Atlanta Project Thread III

[SteveD]

http://img.coxnewsweb.com/B/08/88/48/image_5948888.jpg
Buyer Kevin Esch (left), sales agent Eli Saleeby (center) and real estate consultant Geoff Greene examine a model at the 1010 Midtown condos sales office in Atlanta. It's a buyers' market with record numbers of units either for sale or being built.[/size][/b]

Atlanta condo glut hits "danger zone"

By KEVIN DUFFY
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 10/14/07

[edit]


Condo hunter Esch was effusive about Midtown's vibrancy and convenience, but the idea of living in a really tall building left him cold.

"There's something about that that's just not inviting," he said.


http://www.ajc.com/business/content/business/stories/2007/10/12/condos_1014.html

Hmmm. To each his own. I wouldn't want to buy a condo UNLESS it was in a really tall building....

[micropundit]

Last updated: October 15, 2007 09:32am

By Natalie Keith
ATLANTA-In one of the largest office lease deals in the city this year, the Georgia Department of Transportation has signed a 284,000-sf lease for space at One Georgia Center at the intersection of North Ave. and W. Peachtree St. The lease will allow the department to consolidate its headquarters employees from three locations into one.
“It has been my goal throughout the department’s relocation process to provide our general office employees a more functional, easily accessible and modern workplace,” says Georgia Transportation commissioner Harold Linnenkohl. “One Georgia Center is such a location.” The department was represented by the Georgia Building Authority.

With the lease, Cousins Properties’ One Georgia Center will be 100% occupied. At the end of the second quarter, the building was 43% occupied. Most of the space the department will occupy is vacant, but some of the space is filled with existing tenants that plan to relocate, a Cousins Properties Inc. spokesman tells GlobeSt.com. “This was one of the largest vacancies in our portfolio, so securing this lease was important,” he says. “It’s important for the building, but it’s also gratifying to be able to meet the department’s space needs.”

The department will begin moving into the space by the end of the year. The move will be accomplished in phases. “This was a competitive and challenging deal,” says Cousins’ office/multifamily division president Larry Gellerstedt, in a prepared statement. “The GDOT lease will give the agency the modern efficient office space and also fill a significant vacancy in our Atlanta office portfolio.”

[mayhem]

Ever wonder what happened to the Centennial Hill design? Well it seems it's going up in Calgary.

http://www.pickardchilton.com/GetImage.aspx?id=47&photo=MainPhoto&table=tblProject

[ThrashATL]

Ever wonder what happened to the Centennial Hill design? Well it seems it's going up in Calgary.

Re-tread! Nice, pull one off the shelf, dust it off and sell it to the Canucks who are suckers for odd shaped blocky buildings.

[mayhem]

Re-tread! Nice, pull one off the shelf, dust it off and sell it to the Canucks who are suckers for odd shaped blocky buildings.

I loved this design and think it looks even better with a bigger, or smaller, brother.

[ThrashATL]

I loved this design and think it looks even better with a bigger, or smaller, brother.

Shameless! Nothing changed with the big tower at all.

http://www.emporis.com/images/6/2003/01/178063.jpg

[SteveD]

Shameless! Nothing changed with the big tower at all.

http://www.emporis.com/images/6/2003/01/178063.jpg

ThrashATL...that URL is not working for me. I'd like to compare. Can the image be accessed any other way?

[ThrashATL]

ThrashATL...that URL is not working for me. I'd like to compare. Can the image be accessed any other way?

Sorry, try this, I forgot Emporis is total prick-les with their pics.
http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=centennialhilltower-atlanta-ga-usa

[SteveD]

OK, yeah, that one worked. Thanks. Wow. Exact same render.

[ATLBlaxican]

http://www.allenplazaresidences.com/ I think some people were asking how/where/what the other buildings were going to be at AP. I don't think this site plan was posted yet, but it is up on the W residences Atlanta webpage under "map." Hope it helps.

[micropundit]

By PATTI BOND
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 10/23/07
Retail developer Taubman Co. unveiled a plan Tuesday for a luxury mall complex in Forsyth County.

Michigan-based Taubman wants to build a regional mall, flanked by office buildings, apartments and a hotel, on a 163-acre site along Ga. 400 between McFarland and Union Hill roads.

Taubman officials, who presented their mixed-use proposal at a Forsyth County commissioners meeting Tuesday, have been looking at the surrounding Ga. 400 corridor area for more than five years but only recently locked into this specific property.

The south Forsyth site was initially pegged as a luxury mall target by another developer, Rouse Co., but that effort was dropped after Rouse failed to sign on enough retailers. Taubman began acquiring land on the site earlier this year.

Taubman, which typically builds malls with department stores such as Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, doesn't have any named anchors yet for its project.

Mark Putney, vice president of development for Taubman, said plans are still in the initial stages.

"We've gained sufficient interest from department stores to confirm us going forward," Putney said in an interview. "We think the location is absolutely the right location for this type of development."
The initial site plan calls for 1.4 million square feet of retail and 900,000 square feet of office space. Taubman also wants to incorporate at least one hotel and 375 residential units.Ronald Loch, vice president of planning and design for Taubman, described the project as a hybrid of an enclosed regional mall and an outdoor "lifestyle center."

Initial sketches of the exterior show brick-paved sidewalks and a valet drop-off at the mall entrance.
County officials have generally embraced previous plans to bring retail development to Forsyth.

Cousins Properties recently announced its first phase of retail for Avenue Forsyth, a 109-acre project at the intersection of Ga. 400 and Peachtree Parkway. The retailers include Ann Taylor Loft, Jos. A. Bank and Talbots.

