Cousins Properties Close on Decatur's Callaway Building Site

From: from ajc.com
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local/decatur-cousins-properties-close-on-callaway-build/nsM3q/
Cousins Properties closed with the Decatur Urban Redevelopment Authority on the five-acre Callaway Building site in downtown Decatur late Friday afternoon. Assistant City Manager Lyn Menne wasn’t certain of the final costs, though Cousins will reimburse the city the $5.12 million it paid DeKalb County for the building two years ago.

Cousins will also reimburse the city for attorney fees and for interest on the bond Decatur issued to pay for the Callaway property.

Cousins’ planned a mixed-use project for the site including 329 apartments and a 40,000-square-foot, four-story structure, with a ground floor for retail and the upper three stories for office only. (Decatur hasn’t had a new downtown office building since 1991).
The closing came on the same day the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that five developers, including Cousins, received letters from DeKalb County saying the county sewer system lacks adequate capacity for their projects.

The letter was issued months after DeKalb initially reviewed the project and told Cousins that there was capacity, Menne said. As it stands, the developer now has to pay for both sewer upgrades and a tap fee of approximately $1,700 per unit to connect to DeKalb County Sewer.
more 

photo: Google maps

Volunteer for the Decatur Book Festival

From thedecaturminute.com

Volunteer for the Decatur Book Festival Next Weekend

 by Catherine
Do you know one of the things that makes Decatur so great? Its community of residents that come out every year – many times per year – to be a part of its festivals. Seriously, Decatur would not be Decatur without without thousands of folks donating their time to help out at events.

If you’ve never volunteered for a festival or if it’s been a while, you can sign up online here: Volunteer Decatur! Become a true Decaturite and help out at the Decatur Book Festival next weekend. In fact, invite your neighbors and friends to join you and make a weekend of it! If you’re a return volunteer (we love you, btw), you can log into your volunteer account here.

The Decatur Book Festival is the city’s largest event and it takes a huge crew of awesome volunteers to make it happen. We’d love to have you as part of the Volunteer Decatur Team!

Video Friday - Louis Armstrong - We Have All The Time in The World

Beltline Project Near Krog Street Tunnel Raises Concerns

Current proposal for Beltline project near Krog Street Tunnel raises concerns


From: http://atlanta.curbed.com/2016/8/24/12622426/project-near-krog-street-tunnel-concerns
 Beltline founder: The development is "not designed with transit in mind"
By Frank Reddy Aug 24, 2016

Recently presented plans for a development near the Atlanta Beltline and Krog Street Tunnel have made some Beltline advocates and community members wary.

Notably, that group includes Beltline visionary Ryan Gravel, according to a recent post on local advocacy site ThreadATL.

Atlanta BeltLine Inc. and developers North American Properties presented the proposal at 670-690 DeKalb Avenue last week to members of the Inman Park Neighborhood Association, which according to ThreadATL seemed to have acceptable building materials, street-level activity, density, and brag-worthy 20-percent affordable housing.

Gravel reportedly told the group of residents and company representatives that, as presented, buildings on the current site plan "are beautiful, but they’re not designed with transit in mind." In fact, some worry the project could effective block a transit line.

Gravel said the proposed site plans for the project did not allow enough space for rail to run through alongside a trail, and a possible 1,000-foot tunnel with an S-curve in it (to be used in lieu of the Krog Tunnel) would only have enough room for transit, reports ThreadATL. This, in theory, could mean walkers and bikers would be S.O.L. Also, the added cost of building such a long tunnel — when a much shorter one had apparently originally been proposed — could be an impediment to making transit a reality in the first place, some argue.
read more

Halt and Catch Fire Season 3 Tonight @ 9:00 on AMC

AMC
from: https://www.yahoo.com/tv/halt-catch-fire-keeps-blazing-140500334.html

Halt and Catch Fire did something kind of incredible in its second season. After starting out as a run-of-the-mill, prestige-y period drama about a mysterious and difficult guy being mysterious and difficult (basically a B-, 1980s version of Mad Men), it hung a hard left between seasons and turned itself into a riveting series focused primarily on two women running an online video game company in the very early days of both online and video games. That… that was really something. Abrupt changes are easy. (“Quick, everybody do something else!”) Successful abrupt changes are much harder. (“Quick, everybody do something else… better!”) As the show makes its way into season three, it has another round of small changes up its sleeve, and with these changes in place, it solidifies its place in the upper echelon of TV dramas.

Video Friday - John Barry - Out of Africa Theme

A relaxing song to just lounge around a pool on a float with a cold drink.

New townhome community planned near Decatur.

