or a group 60 year old Harvard english scholars.

To thug or not to thug…that is the question.

By PC Po-Leese

March 16, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

I agree with Oh, come on.

Those young animals prefer to be called “ThugZ.”

By J

March 16, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

One more comment. If you need proof of who is causing the problems just watch any 6pm news. They’re always black (unless a tornado hits a mobile home park). Thugs. Look at the guy they nabbed in the UNC case. They drug him in. He just looked like a thug loser. Lip dragging, couldn’t walk, dressed like a moron. That’s your pride and joy.

By J

March 16, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

ThugZ<—-Cause they are uneducated.

Again, Morons. Stop wasting my oxygen.

By The missing piece

March 16, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

I know this isn’t a suggestion box but…..

The only thing that will bring constant, day-to-night pedestrian traffic to downtown is shopping and relatively cheap but interesting food. People need “everyday” reasons AND “special occasion” reasons to go down there.

When I say “shopping”, I don’t mean boutiques with jeans for $180 and nothing above size 10, and I don’t mean the “everything for $7” or faux-athletic gear stores. Something in-between. For example, the H&M and Zara that downtown desperately needed, but which instead went to already-crowded Atlantic Station and Lenox.

Think of all the GSU and GT students and employees, and the thousands of downtown workers who would have loved that. Sure, some people think those stores’ clothes are cheap, but students and people just starting out in the work world don’t have a lot to spend on clothes. Besides, if you treat them nicely (lay flat or hang them dry, no dryers) they last just fine.

Downtown NEEDS something like that. All those old, empty buildings just begging for new tenants. Toss in a Trader Joe’s or a mini-sized Publix, and a Bed, Bath and Beyond and things would be SO different down there. (I used to think BB&B was just a place to buy sheets and shower curtains, but they have EVERYthing in that place. It’s like a combination Target-Walgreens.)

If the only things going on are tourist-y, expensive, 9-to-5, or youth-oriented, only tourists, people with lots of money, young people and 9-to-5ers will come around. People feel safe when they see other people around.

Thrive, and restaurants like that are great, but downtown needs more places like Slice, that people could afford more often. Doc Chey’s would probably do well down there, as would a really good burger place. And they need to stay open until about ten. People like to be able to eat a reasonably priced plate of real food after work or school, not just drink. Just about everything reasonably priced down there closes by five. Only the more expensive places are open at night. Maybe they want people with money to come downtown and see that it’s not scary, then everyone else will follow.

By Steve

March 16, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

I live in an intown neighborhood called Capitol View. Most stupid suburbanites would find in terrifying but i think its lovely. Quaint bungalows with the convenience to by anywhere in atlanta within minutes. I love downtown atlanta. Its exciting, busy and fun. If you dont like busy, urban centers or if you like well polished suburban neigborhoods then of course you wont like downtown. Got it!!!!!

By Downtown still sucks

March 16, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

Downtown Atlanta is no more than a training ground for the next generation of Atlanta’s fatherless young felons.

No matter where you go in Downtown you see two types of people - those that have a destination that they intent to actually PATRONIZE, and others who don’t work and come there to stagnate in large groups. I’ve never seen so many adults and teens just sitting around doing absolutely nothing for hour after hour…

By Linda

March 16, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

I am planning a trip for a convention to be held in downtown Atlanta. I have never been to Atlanta before. After reading these comments, I’m wondering why I would even want to come.

By pokey

March 16, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

It depends upon what you call “downtown”. If it is anywhere near 5 points (not LITTLE 5 points) you’ll want to stay far far away from the crazies, panhandlers, anti-white racist people, drug dealers, and is as nasty as nasty can be. In the area around the georgia state offices, grady, and underground, that is the absolute worst. Also, why would anyone want to spend 3 hours to travel 10 miles in traffic going there? Marta is not always smarta either.

By pokey

March 16, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

let’s put it this way… Working in downtown atlanta with mostly african american staff, i experienced firsthand what even they think about places like downtown. my cubicle was in a row of about 6 african americans, with me being the only white one. when i was moved by circumstance to a different cubicle next to two other white people (two of about only 4 white people on the entire floor— please note this was NOT a promotion) I was teased about being moved to “Buckhead” from “Black Alley” by the african american staff. Is that racist or what? I had thought these people were my co-workers and friends.

By Chris

March 16, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

Imagine if downtown were all white? Imagine if you had white people running the city, grady, the police, etc. It would be so much better! You look at downtowns of white cities like Chattanooga, Greenville, etc and you see NO CRIME. Why are most blacks poor and violent? They are so stupid too. Like the A$$ who killed that UNC girl. Right after he drives to an ATM in her car and tries to use her card in front of CAMERAS? What a moron.