The Taubman project is more ambitious, aiming for an "urban feel," the developer says, with mid-rise office and condo buildings and upscale hotels.

Brian Dill, vice president of economic development for the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, said the project would have a major impact.

"Based on size and capital improvements, it's our Kia," said Dill, referring to Kia Motors' plan to build a $1.2 billion plant in west Georgia.

Dill said the office space that's part of the project is huge for the county. "For all practical purposes, we're out of Class A and B office space," he said.

The additional tax revenues are "a tremendous deal for us and for North Georgia as a whole," he said.

Although the property is zoned for commercial use, Taubman will have to clear a few hurdles first, including water and sewer issues, road improvements and height restrictions, which are capped at 5 stories presently.

Taubman is asking the county to allow it to put in 12-story buildings for office and hotel space. Taubman also wants approval to incorporate 500 condos into the site.

— Staff writer Nancy Badertscher contributed to this article.

[smArTaLlone]

Here's an overview and timeline of the 14th Street Bridge replacement (http://www.14thstreetbridge.com/Documents/14th%20Street%20Bridge%20Construction%20Project%20handout092607.pdf)

http://www.14thstreetbridge.com/Images/image_small.gif

[ZOSO]

Here's an overview and timeline of the 14th Street Bridge replacement (http://www.14thstreetbridge.com/Documents/14th%20Street%20Bridge%20Construction%20Project%20handout092607.pdf)

http://www.14thstreetbridge.com/Images/image_small.gif

I wish they had added more of a park to each side fo the bridge similar to the 5th street project. The median is nice but I think a big opportunity is missed here. They could even extend it to the future 15th street bridge. :maddown:

[RobMidtowner]

I wish they had added more of a park to each side fo the bridge similar to the 5th street project. The median is nice but I think a big opportunity is missed here. They could even extend it to the future 15th street bridge. :maddown:

While I share your sentiment about the bridge, adding parks and extending it to the 15th St Bridge would be very expensive and it's something that GDOT would not be willing to do unless someone else paid for it. The only reason why 5th Street has the parks is because GT pumped in the extra money for it. :shrug:

[micropundit]

By KEVIN DUFFY
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 10/25/07

The company that operates Hard Rock Cafe plans to open a hotel and condo tower opposite the Georgia Aquarium.

Hard Rock International and Luckie Street Hotel Partners plan to jointly build the project, which will have 270 rooms, 30 condos and retail and entertainment space.

The building will have a spa and fitness center, a recording studio called Glory Days Studio, restaurants and bars, the developers announced Thursday.

They also said a music museum and "music industry incubator" might be part of future plans.Atlanta's Hard Rock Cafe is located at 215 Peachtree St., within walking distance of the planned hotel.

This would be the 12th Hard Rock Hotel either built or announced. Several have casinos, which Georgia does not allow.

"We feel like the music industry is one of Atlanta's most unleveraged assets," Cole Walker, managing partner of Luckie Street Hotel Partners, said in a statement. "Our vision is to create an epicenter of cool culture and music for Atlanta's world class music scene."

Luckie Street said it's discussing financing with several banks. Construction could start in mid-2008 and the hotel could open in late 2010.

Hard Rock International is owned by Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment.

"The Seminole tribe of Florida continues to look for growth opportunities in the hotel and casino sectors," said Jim Allen, chairman of Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment. "We are proud to be associated with this new development in a vital southeastern U.S. market.

[ThrashATL]

The company that operates Hard Rock Cafe plans to open a hotel and condo tower opposite the Georgia Aquarium.


I was going to say that I hope it has a little class & decorum but then I remembered WOC in the neighborhood and bit my tongue.

[atl2phx]

here are a few more ideas for filling up the blank parking lots surrounding COP:

ripley's believe it or not museum
opryland hotel
myrtle beach boardwalk
putt-putt golf
worlds largest salt walter taffy shop
farmland petting zoo
boiled peanut market and peanut butter creamery

[ThrashATL]

here are a few more ideas for filling up the blank parking lots surrounding COP:

ripley's believe it or not museum
opryland hotel
myrtle beach boardwalk
putt-putt golf
worlds largest salt walter taffy shop
farmland petting zoo
boiled peanut market and peanut butter creamery

Nascar museum.

[Muskavon]

Nascar museum.

The sad thing is, the Nascar Museum conceptual drawings for Charlotte look far better than WOC or anything else around there. As far as being embarrased about the people who enter the building? Well, that's a problem for social elites to deal with amongst themselves.

[SAV]

Damn, you people are never pleased

[ZOSO]

While I share your sentiment about the bridge, adding parks and extending it to the 15th St Bridge would be very expensive and it's something that GDOT would not be willing to do unless someone else paid for it. The only reason why 5th Street has the parks is because GT pumped in the extra money for it. :shrug:

Yeah, I figured as much. Wishful thinking.

[akiatl261]

Most cities would love to be even considered for a Hard Rock Hotel. I think its one of those things that means your city has arrived in terms of tourism. Yeah it may not be a Waldorf Astoria or a Musuem of Modern art but its a big plus for Downtown and if they do it rightr which I bet they will could be another pull downtown. Plus who knows if casion gaming is approved at some point(hopefully soon) Maybe a casion will be added to it. :)

[JoLeMaMa]

I'm absolutely thrilled to see HRH coming to Atlanta. Did anyone notice the "future civil rights museum" lot behind WOC in the graphic? When did this come about?