 Photo credit google maps
New townhome community planned near Decatur.
From: http://www.tonetoatl.com/2016/08/townhomes-planned-for-vacant.html#more

Arrowhead Investors, LLC plans to construct about 40 attached townhomes on Lawrenceville Highway near Hollywood Road.  The residences would be built on a nearly 4 acre parcel between Orion and Hollywood Drives, just south of North DeKalb Mall. 

The 3.78 acre parcel was approved for redevelopment in 2007 for a 98 room personal care facility.  The facility never happened and Atlanta-based RaceTrac attempted to have the property rezoned in 2012 for a gas station and convenience store, but abandoned their plans amid significant community opposition.  

Assorted documents related to the current proposal state different numbers of units, ranging from 40 t0 43.  Multiple calls placed to Brian Flint of Arrowhead Investors seeking confirmation of the current count were unanswered.

Arrowhead lists a number of previously completed projects on their website including:

The Battery on Paces Ferry Vinings Slope Drive at Paces Ferry Road (Vinings) Cobb County - 80 townhomes 

Brownstones at Decatur Scott Boulevard City of Decatur, DeKalb County - 84 townhomes

read more

Eye in the Sky - Glider

Comments: Chris Billingsley : Nice. on Eye in the Sky - Glider

Video Friday - Shania Twain - From This Moment On

Registration Now Open for 2016 Madison Ave Soapbox Derby

2016 REGISTRATION

Register for the 6th Annual Madison Ave Soapbox Derby through the following link:
http://soapbox.gearboxgo.com/registration

Madison Ave Soapbox Derby Message*: Just wanted you to know we selected our 2016 beneficiary. all proceeds benefiting Reading is Essential for All People (REAP). It’s crucial for a child’s educational development that he or she become a proficient reader by the end of third grade. This is when kids start reading to learn instead of learning to read. Unfortunately, 32% of Georgia’s 4th grade students read below grade level. Reading is Essential for All People (REAP) is a non-profit dedicated to improving reading proficiency in public school students through teacher training and enrichment. Teachers leave college without all the tools they need to reach all their readers. Shrinking school budgets and increasing time constraints make is difficult for teachers to access the necessary professional development required to meet all their readers’ needs once they are in the classroom. REAP provides teachers with specialized approaches to reading instruction that makes all readers stronger but are critical for those students who struggle.

Waffle Eating Contest at Downtown Waffle House Sept 9

From: http://thedecaturminute.com/2016/08/10/call-all-waffle-eating-champions/
Do you have what it takes to be a waffle eating champion? If so, mark your calendar. On Sept. 9, the downtown Decatur Waffle House is hosting a National Waffle Week Waffle Eating Contest.

waho500

Project Pabst Atlanta Oct 1 2016

From: http://atlanta.projectpabst.com/lineup/

Tickets HOURS Doors: 12pm Show: 1pm Outdoor Stages End: 9:45pm Getting There We are located at East Atlanta Village Flat Shoals Ave SE & Glenwood Ave SE

Ceviche at Las Brasas

 From: http://www.clatl.com/food-drink/article/20829857/ethnic-eats-ceviche-at-las-brasas

Ceviche at Las Brasas by Grace Huseth

Last month, Peruvians celebrated their Independence Day — a remembrance of the successful fight against the Spanish to regain Peruvian independence. What better way for Atlantans to celebrate Peruvian identity than to have a taste of true seafood ceviche the Peruvian way.

Ceviche (suh-VEE-chey) is a popular Latin American dish made of fresh raw fish cured by citrus juices and spiced with onions and herbs. In the U.S. we often serve ceviche as a shrimp appetizer with tortilla chips, but authentic Peruvian ceviche is the only rendition at Las Brasas.

Owners John and Maria Koechlin opened the original Las Brasas eight years ago on Howard Avenue in Decatur. After retirement, their son Michael turned Las Brasas into a destination by keeping the old favorites and incorporating some fresh, new dishes. After closing the Howard Avenue location, which is now home to the Doggy Dog hot dog stand, Las Brasas moved to a larger space just a few blocks away. The new location opened at 614 Church St. in fall 2015 and the restaurant plans to celebrate its one-year anniversary in the new space in late September.

While a large painted mural on the side of the building draws in diners initially, the addition of the family’s Peruvian ceviche recipe keeps them coming back.

Michael Koechlin personally picks up fresh seafood daily at Buckhead Beef and crafts his family’s ceviche recipe by hand. The restaurant’s most popular variety is the Ceviche Mixto ($17), which comes with tender flounder fillet, soft calamari, sliced octopus tentacles, and tiger shrimp is marinated with salt and lime juice. Then the mixture is topped with thinly sliced sweet onions and cilantro for a pop of freshness. Koechlin says the addition of popped cancha corn kernels and cold sweet potato slices served alongside offer a mellow respite from the ceviche's bold flavors.