By UkiddingMe

March 16, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

Linda, if you are from a metro area out of state you should not be afraid. Most of these bloggers are from GA and never resided in a multi-cultural metro area before, so their opinions are based on being sheltered and ignorance. Any Metro area you will have Thugs, homeless, unruly teenagers, drunk sport fans..white, black or hispanic. BTW people, most criminal thugs do not socialize near Phillips Area due to police, they are in their own neighborboods like SWAT, Boulevard, Decatur, Riverdale and other areas. And If you think every black person are thugs, thats just like saying every white person are white trailer trash…hopefully you will learn to just realize that you sound THAT stupid.

By UkiddingMe

March 16, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

Linda, if you are from a metro area out of state you should not be afraid. Most of these bloggers are from GA and never resided in a multi-cultural metro area before, so their opinions are based on being sheltered and ignorance. Any Metro area you will have Thugs, homeless, unruly teenagers, drunk sport fans..white, black or hispanic. BTW people, most criminal thugs do not socialize near Phillips Area due to police, they are in their own neighborboods like SWAT, Boulevard, Decatur, Riverdale and other areas. And If you think every black person are thugs, thats just like saying every white person are white trailer trash…hopefully you will learn to just realize that you sound THAT stupid.

By UkiddingMe

March 16, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

Linda, if you are from a metro area out of state you should not be afraid. Most of these bloggers are from GA and never resided in a multi-cultural metro area before, so their opinions are based on being sheltered and ignorance. Any Metro area you will have Thugs, homeless, unruly teenagers, drunk sport fans..white, black or hispanic. BTW people, most criminal thugs do not socialize near Phillips Area due to police, they are in their own neighborboods like SWAT, Boulevard, Decatur, Riverdale and other areas. And If you think every black person are thugs, thats just like saying every white person are white trailer trash…hopefully you will learn to just realize that you sound THAT stupid.

By pskybskt

March 16, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

Please,please - no more negative comments about downtown. If you keep this up, it will no longer be the target rich enviromnent it has been for decades. Are you people intent on making the panhandlers and thugs come and find you? It is essential that a significant portion of the caucasion target pool remain naive and available for attack. So please, just stop the criticism.

By UkiddingMe

March 16, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

Linda, if you are from a metro area out of state you should not be afraid. Most of these bloggers are from GA and never resided in a multi-cultural metro area before, so their opinions are based on being sheltered and ignorance. Any Metro area you will have Thugs, homeless, unruly teenagers, drunk sport fans..white, black or hispanic. BTW people, most criminal thugs do not socialize near Phillips Area due to police, they are in their own neighborboods like SWAT, Boulevard, Decatur, Riverdale and other areas. And If you think every black person are thugs, thats just like saying every white person are white trailer trash…hopefully you will learn to just realize that you sound THAT stupid.

By UkiddingMe

March 16, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

Linda, if you are from a metro area out of state you should not be afraid. Most of these bloggers are from GA and never resided in a multi-cultural metro area before, so their opinions are based on being sheltered and ignorance. Any Metro area you will have Thugs, homeless, unruly teenagers, drunk sport fans..white, black or hispanic. BTW people, most criminal thugs do not socialize near Phillips Area due to police, they are in their own neighborboods like SWAT, Boulevard, Decatur, Riverdale and other areas. And If you think every black person are thugs, thats just like saying every white person are white trailer trash…hopefully you will learn to just realize that you sound THAT stupid.

By ukiddingme

March 16, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

Linda, if you are from a metro area out of state you should not be afraid. Most of these bloggers are from GA and never resided in a multi-cultural metro area before, so their opinions are based on being sheltered and ignorance. Any Metro area you will have Thugs, homeless, unruly teenagers, drunk sport fans..white, black or hispanic. BTW people, most criminal thugs do not socialize near Phillips Area due to police, they are in their own neighborboods like SWAT, Boulevard, Decatur, Riverdale and other areas. And If you think every black person are thugs, thats just like saying every white person are white trailer trash…hopefully you will learn to just realize that you sound THAT stupid.

By pskybskt

March 16, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

Please,please - no more negative comments about downtown. If you keep this up, it will no longer be the target rich enviromnent it has been for decades. Are you people intent on making the panhandlers and thugs come and find you? It is essential that a significant portion of the caucasian target pool remain naive and available for attack. So please, just stop the criticism.

By The Carnivore

March 16, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

No reason to go downtown. The reason that three adjacent suburban counties all have populations of over 500,000 is that they gave up on downtown a long long time ago and started creating their own cities/communities.

So what to do with downtown? Get the few remaining companies out of there and turn the abandoned skyscrapers into military training sites. Atlanta could have the countries top urban warfare training center right here. Move the Braves to Alpharetta. Turn the Georgia Dome into a huge flea market. Give the panhandlers jobs doing pyrotechnics demonstrations near the military training site.

Downtown died a long time ago. That is why these huge suburban communites are in place. That would not have happened if people thought there was any hope at all of saving downtown.