[whiplash3825]

IDid anyone notice the "future civil rights museum" lot behind WOC in the graphic? When did this come about?

I seem to remember the announcement being about six months ago.

[Fiorenza]

I hope Atlanta isn't getting over-hoteled.

[dirtybird]

I hope Atlanta isn't getting over-hoteled.

Just like we're not getting over-condoed! I love it though :haha:

[Tombstoner]

here are a few more ideas for filling up the blank parking lots surrounding COP:

ripley's believe it or not museum
opryland hotel
myrtle beach boardwalk
putt-putt golf
worlds largest salt walter taffy shop
farmland petting zoo
boiled peanut market and peanut butter creamery

:haha: :haha: :haha: I was trying to think of something kitschy and bland enough to add to the list, but I think you got it covered! I did consider a three-quarters scale Eiffel Tower containing a Museum of Christian Rock, but then I realized that the Millennium Arch makes that much too plausible.

[trnsplnt]

I hope Atlanta isn't getting over-hoteled.

I'm thinking I remember reading that the city has recently lost out to other convention markets for not having enough rooms. Can someone confirm/disavow?

[atlantaguy]

Basically we compete among Orlando, Las Vegas & Chicago for the big shows, and we stack up pretty well in the #of hotel rooms with over 92,000 Metro-wide. We also have thousands of rooms withing walking distance of the GWCC, something that put's us slightly ahead of the competition. As Downtown continues to reach critical mass, this will only help us. Even in Chicago with McCormick Place right in the city, you have to be bussed there.

Our issue has always been that it is pretty hard to compete with the pre & post convention offerings of Orlando & Vegas. People don't tend to bring their family/spouse with them here, but thats slowing changing.

[STrek777]

Most cities would love to be even considered for a Hard Rock Hotel. I think its one of those things that means your city has arrived in terms of tourism. Yeah it may not be a Waldorf Astoria or a Musuem of Modern art but its a big plus for Downtown and if they do it rightr which I bet they will could be another pull downtown. Plus who knows if casion gaming is approved at some point(hopefully soon) Maybe a casion will be added to it. :)

Personally I'm hoping this gives the GWCC another reason to stay put! I know they hired an independant company to evaluate all their expansion options and hopefully tey'll stay.

[Fiorenza]

Where else would they go?

[SteveD]

Personally I'm hoping this gives the GWCC another reason to stay put! I know they hired an independant company to evaluate all their expansion options and hopefully tey'll stay.

Stay put?? Stay?? Has their been any talk of anything along these lines? That's inconceivable to me.

[atl2phx]

Stay put?? Stay?? Has their been any talk of anything along these lines? That's inconceivable to me.

i recall GWCC recently making a statement to the effect of they will be looking at "any and all options" to accommodate future growth including "alternate locations outside of downtown".

i really don't think they could/will find an attractive alternative that would phyically move the exhibition halls. on the other hand, i could see a near term expansion where some GWCC properties/facilities are repurposed to support dedicated exhibition space - i.e. eliminate the dome, move the dome/falcons to a new facility - build new exhibition space on the site of the dome.

update - the ajc carried an article about this topic back in august. a google search of "ajc, gwcc, expansion" shows results, however, they go to dead links on ajc.com. it looks like they pulled the article from archives for some reason - very unusual.

[ATLaffinity]

:previous: where would they go??? they have to stay in the center of the city. all of our attractions are in the city. they can't go to Henry county...

[ThrashATL]

The only place I could see GWCC going is near the airport. Other than that, they wouldn't fit many other places ITP. Maybe Ft. McPherson on the MARTA line? In between the hotels & airport.

[atl2phx]

by the way, for anyone who uses google earth: central atlanta images (CBD and midtown) have been updated with new images from the past year. not only are they new, but they're higher resolution. a big improvement!

[ThrashATL]

by the way, for anyone who uses google earth: central atlanta images (CBD and midtown) have been updated with new images from the past year. not only are they new, but they're higher resolution. a big improvement!

About time! 12CP & AS

[ATLaffinity]

About time! 12CP & AS

you'd think they'd update google maps at the same time :shrug:

[trainiac]

If Dewberry won't do anything with his land, the city will. New sidewalks are going in on the east side of P'tree, at the same time as work on Juniper and all but one lane is closed on Piedmont -- if you're driving stay away from all three of those around 10th St.

Walked over by The Hole today. The retaining walls on the west side look to be 40 or 50 feet tall -- there couldn't be a collapse, right?

Work has commenced in earnest at the old Touch of India block -- electrical and interior framing. Is that still gonna be Vision?

Luxe on 12th is cranking along nicely: those are going to be some amazing views of the park.

Guess what? There was activity at Onyx!! Well, OK, there was a guy pumping water out of the deepest part of the hole :jester: Last rumor I heard was that there was a lawsuit with Blue Spa. True?

I sure wish Joe Mugs was still open at 8th St. Midtown needs a shop with an amazing magazine section!

[SwimAtl]

The GWCC is not going anywhere. They are being prudent and having professionals assess their growth needs, look at all options & develop a longterm plan. They want to be well-positioned for future growth, which will include a new (or renovated) Ga Dome and more exhibit space. They'll analyze needs, accessibility, parking, traffic, pedestrian flow, the multi-modal transportation center and its relationship to the center, etc. IMO it is very smart & forward thinking.