Register for Youth Flag Football

From: https://beactivedecatur.com/

Video Friday - Berlin - Take My Breathe Away theme from Top Gun

Decatur BBQ Festival Band Schedule and Event Info

 From: http://www.decaturbbqfestival.com/schedule/

Band Schedule

Harmony Park Stage

12:30 – 1:15 Sydney Rhame
1:45 – 2:30 In The Wheelhouse
3:00 – 3:45 Jontavious Willis & Country Royalty
4:15 – 5:00 Grizzly Goat
5:30 – 6:30 Lockdown Blues Band

New Belgium/Patientco Main Stage

1:00 – 1:45 Jeff Mosier
2:15 – 3:00 Mudcat
3:30 – 4:15 Dappled Grays
4:45 – 5:45 Randall Bramblett
6:15 – 7:45 Dianne Durrett & Soul Suga  -------------------------- General Info Ticket price ($ 12 until midnight August 12th – day of festival price $ 20) ticket price includes entry to festival and 7+ hours of live music (food and beverages are extra) Kids 12 and under will receive FREE admission when accompanied by a paid adult Coolers are not allowed Outside drinks of any kind are not allowed Bottled water, various beer, soda, and nonalcoholic drinks will be available for purchase Vegetarian choices Our 4 main BBQ vendors will each have several vegetarian options for our guest in addition to classic BBQ fare Cash & Credit Front gate, merchandise tent, and beer stations will take both cash and credit via square (we encourage you to pay via cash whenever possible) ATM’s will be on site for cash withdrawals Pets Leashed pets ARE allowed on site, however the main site is an asphalt parking lot that has limited astro turf coverage. It is August and pets may be prone to discomfort given the heat and site so owners please be aware there comfort is 100% your responsibility. Owners are responsible for the actions of their pets at all times while at the festival. Handicap access The event site is handicap friendly, should you or someone in your party need assistance please ask one of our staff members Please drink responsibly and be aware we reserve the right to stop serving attendees completely at our own discretion

This Fall ABC's New Series with Kiefer Sutherland

Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning actor Kiefer Sutherland (“24”) returns to primetime in a conspiracy thriller as Tom Kirkman, a lower-level cabinet member who unexpectedly becomes president after a devastating attack on Washington. He will struggle to prevent the country and his own family from falling into chaos, as he is thrust into one of the most difficult presidencies in history.

Video Friday - Elvis Presley - C'mon Everybody

Sharknado The 4th Awakens Sunday 7-31

Eye on The Muffler Man

                                         Roadside Attraction in East Point, GA

 The Muffler Men History
From: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muffler_Men
Muffler Men (or Muffler Man) are large moulded fiberglass sculptures that are placed as advertising icons, roadside attractions or for decorative purposes, predominantly in the United States. Standing approximately 18–25 feet tall,[1] the first figure was a Paul Bunyan character designed to hold an axe.[2] Derivatives of that figure were widely used to hold full-sized car mufflers, tires, or other items promoting various roadside businesses.

International Fiberglass of Venice, California constructed most Muffler Men. While the fiberglass figures are no longer manufactured, many still exist throughout the US with a few in Canada. At least four remain on U.S. Route 66, including Chicken Boy and Gemini Giant.[3]

Muffler Men have made appearances as characters in the comic strip "Zippy the Pinhead" by Bill Griffith, often in conversation with Zippy. Two books have been devoted to the distinctive roadside figures[4][5] and the July 2012 issue of AAA New Mexico Journey devoted its front cover to their 50th anniversary.

A Large redevelopment Planned for North Druid Hills Road.

From: http://www.tonetoatl.com/2016/07/developer-hoping-for-grand-slam-in.html#more
 Atlanta-based Oak Hall Companies, a developer of commercial, medical and residential properties, is proposing

This is not the first time the 11.5 acre parcel has been targeted for redevelopment.

As recently as 2014, John Weiland Homes planned to redevelop 59-70 townhomes on the property, but eventually abandoned its plans. Ashton Woods, another residential developer, sought to build 43 townhouses and 104 condo units in 2004, but also abandoned their plans. In both cases, the developers were put off by the cost of removing 12,000 cubic yards of dirt and slag, and then putting it all back (minus the slag).  The slag, or "stony waste matter separated from metals during the smelting or refining of ore" was dumped there by the E.V. Camp Steel Works, a steel foundry that operated close to the nearby railroad tracks until the 1950s.
a large redevelopment on North Druid Hills Road.  The company wants to build 78 townhomes in place of the Grand Slam Golf & Baseball (aka Hidden Valley Driving Range) facility at 3352 North Druid Hills Road. The development would be called "Provence Park."  To begin this process, OHC is requesting that DeKalb county rezone the parcel from C-2 & M (Industrial) to RSM (Small Lot Residential).