By Lazarus

March 16, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

Linda,

Before you come down to this lower ring of Hell, I STRONGLY SUGGEST you take some self-defense classes and invest in some pepper spray. (A firearm might not be a bad idea, either.)

Just dream about being approached by charred-black demons everywhere you look, and that should help de-sensitize to what you will actually experience here in this little slice of Hell we call “The Downtown A T L.”

However, if you are black, just act like you are keeping it real (Yes, seriously.) and not very sexual, and no one should bother you.

Regardless of your race, remember these to things:

1. Bring NO Cash or Change with you other than for parking or MARTA.

2. Do NOT let anyone “just use your cellphone to call for their ride.”

Good Luck, Linda.

I hope you survive your time here.

By sandi

March 16, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

Please add more direction signs so once I want to go home from downtown, back towards the north on I-85, I can find my way out of town. It never fails, once I want to leave the area I get lost. As many times as I try to do it right, somehow, I get confused and can not find the expressway. Isn’t there a better way to manage the signage?

By sandi

March 16, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

Please add more direction signs so once I want to go home from downtown, back towards the north on I-85, I can find my way out of town. It never fails, once I want to leave the area I get lost. As many times as I try to do it right, somehow, I get confused and can not find the expressway. Isn’t there a better way to manage the signage?

By taisha

March 16, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

That fine young man that robbed and killed that UNC college girl didn’t do nothing wrong.

He was just CELEBRATING HIS DIVERSITY* and yall Haterz just can’t stand that.

By NotInsane

March 16, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

Uh, ukiddingme and pskybskt: You need only post your comments ONCE, not twice or 6 TIMES!

I agree with The Carnivore except that he (she?) ignored one of the best jobs the “wastes that are a terrible thing to mind” folks downtown can have and that’s crash-test dummies. There are boucoups of job openings for this job. Be prepared to work only one day, however, and that may be the only job you’ve ever had and will have!

By Stating the Obvious

March 16, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

UkiddingMe must be chocolate.

No other race would be stupid enough to hit the POST button that many times, like a monkey playing with its feces.

BTW, Downtown Atlanta slurps.

By The Irishman

March 16, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

Yo, taisha! What you tryin’ ta say, sistuh?

You tryin’ to say the bro what killed dat white girl he didn’t do nothin’ wrong and was just CELEBRATIG HIS DIVERSITY?

This is part of what’s wrong with the races now. Both sides needs to take another look. Murder is not the same thing as celebrating diversity, at least in most “Buckhead” types. It may be like that in the ghetto, taisha. I notice you don’t capitalize your name, much the same as the singer j.d.lang(?). Forgive me, but as a “smart ass white boy” (spoken by that great American Andy YOung), I just can’t keep up with contemporary idiots (Andy included).

By Al

March 16, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

Taisha pathetic thugs like you need to be turned into slaves again. I would love nothing more to have you on a chain and watch you make my dinner. I pray that one of your thug neighbors kills you. You blacks are so good at killing.

By Tommy

March 16, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

…if you people don’t like city centers, then keep your a.. in Cobb county where your type belongs. You are not wanted nor needed downtown; but, downtown does need: nightlife, 24hr nightlife, gambling, strip clubs, gay clubs….nightlife absolutely is essential to a thriving downtown…absolutely… and if you don’t agree, then again, stay the hell away…

By Chris

March 16, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

Tommy we had a great nightlife in Buckhead but the thugs moved in, caused trouble, and closed it down. Blacks are very good at screwing stuff up.

By shaun

March 16, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

I’ve been once. We went to a Falcons game and were robbed at gunpoint. I won’t be back.

By Tommy

March 16, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

…seems the city is good at screwing things up…look at what’s happened to midtown’s nightlife…

By Do I really have to explain

March 16, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

“taisha” was being sarcastic, people.

She/he was trying to imply that black people are so stupid/genetically predisposed to violence/excuse-seeking that one of us would really believe that committing murder is a means by which to “celebrate diversity”….whatever that little PC code phrase is supposed to mean.

By taisha

March 16, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

You can shut your mouth Hater! You dont know me! You dont know anything about my people!

Some little rich white girl get killed and her money stole and yall just want to throw the first young black male you see in prison! He didnt do nothing wrong! That silly little girl probably deserved what she got anyway and probably even had it done by her WHITE boyfriend.

By Ann

March 16, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

Yes, a Waffle House… I’ll do cartwheels down Peachtree when it comes…

By To Linda

March 16, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

Linda, please, please don’t listen to the insane-sounding, paranoid hyperbole. I can’t explain it, but there are apparently grown men and women who never outgrew their childlike fear of people who are not like them. One of the drawbacks of the internet is that you can say ugly, illogical things in “public” and never be held to any account for it, the way you would if you stood up and said it in a physical public place.

