Comments on: Atlanta comes up short on federal funds for a streetcar http://saportareport.com/blog/2010/02/atlanta-appears-to-have-lost-out-on-federal-funds-for-a-streetcar/ Maria Saporta is a longtime Atlanta business, civic and urban affairs journalist with a deep knowledge of our city, our region and state. Wed, 23 May 2012 09:02:02 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: BPJ http://saportareport.com/blog/2010/02/atlanta-appears-to-have-lost-out-on-federal-funds-for-a-streetcar/comment-page-1/#comment-3768 BPJ Thu, 18 Feb 2010 21:45:51 +0000 http://saportareport.com/blog/?p=3238#comment-3768 Well, I think the state did support the Park, and there was some slight help on the sewer system. But I generally agree with your point: the main thing holding Atlanta back is lack of support from state leaders (contrast North Carolina's attitude toward Charlotte). Well, I think the state did support the Park, and there was some slight help on the sewer system. But I generally agree with your point: the main thing holding Atlanta back is lack of support from state leaders (contrast North Carolina’s attitude toward Charlotte).

]]> By: Scott http://saportareport.com/blog/2010/02/atlanta-appears-to-have-lost-out-on-federal-funds-for-a-streetcar/comment-page-1/#comment-3765 Scott Thu, 18 Feb 2010 20:54:20 +0000 http://saportareport.com/blog/?p=3238#comment-3765 BPJ I look at your list of achievements and one thing strikes me. Those under the gold dome and the governor had nothing to do with any of them...surprise surprise. We were left to fend for ourselves, and did an impressive job. Problem is, we NEED that help now, and it is nowhere in sight. BPJ I look at your list of achievements and one thing strikes me. Those under the gold dome and the governor had nothing to do with any of them…surprise surprise. We were left to fend for ourselves, and did an impressive job. Problem is, we NEED that help now, and it is nowhere in sight.

]]> By: BPJ http://saportareport.com/blog/2010/02/atlanta-appears-to-have-lost-out-on-federal-funds-for-a-streetcar/comment-page-1/#comment-3758 BPJ Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:57:21 +0000 http://saportareport.com/blog/?p=3238#comment-3758 OK, the Atlanta bashing stuff is getting to be over the top. Let's take a look at some of the positives over the past 15 years: -the city's population is now the highest it's ever been, at over 500K, a 25% increase; -the development of Centennial Olympic Park has transformed a once derelict area; -the High Museum has doubled in size, and made significant strides in both exhibitions and collections; -the world's largest aquarium has been built here, and the zoo has made great improvements; -the sewer system has had a major overhaul (as the federal judge noted, on time and under budget); -we have begun work on the Beltline, widely recognized as one of the most exciting urban projects in the nation; -we have opened a new runway at the airport, and are on track to (finally) open the new international terminal; -while there are some concerns about state underfunding of public universities, Atlanta continues to benefit in myriad ways from Emory, Tech, GSU, and other schools; -Atlanta still ranks high as a "talent magnet". We have things to work on, but let's keep in in perspective. Now, CALL YOUR LEGISLATORS and tell them how important adequate transit funding is to you! OK, the Atlanta bashing stuff is getting to be over the top. Let’s take a look at some of the positives over the past 15 years:

-the city’s population is now the highest it’s ever been, at over 500K, a 25% increase;

-the development of Centennial Olympic Park has transformed a once derelict area;

-the High Museum has doubled in size, and made significant strides in both exhibitions and collections;

-the world’s largest aquarium has been built here, and the zoo has made great improvements;

-the sewer system has had a major overhaul (as the federal judge noted, on time and under budget);

-we have begun work on the Beltline, widely recognized as one of the most exciting urban projects in the nation;

-we have opened a new runway at the airport, and are on track to (finally) open the new international terminal;

-while there are some concerns about state underfunding of public universities, Atlanta continues to benefit in myriad ways from Emory, Tech, GSU, and other schools;

-Atlanta still ranks high as a “talent magnet”.

We have things to work on, but let’s keep in in perspective. Now, CALL YOUR LEGISLATORS and tell them how important adequate transit funding is to you!

]]> By: Charles http://saportareport.com/blog/2010/02/atlanta-appears-to-have-lost-out-on-federal-funds-for-a-streetcar/comment-page-1/#comment-3753 Charles Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:14:52 +0000 http://saportareport.com/blog/?p=3238#comment-3753 Trust me Sheila, Charlotte is NOT IN. I have family there and spend a fair amount of time visiting. Charlotte has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country and more empty and half built buildings than you could ever imagine. You can't go out in Uptown after dark anymore for fear of being harassed by the thugs cruising the streets in their lowriders with bass bumping. In fact, many locals in Charlotte are now referring to their city as Detroit South. Trust me Sheila, Charlotte is NOT IN. I have family there and spend a fair amount of time visiting. Charlotte has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country and more empty and half built buildings than you could ever imagine. You can’t go out in Uptown after dark anymore for fear of being harassed by the thugs cruising the streets in their lowriders with bass bumping. In fact, many locals in Charlotte are now referring to their city as Detroit South.