Bike/Ped crossng at E. Trinity Pl. Restored

From thedecaturminute.com
Good News

Bike/ped access across E. Trinity Place has been restored!

As of today (7.21.16), bike/ped travelers from S. Candler Street (northbound) and the PATH trail (eastbound) can now safely cross E. Trinity Place. Likewise, bike/ped travelers coming from Barry Street-N. Candler Street – E. Howard Ave. can now safely cross E. Trinity near the Magnolia tree at E. Howard and E. Trinity Place.

Changes Will Continue

As many of you know, major storm drainage work is currently taking place on E. Trinity.  As the project continues, the location of the bike/ped crossing on E. Trinity WILL shift.  Changes will also come about due to the upcoming Candler Street Railroad Crossing Overhaul. Ultimately, the E. Trinity Place crossing will be in a different location.  (Some may notice that the current location of the sidewalk ramp is close to a fire hydrant; this is temporary). For the same reasons, as the school year begins on August 1st, plans are underway to re-rout students away from this area.

Info

For more information, please contact the Design, Environment & Construction Division at 678.553.6570 or visit the City’s new website Decatur Makeover 

Video Friday - Ricky Nelson - Be-Bop Baby

Decatur Boogaloos Moving Sale

 From: http://www.tonetoatl.com/2016/07/bits-bites_31.html#more
The original Boogaloos boutique on West Ponce de Leon Avenue in Decatur is currently having a "Store Moving Blow-Out Sale."   The store, which opened in Decatur in 2001, subsequently expanded to TOWN Brookhaven (2009) and Ponce City Market (2016).   A store employee  confirmed that the Decatur store will not be reopening in Decatur and is instead "moving to Ponce City Market."

City of Decatur a finalist in the Play Everywhere Challenge

Wouldn’t it be great to have one of these in Decatur?

From: https://beactivedecatur.com/ 
 Wouldn’t it be great to have one of these in Decatur?

The City of Decatur was selected as a finalist in the Play Everywhere Challenge, a $1 million national competition that will award outside-the-box ideas to make play easy, available, and fun for kids and families in cities across the U.S. The Challenge is hosted by KaBOOM!, a national non-profit dedicated to bringing balanced and active play into the daily lives of all children, particularly those growing up in poverty in America.

The City of Decatur created an innovative plan for a Pedal to School Bike Bus and a renewal of the bus stop on Trinity Place into a play space. The project was selected as a finalist out of a pool of more than 1,000 applications nationwide. Winners will be announced in early fall, 2016.

The Challenge, developed in collaboration with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Target, Playworld, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the National Endowment for the Arts, attracted an outpouring of creative ideas to spark kids’ imaginations and get their bodies moving. Decatur’s idea came from a passion for getting kids more involved in Safe Routes to School.



“The Pedal to School Bike Bus is currently being used in Holland and is a great way for children to travel to school while getting exercise along the way. Riding a bike brings joy and good health, and the bike bus is particularly whimsical,” said Danielle Suchdev, member of the Pedestrian Advisory Committee.  “The bus will enable 11 children to bike themselves to school, departing from the Decatur Housing Authority.

“We were astonished at the number and quality of the applications we received,” said James Siegal, CEO of KaBOOM!. “To us, it shows a huge, untapped potential to reimagine cities with kids in mind, and boost their opportunity to get the play they need to thrive. And when kids thrive, cities thrive.”

Kids need play to grow up healthy, resilient and ready for life. Research shows play is vital to healthy brain development and is pivotal to how kids learn problem-solving, conflict resolution and creativity–in other words, the skills they need to succeed as adults. Yet today, too many kids, especially those growing up in poverty, are missing out on play because of families’ time pressures, the lure of screens, and a lack of safe places to go. Meanwhile, evidence shows missing out on the chance to play puts kids at risk for challenges ranging from obesity to anxiety to trouble adjusting in school.

“We’re thrilled at the possibility that Decatur’s kids could win this fantastic new opportunity to learn and develop from play,” said Cheryl Burnette of Decatur Active Living. “If we’re selected as a winner, we hope it will be just the beginning of a larger effort to make play a way of life for kids and families in our community and to have a way for more children to experience biking to school.”

Winners for the competition will be selected in fall 2016. To learn more about Decatur’s ideas for making play happen everywhere in the city,  contact Cheryl Burnette. To learn more about the Play Everywhere Challenge, including a gallery of ideas for what Play Everywhere could look like across the U.S. please visit http://kaboom.org/playeverywhere

Video Friday - George Strait - Amarillo By Morning

Tiny House Festival July 30-31

From thedecaturminute.com

An exciting new festival is coming to Decatur! Could you live in 500 square feet or less? For tiny house enthusiasts, the answer is a not-so-small, “YES!” If you’re intrigued by the concept of tiny houses and small space living and want to learn more, join Tiny House Atlanta for the first-ever Decatur Tiny House Festival, Saturday July 30 and 31 in downtown Decatur. Approximately10 tiny houses will be available to tour, and experts on topics such as sustainability, minimalism, urban planning, zoning, and downsizing will be on hand to answer your questions.