It’s not like those people want to you to believe it is. Always remember to ask questions of people who have something to gain by telling you all about something that you’ve never seen, in order to get you to subscribe to whatever point of view they have. You certainly wouldn’t rent a beach house you’d never seen, in a place you’d never been to just because someone who wanted your money kept telling you how great it was. You’d want to see some pictures and hear about other people’s experiences there.

If you’ve ever been to any decent-sized city, Atlanta is no worse. It’s not some war zone booby-trapped with throat-slitting highwaymen. There are not violent crimes being committed left and right. You will not have to step over sleeping vagrants to get where you’re going. No one is going to chase you down the street, demanding money. There are homeless people. There are panhandlers. Ignore them, or say “No” and keep walking. It’s not a big deal.

Yeah, if you look like a tourist, and you stop, looking around like you’re lost, consulting a map, someone might offer to give you directions, and then ask you for money afterward. If you get lost, go into an office building or a store and ask for directions or ask one of those “Ambassador Force” people in the funny-looking safari hats, or a police officer. It’s not Mayberry, but it’s not Moscow or the favelas of Sao Paulo either. Patches of it have fallen into neglect, but if you’re here for a convention, you’ll probably not be going to those parts.

I worked downtown for a long time. (I’m in DC now, finishing grad school - coming back to Atlanta in the summer.) It’s absolutely fine. Just like most downtowns, it slows down a lot at night, so it needs some work in that area. But, very few downtowns are just go-go-go 24 hours a day. I’m a single woman, and I’ve been in downtown Atlanta by myself at every hour of the day and night. I’m still very much alive.

By Foobs

March 16, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

Just because people don’t like downtown, it doesn’t automatically make them racist or ignorant. I’m so tired of that stereotype. In fact, those that think it does are more likely the racist or ignorant ones. Some of you need to get over all that. Please, save the rhetoric. As with any other city, the downtown area attracts crime simply due to the number of people and opportunities that arise. It’s not a place to bring your kids. Regardless of race, a panhandler is a panhandler, and a thug is a thug. There are too many, period. And I don’t care what color they are. I probably wouldn’t like downtown Moscow, either.

By Foobs

March 16, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

Everyone needs to take a chill pill with the ignorant comments. Linda, it’s no different than people that have a fear of places like the Okeefenokee swamp. It’s all irrational.

By Cannot handle the truth

March 16, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

It’s not my fault that downtown is unsafe. Don’t get mad at me. I’m just keeping it real.

Like many places in the city of Atlanta, Downtown is teeming with aimless, fatherless youths with nothing more to do but sit around and “look hard” all day. Maybe if those kids had been PARENTED to be education-minded the high crime rate would start to go down.

Normally when I go downtown with friends we take a “time guess” just before we get out of the car. This is our best guess at how long it will take before we get asked for money. It’s usually less than 3 minutes…

By DD

March 16, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

Downtown could use more places to shop and additional restaurants.
I work downtown and love shopping, eating, and watching movies at Atlantic Station.
My family attended a Circus at the Phillips Arena a few weeks ago, we had a great time. We also attend sporting events, plays and concerts downtown occasionally.
I dont ever remember feeling any more unsafe than I feel anywhere else nowadays. On my ride home from work through downtown, I see many homeless people. I typically dont see many homeless people or “thugs” when attending events downtown.

By Bonedaddy

March 16, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this

Hell no. For what?

By Greg Leathers

March 16, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

I like to go downtown for the symphony and some sports and museums, but would go more often if Marta would come out into Gwinnett and maybe further. But, no because of racist fears of blacks coming to the white suburbs on Marta trains, Marta is never approved in those areas. Of course they never come out and admit their racist intentions. It is always something about nobody rides Marta, or tax increases or how to split up the taxes. Wah wah you racists.

By Mike the Mechanic

March 16, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

Q: What is black, shiftless and illegal?

A: 80% of Downtown Atlanta.

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 16, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

I’m a non-black guy who goes to downtown pretty often. If you feel unsafe downtown, well, I’m sorry to say, but… you’re a p***. No offense.

By Jessica

March 16, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

Well I go downtown frequently because I work at Philips Arena and I also enjoy going to the fountain in Centenial Park in the summer. I have never had any problems and love seeing all the different people walking around. We all have to live in this world together so I say suck it up and deal with it. As for the people that dont like to be around a particular race of people; what are you going to do when you get to heaven? Love all of you :)

By Lake Oconee Dawg

March 16, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

I only go downtown for sporting events. Traffic so bad I’m considering watching sport events only on TV. Mr. Davenpoop I have one word for you “Delta is ready when you are”.

By Jill

March 16, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

Nah, too many tornadoes hit downtown. ;-)

By Culture Shock

March 16, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this

People who live in the suburbs and/or don’t often use public transit are at a disadvantage when they go places like downtown because they’re mostly immersed in what I’ll call “private culture.”