[LoveAtlanta]

they need street car to drive around downtown in loop and extend to midtown. so tourists and people who live downtown and midtown can move around easy. street car would bring more people to downtown and people who visit convention center would have easy ride from hotels to GWCC. For example street car from Allen Plaza to aquarium , down to GWCC and come around to peachtree and back to allen plaza.
if atlanta want to compete with las vehas and orlando than we have to be innovative and better than other cities.

but for sure we have better and smarter people than Las Vegas and Orlando. I know that for sure. Maybe we do not have advantage in infrastructure but we have in people and long term we will catch up with technology and infrastructure as well.

[Chris Creech]

The only place I could see GWCC going is near the airport. Other than that, they wouldn't fit many other places ITP. Maybe Ft. McPherson on the MARTA line? In between the hotels & airport.

Isn't that what College Park is doing with their new convention center?

They're building their own transit tracks from it to the airport so you can go from Hartsfield right over to the convention center.

[sprtsluvr8]

Isn't that what College Park is doing with their new convention center?

They're building their own transit tracks from it to the airport so you can go from Hartsfield right over to the convention center.

The convention center in College Park isn't new at all...the Georgia International Convention Center has been there for years. It may have been renovated recently, I think in 2003 it got a facelift.

A people mover is under construction that will have stops at the new car rental facility, GICC, and several of the convention hotels in the airport area. It sounds as if it will be similar to the one already in place at Hartsfield.

[atlantaguy]

^Well, technically it is pretty new. The original GICC was across the freeway and was torn down for the 5th runway.

What we have now is at most only a couple of years old, and very nice on the inside. I went to an event there a year ago and was pretty impressed.

[sprtsluvr8]

^Well, technically it is pretty new. The original GICC was across the freeway and was torn down for the 5th runway.

What we have now is at most only a couple of years old, and very nice on the inside. I went to an event there a year ago and was pretty impressed.

Okay, I didn't realize it had been completely demolished and relocated. I've been there recently and didn't even notice...the old one was pretty nice too. I suppose the new one was built in 2003.

[Atlriser]

Actually, the airport is building the transit because it is part of the car rental consolidation project that is locating all the rental sites across 85 to free up the land by the airport and reduce the amount of vehicular traffic entering the terminals. As part of the agreement where CPark gave up the land for the new 5th runway, the airport agreed to the transit line through the convention center.

That facility is owned by CPark and is a competitor to the GWCC. Nonetheless it is a good competitor and one that helps the growth of the market here overall for conventions. They are also in the process of adding 2 or 3 hotels as well with one already breaking ground that is 16 stories I believe attached to the convention center and thus directly attached to the airport. Therefore, someone could fly into the airport, stay at the hotel, attend meetings and never leave the facility by car at all then just ride a train right back into the terminal and depart by plane again.

[mayhem]

I really hope GWCC expands into the parking lots across Jones Ave as they have planned. It would be nice if they put some street level retail as well. The neighborhood could definitely use it.

[echinatl]

I drive down Centennial Olympic Park Drive often and notice lots of open lots right across the street from the park. Is anything planned for that area? Wouldn't people want to live/work/play next to the park? There's also the aquarium, WOC, CNN Center, Phillips arena, Marta Station, plus all of the new stuff going up on Lucky St.

[L.ARCH]

:previous: Plus the Farlie Poplar district

[smArTaLlone]

Here's the latest Alex Garvin presentation for the North Druid Hills/ Briarcliff road developments. Plans include a street grid, a boulevard plan, express bus link to Lindbergh station and a roundabout at the intersection N. Druid and Briarcliff. If successful this could become a great example of how Atlanta can grow.

N Druid Hills.pdf (http://briarcliffnorthdruidhills.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/dekalb-9607-presentation.pdf)

[atl2phx]

Here's the latest Alex Garvin presentation for the North Druid Hills/ Briarcliff road developments. Plans include a street grid, a boulevard plan, express bus link to Lindbergh station and a roundabout at the intersection N. Druid and Briarcliff. If successful this could become a great example of how Atlanta can grow.

N Druid Hills.pdf (http://briarcliffnorthdruidhills.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/dekalb-9607-presentation.pdf)

wow. that's quite an impressive plan on paper. i happen to think this is just the type of redevelopemnt that should be planned for highly visible, highly accessible areas such as executive park that have aged beyond serving their original purpose. i love how they handle the streets with the roundabout, the bulbouts for busses, cutouts for access to the grid and the green space. very good stuff.

[atlantaguy]

^I totally agree! I live very near this area and would love to see this happen. I'm just not too sure about Sembler's site plan. The last one I saw had these massive parking decks lining North Druid Hills and Briarcliff on the edge of the project, and it looked like a 5th grader had designed everything.

[joey]

That Garvin grid plan for the North Druid Hills area would be fantastic to see happen. But Sembler, though perhaps more open than the average retail strip center developer, still isn't known for greatness. What's the chance they'll actually adapt their project to fit this sort of layout with retail fronting the main roads?

[whoDean]

^I totally agree! I live very near this area and would love to see this happen. I'm just not too sure about Sembler's site plan. The last one I saw had these massive parking decks lining North Druid Hills and Briarcliff on the edge of the project, and it looked like a 5th grader had designed everything.

Is the Sembler site plan online?

[atlantaguy]

Not to my knowledge, whoDean. I saw it in a past issue of Creative Loafing about a month ago or so.

[smArTaLlone]

A couple of One Museum Place renderings

http://fmlspictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/41/hr1666241-1.jpg

http://fmlspictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/41/hr1666241-2.jpg

[atl2phx]

:previous: by far, the best OMP renderings yet. i'm trying to be optimistic and hope this project will start soon.