Here are just a few of the fun and informative activities planned over the course of this 2-day event:

    Tiny houses will be on-site and open for tours.
    Vendors will be on hand explaining and promoting sustainable practices in the tiny house movement.
    Speaker Symposium will offer opportunities to learn from experts in different areas of the industry.



Tickets can be purchased here. A limited number of tickets will be available each day.



A portion of the event proceeds will go to the Decatur Housing Initiatives Corporation –a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity overseen by the Decatur Housing Authority to enable the development of affordable housing, provide supportive services for low income families and children, and enhance opportunities for greater diversity in Decatur.

Some of Old Courthouse Lawn to be Refurbished

From: thedecaturminute.com
Some of Old Courthouse  Lawn to be Refurbished

Construction to refurbish the two lawn areas to the east of the Community Bandstand in downtown Decatur will begin Wednesday, July 13, 2016. The amount of pedestrian foot traffic across the lawn compacts the roots of the grass and keeps it from growing.

The City of Decatur has hired Plants, a local company, to install a new pervious system that allows the grass to grow through it while at the same time reducing the stress on the roots.

The construction area will be fenced off during the two week installation project and the two grassed areas will be fenced through the end of August to allow the new sod to get established. The project also includes additional landscaping designed to encourage pedestrians to stick to the sidewalks and use the lawn for passive recreation rather than using it as a shortcut.

Video Friday - Percy Faith - A Summer Place

AMC Season 3 of Halt and Catch Fire will debut Aug. 23

From: http://www.upi.com
NEW YORK, July 4 (UPI) -- AMC says Season 3 of Halt and Catch Fire will debut Aug. 23 with back-to-back episodes.

Starring Mackenzie Davis, Kerry Bishe, Scoot McNairy, Lee Pace, Toby Huss, Annabeth Gish and Manish Dayal, the show "captures the rise of the PC era in the 1980s, focused on four main characters attempting to innovate against the changing backdrop of technology," a synopsis said.
Advertisement

"Following last season's critical reception, we believe that Season 3 is poised to take our show to the next level. While a strong, evolving technology narrative will continue to drive these next 10 episodes, the real story remains the emotional and psychological journeys of Joe, Cameron, Gordon, Donna, and Bosworth," showrunners and executive producers Christopher Cantwell and Christopher C. Rogers said in a joint statement.

"If Season 1 was a tale of the corporate boardroom and Season 2 chronicled a start-up, Season 3 is about the perils of a promising young company striving to join the ranks of the winners whose names still define the competitive landscape of Silicon Valley. Whereas Mutiny was once a rag-tag group of young coders full of limitless potential, the company now finds itself squarely in its adolescence, striving for corporate adulthood in a strange land where its future is far from guaranteed."

Eye on Decatur - The Comet Pub & Lanes (Opening Soon)

The Comet Pub & Lanes at Suburban Plaza in Decatur  to Open Early July ( Opening Soon )

Video Friday Katy Perry - Firework

Kevin Gillespie’s Terminus City project will sell barbecue plates July 4

From: http://clatl.com
This Fourth of July, chef
Kevin Gillespie’s Terminus City project will sell barbecue plates to benefit the Emory Healthcare Veterans Program. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Communion, the beer garden at Gillespie’s Revival in Decatur, the Terminus City crew will dish out chopped whole hog barbecue sandwiches, Brunswick stew, potato salad, coleslaw, and fried pie. The Emory Healthcare Veterans Program helps post-9/11 veterans “heal the invisible wounds of war and ease their reintegration into everyday life.”

Decatur BBQ Blues & Bluegrass Festival Aug. 13

From: http://www.decaturbbqfestival.com/

Cold Beer, Tasty BBQ, and Great Tunes!

Tickets on Sale Now! – Click here

The 16th annual
Decatur BBQ Blues & Bluegrass festival is set for Saturday, August 13th 2016. Once again we will bring the sights, sounds, and smells of classic southern BBQ from metro Atlanta staples along with 7+ hours of original live blues and bluegrass music from aspiring and accomplished local/regional/and national acts to Decatur, Georgia in the heart of Oakhurst. This is a family friendly event that is fun for all ages.