In private culture, your daily routine involves getting in YOUR car (by yourself or only with people who you choose/allow to be there), listening to whatever YOU want on the stereo, going only and exactly where YOU want, at the time YOU want to get there, leaving when you want, and going straight home or to your next destination exactly when you want. There are no un-planned or unexpected encounters with strangers, or with people you don’t like or understand. The only time you’re likely to encounter strangers is in a store, an entertainment venue or maybe as customers at your job. And in those places, the strangers are usually people you consider to be like you.

In private culture, you very rarely have to share space with anyone you find repulsive, scary or obnoxious. You’re unlikely to have to stand around in the cold, the heat, or the rain. You expect to be able to choose who is around you and what happens. You expect people to abide by certain rules: Strangers aren’t supposed to walk up and ask you for money. People aren’t supposed to be smelly or talk to themselves. Men aren’t supposed to yell things at women. People aren’t supposed to just stand around being weird or angry-looking. People are supposed to wear iPods, not play super-loud music from the car.

If that’s what you’re used to, you’re likely to be VERY uncomfortable in what I’ll call “public culture.”

In public culture, you don’t expect to have control over certain things. The bus might be late or never show up. You still have to walk a mile to the MARTA station even if it’s 16 degrees 102 degrees, or raining. You know that people are going to be unpredictable or creepy sometimes. You just dodge, ignore or blow off people who act crazy, mean or weird. Or you tell them, “Man, I’m broke. I was going to ask YOU for a quarter.”

In public culture, you know that unless you’re at home, everyone has as much right to be where you are as you do. You know that being “uncomfortable” is not going to do you any real harm. You are usually readily able to distinguish being in danger from just being annoyed or anxious. You know that the world isn’t going to fall apart because someone said something you find offensive. You aren’t quick to write off entire parts of town because something annoying happened there once, unless it was violent.

People who are used to public culture carry with them a healthy supply of skepticism. Stories about needing bus fare, gas or car repairs are met with “Mmm hmmm. That’s a shame, but I don’t have a dime on me. Good luck.”

You keep in mind that very few legitimate, legal transactions take place on the street, in cash, between two people who’ve never seen each other before, except at a hot dog stand.

People who are very uncomfortable in public culture usually aren’t going to think it worthwhile have to deal with it, especially if it’s accompanied by expensive parking and a long drive. Pretty much nothing anyone can say is going to convince them otherwise. Just as no one could convince me that it’s unsafe to live in the city or go downtown.

By Land of the dead

March 16, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this

Downtown is a land of the dead. After 5:00 you could film a horror flick there.

By Lee

March 16, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

This is too funny. All these people saying “Downtown is safe.”

Oh really. Where do you live?

I live in one of those high rise condos.

You mean the one with the armed guard on the front desk and razor wire on the eight foot chain link fence?

Uuhhh, yeah.

Why do you think they have to go to such extremes? Why do you think the World Congress Center, Ga State Univ, Ga Tech, and the capitol have their own police forces?

Hint, it’s not for crowd control for all those families walking around downtown at midnight.

Yes, the suburbanites and rural folks are at a disadvantage when they go downtown. We can’t understand why people would want to live that way.

At least when my dogs bark in the middle of the night, it’s usually because a deer or possum wandered into the yard.

By Mike from Florida

March 17, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

Well I just Moved here from Florida in Nov,2007 and my wife and I only go down town when need be,and we catch the Marta I never would have thought in A Million Years that Down Town Atlanta Would be the WAY It is I was here in 1993 alot has change However to sum it all up,Downtown needs a new make over we don’t go down town if possible and im a 30yrs African American

By Yeah, but...

March 17, 2008 2:42 AM | Link to this

I haven’t seen a state capitol or a large public university anywhere that doesn’t have its own police force. Many amusement parks and convention venues have their own police forces. The monuments in DC have a police force. National parks have a police force.

And if by “safe” you mean “almost no possibility of anything bad happening”, then fine, you win, it’s dangerous.

But, if that’s the standard, then EVERY place is dangerous, up to and including the womb.

By Name dropper

March 17, 2008 5:39 AM | Link to this

What kind of name is Taisha anyway? Or Tanisha, wanneesha, traieesha. can’t you be a bit more creative with the naming game?

By Mark

March 17, 2008 7:27 AM | Link to this

I will go to a game now and then.

A bunch of us from our Gwinnett neighborhood recently went downtown to eat at a trendy restaurant we had read about. Guess what? 66% of the cars we took down there got busted into while we were eating. It took Atlanta Police two and a half hours to get to us so they could write a report and then they told us, “This is not a place where you want to stand around outside your vehicles.”

The restaurants in Buford have more atmosphere, better food and are far safer. They remind me of the original Underground. We learned a valuable (and costly) lesson.