[L.ARCH]

:previous: Stunning... I hope they start soon.

Is that a pathway to the neighborhood I see? Didn't someone mention earlier that there's a house behind the building they were trying to purchase?

[trainiac]

The new bridge that's about to open over the northern portion of I-285 is anything but a typical road improvement.

The $35 million bridge connects Pill Hill —- home to Northside and other major hospitals —- with the biggest, densest concentration of corporate office space in metro Atlanta. It was built in two years, much faster than most big road projects, partly because of concentrated pressure from the Perimeter business community.

And in hopes that people won't have to drive everywhere, the new bridge has bike lanes and sidewalks. That will make it easier for people to walk or bike to restaurants, shops or three nearby MARTA train stations.

Gov. Sonny Perdue is scheduled to cut the bridge's ceremonial ribbon Tuesday. The four-lane bridge, slated to open for traffic by year's end, links Hammond Drive and Lake Hearn Drive.

Anybody know of an aerial photo that shows this? I'm curious where it hits Hammond. Thanks

[ThrashATL]

Anybody know of an aerial photo that shows this? I'm curious where it hits Hammond. Thanks

This might satisfy your request:
http://www.perimetercid.org/currentprojects.html

http://www.perimetercid.org/images/projectphotos/flyover.jpg

[L.ARCH]

:previous: I must admit the exposed steel was beautiful while the bridge under construction.

[whoDean]

One Museum Place project delayed

By KIRSTEN TAGAMI
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 11/13/07

A high-profile condo project across the street from the High Museum of Art has been put on hold for at least 18 months, according to the developer.

The $135 million One Museum Place broke ground September 5 and was scheduled to open in 2009. Home builder John Wieland planned to have 96 luxury condos and a 15,000-square-foot gallery for contemporary art on the site, where he tore down three mid-rise office buildings that dated to the 1950s and 1960s.
• More Business news

But the downturn in the housing market has changed Wieland's plans.

"We have put the project on hold," said Wieland's son, Jack, president of Wieland Commercial Group and an art collector like his father. " The residential housing and credit markets are so turbulent these days that it was the appropriate thing to do. Our aim is to revisit the existing building in around 18 months. The gallery is still very much a part of the plan and our dreams."

He added that the company hoped that British architect David Chipperfield, who was nearly finished with design development as of September, would also be involved in the project when it resumed.


First of many.

[Hot_Pepper]

typo, in title, had to re-post,

[Hot_Pepper]

The buiding didn't get redeveloped after all, glad to see something old can exist among all the new !!!


Access Atlanta > Blog > Archives > 2007 > November > 15 > Entry

New owners, new look for Silver Grill
By RICHARD L. ELDREDGE | Thursday, November 15, 2007, 10:42 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

No, that’s not a fried chicken and turkey and dressing-deprived mirage on Monroe Drive this week as drivers do double-takes in front of the old Silver Grill. The legendary eatery’s neon sign is lit once again and the diner is back open, nearly a year after it famously closed up shop, following a successful 58-year run.


Say hello to the Silver Midtown Grill, courtesy of its new owners Stephan Barrani and Sam Scott.


The duo has completely refurbished the outdated space (think new marble counters, hardwood floors, light fixtures and finally credit-card machines) while retaining the Silver Grill’s crowd-pleasing menu and somehow luring back signature employees, including manager Vivian Wynn, chef John Fendell and grill cook Peggy Mack. Bless her heart, Peggy Hubbard, the Grill’s 74-year-old waitress, who’s been dutifully delivering collards, corn bread and sweet tea to tables for nearly 50 years, also has returned.

Former regular Michael Thomason drove past the shuttered Silver Grill back in June and met the new owners, who were working on the space. He persuaded the pair, who wanted originally to open a similar eatery, to rebirth the Grill. Thomason then got on the horn to Hubbard and company and coaxed them back as well.

“The Silver Grill was such a community thing, it was difficult to let that go,” Thomason told Buzz Thursday. “I still can’t believe it’s back. Seeing that neon lit up again is just incredible.”

While Thomason says that some upgrades were needed to bring the old building up to code, regulars shouldn’t be too concerned about the upgraded aesthetics.

“It’s not too fancy,” he assures. “It still looks like a diner.”

The Silver Midtown Grill also eventually will open for breakfast as well as weekend brunch. Its new owners hope to make the Grill a 24-hour operation at some point, too.

So has legendary “Silver Grill Blues” songstress Diamond Lil popped back into the eatery since its reopening this week?

“No, but we’ve got to find her,” Thomason told us.

Buzz has a hunch that’s now no longer an issue …

[atl2phx]

The buiding didn't get redeveloped after all, glad to see something old can exist among all the new !!!


Access Atlanta > Blog > Archives > 2007 > November > 15 > Entry

New owners, new look for Silver Grill
By RICHARD L. ELDREDGE | Thursday, November 15, 2007, 10:42 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

No, that’s not a fried chicken and turkey and dressing-deprived mirage on Monroe Drive this week as drivers do double-takes in front of the old Silver Grill. The legendary eatery’s neon sign is lit once again and the diner is back open, nearly a year after it famously closed up shop, following a successful 58-year run.


Say hello to the Silver Midtown Grill, courtesy of its new owners Stephan Barrani and Sam Scott.


The duo has completely refurbished the outdated space (think new marble counters, hardwood floors, light fixtures and finally credit-card machines) while retaining the Silver Grill’s crowd-pleasing menu and somehow luring back signature employees, including manager Vivian Wynn, chef John Fendell and grill cook Peggy Mack. Bless her heart, Peggy Hubbard, the Grill’s 74-year-old waitress, who’s been dutifully delivering collards, corn bread and sweet tea to tables for nearly 50 years, also has returned.