Video Friday - Elvis Presley - "Moonlight Swim" from Blue Hawaii

Pied Piper Parade July 4th

 From thedecaturminute.com

The Fourth of July will be here before you know it. This year, gather the family and come out to Decatur’s 2016 Independence Day celebration. XFINITY is proud to be the presenting sponsor of this year’s event.

 
The evening kicks off at 6 p.m. with the
Pied Piper Parade in downtown Decatur. Grab the family and watch the parade wind by, or decorate a bike, stroller, wagon, or scooter and join the fun yourself.
At 7 p.m., the Callanwolde Concert Band will perform at the Community Bandstand. Come enjoy the music and participate in family-friendly activities with XFINITY.
Once darkness falls, it’s time of the main event: the fireworks show! Ooh and aah at the spectacular fireworks launched from the top of the DeKalb County parking garage. It’s free fun for the whole family. We can’t wait to see you there!

Red Robin, A Gourmet Burger Joint Coming to Mall of Georgia in August

 From : http://www.accessatlanta.com

A new restaurant is coming to the Mall of Georgia — and the (tentative) opening date will be here before you know it.

Red Robin, a gourmet burger joint that has more than 500 locations nationwide, has been under construction in the mall's former Ruby Tuesday location for several months. On Monday, a Red Robin spokeswoman revealed a more specific timeframe for its opening.

"We anticipate construction on the location to be completed by late August," she said in an email. The restaurant would open shortly thereafter, she added.

Video Friday: Roy Orbison and Friends - "Dream Baby"

Bird's eye view of Old Decatur Court House circa 1917

 This is a repost: So Worldsmith Books is no longer there.Best Time and Jeni's ice cream shop is in that spot.
In this photo (circa 1917) shows the Decatur Court House after it was remodeled in 1917 after the fire of 1916. Left and right wings were added on each side. also notice that the Confederate monument was moved at some point in time, now it is about half way up the walkway. see arrows on photo.
Look at how clean the grounds looked then. Now it looks so crowded.
the bandstand should have been built over to the left where it is now(in the grass area), it would make a better flow for the area.I would love to see west court square opened back up to connect to sycamore.

Decatur Beach Party this Friday June 17

From: http://thedecaturminute.com/
It’s back and better than ever! Celebrate summer at the downtown Decatur Beach Party, this Friday, June 17, 2016 from 5 to 11 p.m.

No beach? No problem! Decatur makes its own with 60 tons of sand – transforming Ponce de Leon Avenue into Sandcastle Central. Add a kid’s boardwalk, live music and dancing on the plaza, a food court with funnel cakes and fruity drinks, and voilà — you’re in a beach town, Decatur-style, without the sunburn and hours of driving.
Tune into fantastic live jams – Tray Dahl & The Jugtime Ragband open for evening’s headliner, Electric Avenue. A DJ closes out the evening with a dance party.

Buy tickets at Freshtix.com.
Tickets are $12 in advance at and local Decatur retail shops or $15 at the gate.
Children ages 4-12 years old are $7 in advance, and $10 at the gate.
Free entry for children under 3. All children’s activities are included in the admission price.
more

Walton Goggins and Danny McBride star in HBO'S Vice Principals July 17

-- From: http://screencrush.com/hbo-vice-principals-new-trailer/
 Sure, HBO may have had a few eyes on an anticipated Sunday premiere, but we all know Danny McBride and Walton Goggins are the real draw.
See for yourself, as HBO’s Vice Principals gets an impressively profane new trailer ahead of its July premiere.
Premiering July 17 after the second season premiere of HBO’s Ballers, McBride’s Vice Principals follows a high school and the people who “almost” run it, with McBride starring as Neal Gamby, the divorced vice principal in charge of discipline at the school. Goggins, meanwhile will play Lee Russell, vice principal of curriculum at Lincoln High, as both enter an epic power struggle vying for the top spot: to be school principal.
 Boardwalk Empire and True Detective alum Shea Whigham will take the supporting role of Ray Liptrapp, the new husband of Gamby’s ex-wife Gale (Busy Philipps).
Vice Principals will also feature McBride executive producing alongside Jody Hill, co-creator David Gordon Green and Stephanie Laing, all Eastbound & Down alum.
 You can watch the first trailer above, and stay tuned for the July 17 premiere. Read More: HBO 'Vice Principals' Goes to Petty War in New Trailer | http://screencrush.com/hbo-vice-principals-new-trailer/?trackback=tsmclip

New Way to Access the Beltline’s Eastside Trail Coming Soon

From: http://atlanta.curbed.com/2016/6/10/11904872/new-way-access-the-beltline-s-eastside-trail
photo credit:  Atlanta Beltline Inc.
It’s been a big week for the Atlanta Beltline’s Eastside Trail. First came legitimate visual proof that construction on the trail's extension has finally begun, and now comes news of a new (and needed) Beltline access point at a popular crossroads.