By Mark

March 17, 2008 7:29 AM | Link to this

I will go to a game now and then.

A bunch of us from our Gwinnett neighborhood recently went downtown to eat at a trendy restaurant we had read about. Guess what? 66% of the cars we took down there got busted into while we were eating. It took Atlanta Police two and a half hours to get to us so they could write a report and then they told us, “This is not a place where you want to stand around outside your vehicles.”

The restaurants in Buford have more atmosphere, better food and are far safer. They remind me of the original Underground. We learned a valuable (and costly) lesson.

By Mark

March 17, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this

I will go to a game now and then.

A bunch of us from our Gwinnett neighborhood recently went downtown to eat at a trendy restaurant we had read about. Guess what? 66% of the cars we took down there got busted into while we were eating. It took Atlanta Police two and a half hours to get to us so they could write a report and then they told us, “This is not a place where you want to stand around outside your vehicles.”

The restaurants in Buford have more atmosphere, better food and are far safer. They remind me of the original Underground. We learned a valuable (and costly) lesson.

By Reality

March 17, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this

Jill, you make more sense than anyone else who posted comments here. Thanks, Jill.

By Angilee

March 17, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this

I moved from Florida to Unincorporated Fulton County a few months ago. I have only been to downtown Atlanta a few times.

The streets are very narrow, with a lot of one way traffic. Some parts look nice, but a few areas I have been afraid to stop at the light. So many rough looking people I am afraid to get robbed.

I loved living where I am, a lot of building going on, not much yet in my area. But its free from traffic and low crime.

I like downtown but would not make going their a regular thing. Maybe once every 2 months.

By Reality

March 17, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this

Sorry, I meant Culture Shock makses more sense than anyone else who has posted comments here. Thanks, Culture Shock.

By Just Wondering

March 17, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this

When those meth heads finish doing time for writing bad checks, stealing identities, forgery, stealing checks from mail boxes etc. and return to your neighborhoods with criminal records, and no none will hire them. What will your utopias look like? Think about it.

By Atlanta Mike

March 17, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this

I’m a straight white guy and I have to say that all you fools making stupid comments about gays and blacks should stay in the burbs. You belong there. The burbs are made especially for scared white chickenSh*& j** just like you. You go ahead and stay in safe Cobb county or whatever other redneck county you’re in and enjoy TGI Friday’s, Chilis, and all the other boring eateries with ‘flair’. The rest of us, blacks and whites, will stay in fun, interesting Atlanta living life just fine without you pinheads.

By Ashley H

March 26, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this

Downtown is a great place ! I love living here as a college student and have a few suggestions on improving downtown. First,some people want to confuse downtown with Midtown or Buckhead. Downtown is completely diffrent and shouldnt be sterotyped with other places. Secondly, downtown is safe. Some people feel unsafe because they are not used to the enviorment. But, I see officers all the time and I feel if I needed help there would be someone there. When I hear complaints about pricing in downtown, I understand but at the same time I make it affordable everyday. As a student, I have found a way to have fun, eat, and live. Yes, parking may be expensive. But, if you want to park futher and walk you wont have to pay as much. Downtown has to make money in some way, that is just life. I would like to see downtown with a bigger variety of fun places to go. There are times I just want to go with my friends eat, hang out, play, but I dont feel there really is. And if there is it would close so early that by the time im finished studying it would be closed. Overall downtown is a good place. People need to come to downtown in the day and walk in the park and see what is offered. Coming for an occasional game is not enough. Come see what downtown really is !

By Ashley H

March 26, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this

Downtown is a great place ! I love living here as a college student and have a few suggestions on improving downtown. First,some people want to confuse downtown with Midtown or Buckhead. Downtown is completely diffrent and shouldnt be sterotyped with other places. Secondly, downtown is safe. Some people feel unsafe because they are not used to the enviorment. But, I see officers all the time and I feel if I needed help there would be someone there. When I hear complaints about pricing in downtown, I understand but at the same time I make it affordable everyday. As a student, I have found a way to have fun, eat, and live. Yes, parking may be expensive. But, if you want to park futher and walk you wont have to pay as much. Downtown has to make money in some way, that is just life. I would like to see downtown with a bigger variety of fun places to go. There are times I just want to go with my friends eat, hang out, play, but I dont feel there really is. And if there is it would close so early that by the time im finished studying it would be closed. Overall downtown is a good place. People need to come to downtown in the day and walk in the park and see what is offered. Coming for an occasional game is not enough. Come see what downtown really is !