Former regular Michael Thomason drove past the shuttered Silver Grill back in June and met the new owners, who were working on the space. He persuaded the pair, who wanted originally to open a similar eatery, to rebirth the Grill. Thomason then got on the horn to Hubbard and company and coaxed them back as well.

“The Silver Grill was such a community thing, it was difficult to let that go,” Thomason told Buzz Thursday. “I still can’t believe it’s back. Seeing that neon lit up again is just incredible.”

While Thomason says that some upgrades were needed to bring the old building up to code, regulars shouldn’t be too concerned about the upgraded aesthetics.

“It’s not too fancy,” he assures. “It still looks like a diner.”

The Silver Midtown Grill also eventually will open for breakfast as well as weekend brunch. Its new owners hope to make the Grill a 24-hour operation at some point, too.

So has legendary “Silver Grill Blues” songstress Diamond Lil popped back into the eatery since its reopening this week?

“No, but we’ve got to find her,” Thomason told us.

Buzz has a hunch that’s now no longer an issue …

man, that's incredible news.

for me, the silver grill is quintisential midtown atlanta with a staff that can't be beat.

marble counters, hardwood floors and credit card machines - maybe they'll be around another 50 years. :yes:

[(four 0 four)]

marble counters, hardwood floors and credit card machines - maybe they'll be around another 50 years.
Say it isn't so!!! A 'meat-and-three' restaurant (especially the Silver Grill) shouldn't be so uppity as to have marble countertops and hardwood floors! :)

[jobe]

Housing crunch may threaten Trump's Atlanta plan

By ALEX FRANGOS
The Wall Street Journal

Published on: 11/22/07

Even the Trump name isn't bigger than the calamitous condo market.

Donald Trump's reputation as a real-estate developer could take a hit as some condominium projects emblazoned with his famous name run into trouble.


Charlotte B. Teagle/Staff

Donald Trump and a scale model of his Trump Towers Atlanta at the Trump Towers Atlanta Preview Center on Booth Street in Atlanta earlier this year.

In recent years, Trump has lent his name, and in some cases his own money, to at least 20 projects in the U.S. and another half dozen abroad, including buildings in Dubai of the United Arab Emirates and Seoul, South Korea. While in some cities such projects are doing fine, others face slow sales, project delays and cancellations — and irate buyers.

In Tampa, buyers who placed deposits of $200,000 to $1.2 million on units in the 52-story Trump Tower Tampa are fuming. Nearly three years after the $260 million skyscraper was started, construction has stopped.

A Fort Lauderdale tower with Trump's name on it was put on hold indefinitely last month, and a West Palm Beach project could be put on the shelf shortly. Construction on a Trump Tower in Toronto is just getting under way after years of delays and a reduction in height. And at Trump Tower Chicago, a hotel and condo project set to be the second tallest building in the city after the Sears Tower, 30 percent of the 825 units remain unsold as the condo market there slows.

In Atlanta, two condo towers with the Trump name are about to be launched at a time when 5.8 percent of the homes there are for sale, the second-highest inventory of unsold homes in the country, according to Zelman & Associates, a housing-research firm.

Trump says Atlanta is "a beautiful job going well." Asked about Atlanta's poor housing market, Trump said, "You know I can't be everywhere. It's like somebody says, 'why didn't you build here or there?' Who's done better deals than me?"

Trump is known for focusing on the positive. "All of my stuff has been a great success," he said in an interview last week. "Nobody has even come close to the track record that I have." He points to many other projects he is involved in that he considers outsized successes, including ones in Las Vegas, Hollywood, Fla., Miami, New York, Hawaii and the Dominican Republic. "Somebody says 'how's the market?' I say not good except for Trump," he says.

But the recent problems at developments bearing his name are evidence that no one is immune from the downdraft in the housing market. New housing projects throughout the country are suffering from weak demand and falling prices as banks tighten credit standards and a glut of empty units swells.

This time around, Trump personally is in little danger financially. During the last real-estate collapse in the early 1990s, he was pushed to the brink of bankruptcy because he was personally on the hook for hundreds of millions of dollars worth of debt. He later restructured his debt with the banks and worked his way back to doing real-estate deals.

In some recent condo projects, Trump has sold his name to developers for a fee and, in certain cases, he gets a portion of the sales in the building as well. In some he has contributed a minority slice of equity. This means, even if the projects fail, his financial exposure is limited, although his reputation may suffer. In other projects, such as in Chicago and Las Vegas, he says he is the lead investor.

At Trump Tower Tampa, which began its marketing in 2005, sales initially soared. The local development company, SimDag LLC, sold all 192 units and then, as the market skyrocketed, returned buyers' deposits, raised the units' prices and sold out again.

Then in August 2006, a city inspector examining a key part of the foundation known as the caissons discovered the plot of land wasn't solid enough to support design. Construction never resumed.

In May, Trump sued SimDag in federal court in Tampa, charging the developer with failing to pay him much of his licensing fee and failing to execute on construction and sales milestones promised in the contract. Court documents filed by Trump's lawyers say his involvement was limited to licensing his name to the developer for $4 million plus a cut of the sales.