This development should be sweet news for anyone who’s trudged up the rocky, often muddy hill where the Eastside Trail crosses Ralph McGill Boulevard, at the junction of Poncey-Highland and Old Fourth Ward.

As Beltline officials explain on their website this week ...
You will soon have one more way to access the Eastside Trail! Visitors to the Atlanta Beltline have been using the hill at Ralph McGill Boulevard as an unofficial access point since before the trail even opened. Perennial Properties, the owners of the Telephone Factory Lofts, are installing a public access trail from the road below. The access point will give users an easy way to get to the Eastside Trail from Ralph McGill.
Construction on the access point will begin the week of June 20 and will take 6 to 8 weeks. During this time, the public will NOT be able to use the area as an access point to the Eastside Trail.
more

Video Friday - Alabama - Take Me Down

Kroger's to donate 40 pallets of assorted apparel to Decatur's Goodwill of North Georgia

From: http://www.mdjonline.com
Kroger’s Atlanta Division, which has several stores in Cobb County, announced that it will donate 40 pallets of assorted apparel, shoes, accessories and more to Goodwill of North Georgia in honor of the organization’s 90th birthday celebration.

Kroger will present the donation at the Goodwill headquarters, at 2201 Lawrenceville Highway in Decatur, on Thurdsay at 10 a.m.
“Kroger is proud to partner with Goodwill of North Georgia through this donation,” said Glynn Jenkins, public relations director for Kroger’s Atlanta Division. “We’re excited to celebrate 90 years of an exceptional organization that works hard to provide Georgia’s families with the tools they need to support themselves and their families.”

“Donations are critical to our success at Goodwill. We are honored to be the recipient of such a generous gift, and we commend Kroger for supporting our efforts to connect North Georgians to jobs,” said Elaine Armstrong, vice president of marketing for Goodwill. “These items will not only help fill the shelves of Goodwill stores across the region, but they will become the catalyst for helping thousands of job seekers find work.”
Founded in Atlanta in 1925 by a group of local citizens, Goodwill provides job training and employment services to people who are struggling to find work, want to change careers or start their own business. The organization sells donated clothing, books, furniture and household goods in stores across North Georgia, with the proceeds funding their mission of putting people to work.

For more information, visit www.kroger.com.

Decatur Beach Party June 17

From: http://decaturdba.com/img_slide/decatur-beach-party-4/

• http://decaturdba.com
• Meetings
  
• Sponsorship
• Resources

Decatur Beach Party

Kid’s boardwalk games, live music and dancing on the plaza, food court with funnel cakes and fruity drinks, — it’s a beach town, Decatur-style.

"Blackway" Opens June 10

Video Friday- Bruno Mars - Just The Way You Are

4 Rivers Smokehouse Coming to Marietta Street

4 Rivers to Make Atlanta Debut on Marietta Street
From: http://www.tonetoatl.com/2016/06/4-rivers-to-make-atlanta-debut-on.html#more
Barbecue chain plans Georgia debut

Chef John Rivers of Winter Park, Florida-based 4R Restaurant Group has signed his first lease in Atlanta. 


The first 4 Rivers Smokehouse in Atlanta will be on Marietta Street next to Thumbs Up Diner in the old fire station No. 16.  The fire station opened in early 1915 and was there until 1963 when it relocated to its current 1048 Joseph E. Boone Boulevard location.  

According to the 4Rivers website, the restaurant will be the chain's 14th location and is expected to open mid next year.    The two story building is about 4,100 square feet and will be renovated to suit the needs of the restaurant.  Due to it being an historic structure, there are limitations to the modifications that can be made. A rendering of the restaurant does indicate that a second story patio will be added to the front of the building, with a street level patio below it.    
photo from: http://www.todaysorlando.com/restaurant/4-rivers-smokehouse-winter-garden

Decatur Zesto's circa 1960's

 Decatur GA
Photo credit facebook

Decatur Arts Festival Saturday and Sunday

For more info Visit
http://decaturartsfestival.com/festival-events/

Video Friday - I Melt with You - Modern English from Valley Girl

Three Taverns 3-Day Sessions for Decatur's Art Festival

Get ready, Decatur! Just in time for 3 days of festival madness comes our limited release 3Day IPA. Brewed specially for and available at the Decatur Arts Festival as well as other local Decatur pubs and restaurants the week leading up to the festival, this 4.6% session IPA is massively dry hopped with Amarillo and Mosaic for an explosive tropical bouquet. Beginning with the intense aroma and flavors of mango, pineapple and grapefruit with dank, piney undertones, this beer has a smooth and extremely quaffable finish.