By Ashley H

March 26, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this

Downtown is a great place! I love living here as a college student and have a few suggestions on improving downtown. First, some people want to confuse downtown with Midtown or Buckhead. Downtown is completely different and shouldn’t be stereotyped with other places. Secondly, downtown is safe. Some people feel unsafe because they are not used to the environment. But, I see officers all the time and I feel if I needed help there would be someone there. When I hear complaints about pricing in downtown, I understand but at the same time I make it affordable every day. As a student, I have found a way to have fun, eat, and live. Yes, parking may be expensive. But, if you want to park further and walk you won’t have to pay as much. Downtown has to make money in some way that is just life. I would like to see downtown with a bigger variety of fun places to go. There are times I just want to go with my friends eat, hang out, play, but I don’t feel there really is. And if there is it would close so early that by the time I’m finished studying it would be closed. Overall downtown is a good place. People need to come to downtown in the day and walk in the park and see what is offered. Coming for an occasional game is not enough. Come see what downtown really is!

By Ashley H

March 26, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this

Downtown is a great place! I love living here as a college student and have a few suggestions on improving downtown. First, some people want to confuse downtown with Midtown or Buckhead. Downtown is completely different and shouldn’t be stereotyped with other places. Secondly, downtown is safe. Some people feel unsafe because they are not used to the environment. But, I see officers all the time and I feel if I needed help there would be someone there. When I hear complaints about pricing in downtown, I understand but at the same time I make it affordable every day. As a student, I have found a way to have fun, eat, and live. Yes, parking may be expensive. But, if you want to park further and walk you won’t have to pay as much. Downtown has to make money in some way that is just life. I would like to see downtown with a bigger variety of fun places to go. There are times I just want to go with my friends eat, hang out, play, but I don’t feel there really is. And if there is it would close so early that by the time I’m finished studying it would be closed. Overall downtown is a good place. People need to come to downtown in the day and walk in the park and see what is offered. Coming for an occasional game is not enough. Come see what downtown really is!

By B. Conley

March 26, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

Being a college student in the heart of Atlanta, I have seen the city at its best and at its worst. Granted, the streets are littered, some of the people are rude, and traffic- if simply put- is a nightmare. But Atlanta is the only place that offers hands on experience while obtaining an education. I am in the center of the business world, places like Gwinnett and Athens cannot offer me everything that I need at this age. Gwinnett lacks the postsecondary education and Athens lackes the job opprotunities.

Atlanta is home to two major Universitys including Georgica Institute of Technology and Georgia State University, along with multiple smaller colleges. These schools prepare and put out a fine young generation that is going to clean up the city. The job market is opening the doors of opprotunity to the students and allowing them to work while obtaining a degree and after receiving the dipolma, keeping their jobs and growing with the company.

Atlanta not only has education and job opprotunities, but it offers entertainment. The resturants are one of a kind. If you want Chili’s go to Gwinnett, but you will not find a Corner Cafe or the Flying Biscuit in Gwinnett. These new resturants opens options to the community and helps give Atlanta an atmosphere unique to the rest of the state. Atlanta has numerous parks available to enjoy. From Piedmont Park to Freedom Park, there are plenty of safe places you can enjoy the great outdoors and take a breathe away from the hustle and bustle of work.

Atlanta offers covience. Everything is within walking distance from work to play. And if you don’t feel like walking, Marta will take you by bus or train almost anywhere you want to go. There is no reason to drive 30 minutes to the mall or resturant when you can walk (which in today’s America is much needed exercise) or catch the bus.

Atlanta is a unique safe haven from the world around us. Inside the city walls we have entertainment, education, security, covience, and jobs that are unmatched by anywhere else in Georgia. For everyone so against the city, I say get the gem another try. One bad experience should not change your entire opinion. I gave the city a try, and look at me. Forever will I love Atlanta.

By Jonathan K

March 27, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

I am a college student in downtown, Atlanta, and think that it is a neat place to be. The city has entertainment and sports teams such as the Braves, Falcons, Hawks, and Thrashers. Although there are many great things about the city, there are also some areas that need improvement. For example, the commute is terrible downtown. It can literally take 30 minutes to travel just a mile or two down the road because of the traffic. Also, downtown is very confusing and it is easy to get lost. This is because of all of the one-way streets. The city needs to take out some of these one-way streets to make it much easier to get around. Another negative part of downtown is the parking. It is tough to find a parking spot in which you do not have to pay. I think the city should make some public parking lots where there is free parking. Overall, downtown is not a bad place to be, but commuting is tough down here.

By G.State girl

March 27, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

When I think of downtown Atlanta, I think of Peachtree Street, Georgia State, and parties. Is there crime? Sure. Are there homeless people? Absolutely. However, looking at just the negatives that happen downtown doesnt make Atlanta a dangerous area. there are tons of fun things to do and Atlanta has a way of brining people together. Friends can hang out on a sunnyday; people can go see a show. Some people say, “oh its full of crime and gangsters” what about the thousand or so college students milling about, trying to better themselves? its true that the downton area needs some work. the traffic is horrendous, people are pushy and rude. but it is so full of culture,life, and humans who know how to have fun. can we really critcize Atlanta when major cities everywhere have the same problem? Stereotyping of the South may play a role in the prejudices against Atl, but I honestly believe it is a good place. Maybe a few people should visit for themselves and see before fingers are pointed and judgement made.