But many of the buyers feel that they were led to believe that he had a much larger stake. "The only reason we bought into this was because of Trump," says Don Wallace, a local restaurant owner whose wife, Elaine Lucadano, has interests in two units. "He's bashing Rosie O'Donnell, and we're twisting in the wind," referring to Trump's tabloid spat with the talk-show host. Jugal and Maju Teneja, who paid $528,000 to reserve a unit in October, filed a suit against Trump and SimDag in Hillsborough County Circuit Court, claiming they deceived buyers into thinking Trump was closely involved in the development of the tower.

Trump says his role as a licensor was disclosed in offering documents given to buyers, a point Wallace disputes. Trump also noted that his ability to deal with construction problems has been limited. "When I license my name to somebody, I don't have the same power over a job," he says. "I could have pulled the Tampa job off easily. Other people can't pull it off easily." Now, Trump says, the Tampa project has become a victim of the deteriorating financing and sales climate. "If there was a job today that was going to start...I would most likely say let's wait a little while," he says.

Overall, though, he says his projects are successful, even in markets that are suffering problems, noting his name indeed sells units. "How many times is Trump supposed to be selling out a building before they move forward?," Trump asks. As for his brand image, he says: "Tampa doesn't hurt me."

[gttx]

I don't understand why any of the information in that article could "threaten Trump's Atlanta plans." It's basically just an expose on the mismanagement of the Trump Tampa project. Gotta love the AJC...

[Andrea]

I don't understand why any of the information in that article could "threaten Trump's Atlanta plans." It's basically just an expose on the mismanagement of the Trump Tampa project.

Yeah, but if it was your money on the line would you want to start two expensive condo towers in today's slowing market, with 6,000 units already under construction? And no water? And the worst traffic in America?

[NativeAtlantan]

Actually, isn't the traffic more an argument to move forward with the project?

[Andrea]

Actually, isn't the traffic more an argument to move forward with the project?

It might be if you had a job nearby and wanted to reduce your commute. But the vast majority of Atlantans don't work in midtown, Buckhead or downtown. Even if you do have a job in one of the intown areas, chances are good that you'll still have to engage Atlanta's traffic.

[MarketsWork]

Actually, isn't the traffic more an argument to move forward with the project?

When somebody once asked Yogi Berra if he liked to eat at a certain popular restaurant, Yogi answered "Nobody goes there anymore; it's too crowded." I agree with your reasoning that increasing traffic implies increasing demand.

[Andrea]

When somebody once asked Yogi Berra if he liked to eat at a certain popular restaurant, Yogi answered "Nobody goes there anymore; it's too crowded." I agree with your reasoning that increasing traffic implies increasing demand.


Well, we can conclude from more traffic that there are more people doing a lot more driving.

That doesn't necessarily equate to demand for midtown condos in the $2 million price range. If I'm thinking about opening a ultra high-end French restaurant I can't tell much about whether to go ahead or where to put it by noting the length of the lines at McDonald's drive-throughs.

[gttx]

True, but only the penthouses are going for $2 million. I spoke with someone recently who was looking at purchasing one of the smaller units for around $300,000 - they were thinking about purchasing because "$300,000 could get a place at Viewpoint or a place at Trump Towers. What do you think we'll pick?"

The name certainly has selling potential, especially for those who can't afford to go super luxury, but still want to feel like their money is buying something very nice.

[Fiorenza]

we can conclude from more traffic that there are more people doing a lot more driving

When gas is $8-$10 a gallon (very soon IMHO) then we'll start to see some behavior modification.

[Andrea]

When gas is $8-$10 a gallon (very soon IMHO) then we'll start to see some behavior modification.

I think you're probably right, Fiorenza. I work with several people who drive 30-50 miles each way. They bought hybrids and other fuel efficient cars yet at $3 a gallon gas is still a bargain for them. Three or four hours a day in a car would make me crazy but for them being out where the housing costs are lower makes it worthwhile.

[Behind_Phips]

True, but only the penthouses are going for $2 million. I spoke with someone recently who was looking at purchasing one of the smaller units for around $300,000 - they were thinking about purchasing because "$300,000 could get a place at Viewpoint or a place at Trump Towers. What do you think we'll pick?"

The name certainly has selling potential, especially for those who can't afford to go super luxury, but still want to feel like their money is buying something very nice.

I thought Trump started in the mid -$400's. IMHO I would rather be in Viewpoint because long term I believe Midtown Mile will appreciate more.

[RobMidtowner]

It might be if you had a job nearby and wanted to reduce your commute. But the vast majority of Atlantans don't work in midtown, Buckhead or downtown. Even if you do have a job in one of the intown areas, chances are good that you'll still have to engage Atlanta's traffic.

It's also right next to the Arts Center station so that opens up more options to avoiding traffic.

[ATLaffinity]

When gas is $8-$10 a gallon (very soon IMHO) then we'll start to see some behavior modification.:rolleyes:

oil can't hit that price (in real dollars) b/c you can't hit a recession AND have high oil prices.

high oil prices are somewhat due to demand and mostly due to throttling by the producers. we haven't seen peak oil.

as the economy cools, oil demand and prices will drop again.

to keep this in perspective, oil cost more in the 70s and the US spent a greater % of its GDP on oil in the 70s.

[Fiorenza]

The difference today is flat or falling global production coupled with the growing economies of India, China, etc., and the move away from the dollar as a settlement currency. Environmental laws and taxes are also a factor. Gasoline prices are set to go much higher in the US, regardless whether there is a recession or not, and a recession will probably but not absolutely follow. Right now gasoline is $6.50 in the Netherlands.