Don't miss this limited release beer brewed exclusively for the 3 days of festival celebration. See you in Decatur Memorial Day weekend, May 27-29th! Cheers!
Info from: http://www.threetavernsbrewery.com

Comedy on Draught May 25 at Decatur's Three Taverns

Comedy on Draught is back next Wednesday. Doors open at 7:30pm, show starts at 8pm. Just $15 for comedy, tour & tastings.

for more info https://www.facebook.com/cornbabycomedy/

Three Taverns Brewery
121 New Street
Decatur, GA 30030
404-600-3355

Bike Valet - Ride your bike to the Festival !

You can ride your bike to the Decatur Arts Festival and park it in the bike valet area at N. McDonough at the square and it's FREE . A valet attendant will remain on duty to monitor bikes.
The bike valet service is sponsored by Bicycle South and the city of Decatur. The Decatur Arts Festival is working with the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition to provide the service.
Photo credit and info from decaturartsalliance.org

Decatur Arts Festival This weekend

Visit http://decaturartsfestival.com/

Video Friday - Dirty Dancing - Time of my Life

GRINDHOUSE KILLER BURGERS NOW OPEN

See menu at: http://atlanta.eater.com/2016/5/23/11744224/grindhouse-killer-burgers-decatur-hours-menu

Decatur has added e-cigarettes to the city’s smoking ban

From: http://www.walb.com/story/31998183/decatur-adds-e-cigarettes-to-citys-smoking-ban

ATLANTA (CBS46) - To see video click link above

Decatur has added e-cigarettes to the city’s smoking ban  that many residents didn't even know was already in place.

The city of Decatur approved a ban on the use of e-cigarettes on Monday in public places like parks. Tuesday, CBS46 went to Decatur Square where many people unaware of the city’s smoking rules though signs were clearly posted.

Shelia Jackson, a smoker, stated she was unaware of Decatur’s clean air ordinance that bans use of cigarettes and now e-cigarettes.

“I was just saying a few minutes ago I need to quit smoking,” Jackson told CBS46 as she put out her cigarette.

Decatur City Commissioners unanimously agreed on the update and clarified areas within 20 feet of the entrance to any building, operable windows, or air intake vents must be smoke free.

Bradley Robinson said he was also unaware he was breaking the rules while smoking near the doorway of a business.

“I know somebody who got a ticket, it was like a $75 ticket… To me I think it’s outside… if your outside I don’t see no harm in it,” Robinson contended.

Under the updated ordinance, smoking is banned in any public park, playground, greenspace, plaza or outdoor recreation area maintained and operated by the city.

“I think it is a step forward, I think it’s great,” stated Cynthia Bates. Bates explained breathing in smoke is the last thing she wants to do while out on her afternoon walk.

Robinson argues e-cigarettes shouldn’t be including in the ban arguing the vapor produces it not harmful.

“That ain’t even real smoke so for me I just feel like that’s another way to keep somebody from doing something,” said Robinson.

CBS46 spoke with managers of three different shops in downtown Decatur that sell both cigarettes and e-cigarettes. No one wanted to comment on camera about the city’s decision but one store owner told CBS 46 that he supports the ban. He thinks too many people smoke in busy public areas.

Copyright 2016 WGCL-TV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.

photo credit:  https://images.search.yahoo.com

Woodlands Garden's M.A.Y. Fair Sat., May 21 11-3pm

M.A.Y. Fair will take place on Saturday, May 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will include an artists’ market with over 20 booths, where youth (grades 2-12), will create and sell their own artwork and crafts. The art booths will be set up on the Garden’s lawn.

In addition to the artists’ market, there will be musical performances by the youth to show off their skills with the guitar, ukulele, voice, piano, and cello. These musical performances will be held in the Pavilion and outdoor performance stage in the Children’s Natural Play Area.
“We are very excited for the first M.A.Y. Fair on May 21, a day of musical performances and an artists’ market set in the natural backdrop of Woodlands Garden,” says Kate Baltzell, Executive Director. “This event is an opportunity to showcase the creative talent of the community and engage the next generation in appreciating all that our greenspace has to offer. Great volunteers, supportive sponsors, and bright artists will ensure this event is fun for all ages.”
A special thanks to the sponsors of M.A.Y. Fair for their support: Rock with Bock, Emory Alliance Credit Union, 2 Crafty Chicks, Kaleidoscope Studio, Color Wheel, and Revisioned Furniture Company.
This event is free to the public and will take place rain or shine.
For more information, contact Baltzell at (404) 373-2222 or visit www.woodlandsgarden.org.


Woodlands Garden's M.A.Y. Fair Sat., May 21 11-3pm

2016 Decatur Lantern Parade Video

Bleu Hanger takes Over Meldora Hair Salon Space

2016 Decatur Lantern Parade (PHOTOS)

more pictures to come

 --

--