By FS

March 30, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

I only live in Downtown because of being a college student at Georgia State. When I thought of Downtown, I considered the whole Atlanta City. After being here about a year, I think it pretty nice. There is a lot of things to do however going to places like the Coca Cola factory and the Aquarium, you can just go once and be fine. I don’t like the cost of parking and being bother by the homeless. There should be changes some people said earlier like taking out some of these one-way streets to make it very easy to get around and etc. People should just see for themsevels to enhance a better judgement of Downtown. It does have its faults, but most cities do have the same problem.

By SophieJ

March 30, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

As a student loving in the Georgia State University Commons, I have experienced downtown living for awhile now. It is apparrent that many improvements have been made around Centennial Park. The new World of Coke, the Georgia Aquarium, and the Georgia Dome, along with all of the new restaraunts have increased tourism and helped our economy. Despite all of these improvements, I’d say Atlanta still has a lot to overcome. If you’ve ever driven down Courtlantd at night, you’ve seen dozens of homeless people littering the sidewalks. I feel extremely unsafe leaving the dorms at night because countless times I have been unrelentingly harassed for money. Had I been walking alone, I’d say that there is a chance I could have been robbed or even worse. As soon as you’re a block away from Peachtree Streets great atmosphere, there’s an alarming amount of trash, filth, and homeless people which make the city much less appealing. I think that the city is heading in the right direction, but to say things are great the way they are would be a falsity.

By RandyF

March 31, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Downtown Atlanta is a great place. That does not mean that Atlanta does not have its flaws. What city doesn’t? Yes, Atlanta does have crime and a lot of homeless people, but Downtown Atlanta has a lot of positive things to offer too. Like great restaurants, Turner Field, Phillips Arena, The CNN Center, and the Aquarium.

By Karishma Patel

March 31, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

I live in the University Commons in Downtown Atlanta and i know first hand that Atlanta isn’t as bad as everybody makes it out to be. I have lived in Atlanta since August of last year, and i go to school, go outside with my friends and haven’t felt like i needed somebody to protect me. Obviously, if you are walking around Atlanta at 4 in the morning by yourself, you should be scared, but walking around that late is scary in other places too. People are complaining that Marta needs to spread out more, so that transportation is easier for people. Next, people are going to be asking Marta to spread out all the way to Valdosta and Savannah so that they can come to the city. Yes the traffic is horrible but is it bad in other places too. Downtown just needs more attractions such as the aquarium , basically anything that is family oriented.

By Karishma Patel

March 31, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

I live in the University Commons in Downtown Atlanta and i know first hand that Atlanta isn’t as bad as everybody makes it out to be. I have lived in Atlanta since August of last year, and i go to school, go outside with my friends and haven’t felt like i needed somebody to protect me. Obviously, if you are walking around Atlanta at 4 in the morning by yourself, you should be scared, but walking around that late is scary in other places too. People are complaining that Marta needs to spread out more, so that transportation is easier for people. Next, people are going to be asking Marta to spread out all the way to Valdosta and Savannah so that they can come to the city. Yes the traffic is horrible but is it bad in other places too. Downtown just needs more attractions such as the aquarium , basically anything that is family oriented.

By Karishma Patel

March 31, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

I live in the University Commons in Downtown Atlanta and i know first hand that Atlanta isn’t as bad as everybody makes it out to be. I have lived in Atlanta since August of last year, and i go to school, go outside with my friends and haven’t felt like i needed somebody to protect me. Obviously, if you are walking around Atlanta at 4 in the morning by yourself, you should be scared, but walking around that late is scary in other places too. People are complaining that Marta needs to spread out more, so that transportation is easier for people. Next, people are going to be asking Marta to spread out all the way to Valdosta and Savannah so that they can come to the city. Yes the traffic is horrible but is it bad in other places too. Downtown just needs more attractions such as the aquarium , basically anything that is family oriented.

By MMM

March 31, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

I agree completely with Culture shock. He/she has a really good argument what with “private culture” vs. “public culture”. People just are not used to the diversity and complexity of the city. People of “private culture” become so easily uneasy with the slightest change of their private normal lives that anything different becomes an uncofortable shock. Things like outspoken homeless, long lines, parking decks, DIVERSITY, etc.

Atlanta may not be perfect but at least its not “private”.

By james

April 1, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Im sorry to say that Atlanta is the worst city I have ever been in. One of the main reasons being it is so poorly organized. Atlanta Claims to have a public transportation system (MARTA)but we all know it is horrible. There are only like 10 places you can go on marta . Roads are terribly designed. every time i want to get off at an exit i have to pass through three different merging lanes of traffic. I never want to come back here.