]]> By: Joy http://saportareport.com/blog/2010/02/atlanta-appears-to-have-lost-out-on-federal-funds-for-a-streetcar/comment-page-1/#comment-3751 Joy Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:58:55 +0000 http://saportareport.com/blog/?p=3238#comment-3751 Anyone whose lived in Atlanta long enough knows that Atlanta is a city full of ideas, but nothing ever happens! All talk and no action! Anyone whose lived in Atlanta long enough knows that Atlanta is a city full of ideas, but nothing ever happens! All talk and no action!

]]> By: Sheila http://saportareport.com/blog/2010/02/atlanta-appears-to-have-lost-out-on-federal-funds-for-a-streetcar/comment-page-1/#comment-3743 Sheila Thu, 18 Feb 2010 02:53:57 +0000 http://saportareport.com/blog/?p=3238#comment-3743 Atlanta is out and Charlotte is in!!!! I hear America's Mart is thinking about relocating there... Atlanta is out and Charlotte is in!!!! I hear America’s Mart is thinking about relocating there…

]]> By: L Clifton Oliver http://saportareport.com/blog/2010/02/atlanta-appears-to-have-lost-out-on-federal-funds-for-a-streetcar/comment-page-1/#comment-3741 L Clifton Oliver Thu, 18 Feb 2010 02:41:29 +0000 http://saportareport.com/blog/?p=3238#comment-3741 If we do not focus like a laser on why Georgia keeps loosing federal transportation dollars - we are bound to continue the mistakes of the past. The Peachtree Street car could have been funded with dedicated funding and placing transit where there is none now. See other reasonings at: http://www.examiner.com/x-25727-Atlanta-Metro-Transportation-Examiner~y2010m1d4-Legislators-2010-Transportation-Needs-in-Georgia If we do not focus like a laser on why Georgia keeps loosing federal transportation dollars – we are bound to continue the mistakes of the past. The Peachtree Street car could have been funded with dedicated funding and placing transit where there is none now. See other reasonings at:

http://www.examiner.com/x-25727-Atlanta-Metro-Transportation-Examiner~y2010m1d4-Legislators-2010-Transportation-Needs-in-Georgia

]]> By: john http://saportareport.com/blog/2010/02/atlanta-appears-to-have-lost-out-on-federal-funds-for-a-streetcar/comment-page-1/#comment-3738 john Thu, 18 Feb 2010 01:25:51 +0000 http://saportareport.com/blog/?p=3238#comment-3738 I would be very upset if I was lured to Atlanta by the Chamber of Commerce and spent money to stay at one of the hotels downtown. With the overall lack of vibrancy, no-shopping, nightlife, etc. I have to agree with the person who said, Atlanta is the Birmingham of the 21st century. Sure, sporting events downtown, fun for the people who enjoy tailgating in all the parking lots around downtown. I would be very upset if I was lured to Atlanta by the Chamber of Commerce and spent money to stay at one of the hotels downtown.
With the overall lack of vibrancy, no-shopping, nightlife, etc.
I have to agree with the person who said, Atlanta is the Birmingham of the 21st century.
Sure, sporting events downtown, fun for the people who enjoy tailgating in all the parking lots around downtown.

]]> By: Mike http://saportareport.com/blog/2010/02/atlanta-appears-to-have-lost-out-on-federal-funds-for-a-streetcar/comment-page-1/#comment-3737 Mike Thu, 18 Feb 2010 01:04:58 +0000 http://saportareport.com/blog/?p=3238#comment-3737 Atlanta has and will still be talking about all the "Imagine Downtown Ideas" for years to come to the downtown area. Just a vision on paper, that's all. This city is so far behind. Atlanta has and will still be talking about all the “Imagine Downtown Ideas” for years to come to the downtown area. Just a vision on paper, that’s all.
This city is so far behind.

]]> By: A Streetcar Still Desired — Peach Pundit http://saportareport.com/blog/2010/02/atlanta-appears-to-have-lost-out-on-federal-funds-for-a-streetcar/comment-page-1/#comment-3734 A Streetcar Still Desired — Peach Pundit Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:57:58 +0000 http://saportareport.com/blog/?p=3238#comment-3734 [...] on board and key to getting the project past the brainstorming stages. Mayor Kasim Reed recently told Maria Saporta the city’s application even received a nod of approval from Federal Transit [...] [...] on board and key to getting the project past the brainstorming stages. Mayor Kasim Reed recently told Maria Saporta the city’s application even received a nod of approval from Federal Transit [...]

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