[Fiorenza]

the Smart Fortwo, built in France and coming to the US in January
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photo_StoryLevel/071119/071119_smartCar_hmed1p.hmedium.jpg

[whiplash3825]

:previous:

Yeah... half the size of my Civic and gets all of 3 more miles to the gallon. I think I'll pass!

[L.ARCH]

delete

[L.ARCH]

Gasoline prices are set to go much higher in the US, regardless whether there is a recession or not, and a recession will probably but not absolutely follow. Right now gasoline is $6.50 in the Netherlands.

Yeah... with gasoline prices across Europe in the $6-$9 per gallon range, who's to say that it'll wont happen here? It'll be interesting to see what happens in the next few years.

[MarketsWork]

Yeah... with gasoline prices across Europe in the $6-$9 per gallon range, who's to say that it'll wont happen here? It'll be interesting to see what happens in the next few years.

Voters have that say, just as European voters have gotten what they voted for. The price rises we are seeing in the United States are market-driven responses to supply and demand. Europe has experienced similar market changes, but the bulk of Europe's exorbitantly higher gas prices are the result of heavy taxation imposed by the voracious appetites of popularly elected socialist governments.

[Behind_Phips]

Voters have that say, just as European voters have gotten what they voted for. The price rises we are seeing in the United States are market-driven responses to supply and demand. Europe has experienced similar market changes, but the bulk of Europe's exorbitantly higher gas prices are the result of heavy taxation imposed by the voracious appetites of popularly elected socialist governments.

Not necessarily. Demand has not changed from last year when oil was in $50-60 range and supply has increased because they repaired oil facilities in the gulf. However, the number of investors that are participating in the oil futures market have driven the price to where it is today. If this was a supply shortage, OPEC could produce more or the US Government could supply from our strategic reserves. The oil futures market is complete BS IMHO. This past spring forecasters were calling for unusually high number of Atlantic hurricanes. That drove up prices in the future markets. Not one hurricane hit the US of any significance. Prices never dropped. Also, our POS President keeps talking crap to Iran which is not helping matters.

[Fiorenza]

The POS Democrats don't want to drill in Alaska and California! :)

Main problem is, the dollar is getting trashed...and oil reflects that. The oil cartel is going to get top dollar. We'll just have to learn to adjust - by buying condos in midtown for instance.

[Andrea]

Voters have that say, just as European voters have gotten what they voted for. The price rises we are seeing in the United States are market-driven responses to supply and demand. Europe has experienced similar market changes, but the bulk of Europe's exorbitantly higher gas prices are the result of heavy taxation imposed by the voracious appetites of popularly elected socialist governments.

Doesn't Georgia have the lowest gas taxes in the nation (next to Alaska)? It seems to me that encourages sprawl, pollution and auto-centric development. Even our new DOT commissioner commutes two hours each way.

Yet we live in a world where it's obvious that we desperately need to achieve energy independence, cut down on carbon emissions, conserve water and address a traffic/transportation mess which is probably the worst in the nation. It seems to me it's well past time to stop subsidizing sprawl with our ridiculously low fuel taxes. We could make some serious improvements if our taxes were at least in line with the rest of the U.S., not mention the rest of the planet.

[Behind_Phips]

The POS Democrats don't want to drill in Alaska and California! :)

the main problem is, the dollar is getting trashed...and oil reflects that.

Do a little research would you. If we started drilling in Alaska today, it would be 12 years before we see the first barrel of oil. That's why we democrats are not in favor of drilling our way out of this problem. My personal belief is we should tax gas an extra $.50. Use the revenue to build hydrogen and electric charging stations throughout the US.

The dollar is not the issue. If that was the case, every good we imported into the US would have increased +100%. Our President, Financial Markets and Oil Executives are manipulating the markets.

[MarketsWork]

Doesn't Georgia have the lowest gas taxes in the nation (next to Alaska)? It seems to me that encourages sprawl, pollution and auto-centric development. Even our new DOT commissioner commutes two hours each way.

Yet we live in a world where it's obvious that we desperately need to achieve energy independence, cut down on carbon emissions, conserve water and address a traffic/transportation mess which is probably the worst in the nation. It seems to me it's well past time to stop subsidizing sprawl with our ridiculously low fuel taxes. We could make some serious improvements if our taxes were at least in line with the rest of the U.S., not mention the rest of the planet.

The differential in gas taxes among the states used to be quite significant, but has been eroded lately by the much higher base price to which the state taxes are added.

I disagree with the basic premise of your argument for higher taxes, which is the implication that everything belongs to government to begin with, and whatever government lets you keep is a "subsidy" or some sort of favor. I would much rather trust the free market to reward or punish voluntary choices than to trust any government to manipulate those choices through punitive taxation. Sure, we could emulate the European model of redistributive taxes to fund any or all of a myriad of giveaway schemes -- for a while. But then we would ultimately end up as Europe is becoming: a live-for-today welfare paradise where unemployment is high, every want is free, but with a shrinking population which cannot possibly pay for the future it has forged for itself.

[MarketsWork]

Not necessarily. Demand has not changed from last year when oil was in $50-60 range and supply has increased because they repaired oil facilities in the gulf. However, the number of investors that are participating in the oil futures market have driven the price to where it is today. If this was a supply shortage, OPEC could produce more or the US Government could supply from our strategic reserves. The oil futures market is complete BS IMHO. This past spring forecasters were calling for unusually high number of Atlantic hurricanes. That drove up prices in the future markets. Not one hurricane hit the US of any significance. Prices never dropped. Also, our POS President keeps talking crap to Iran which is not helping matters.

Demand is increasing constantly, thanks to the explosive growth of China and India. While Supply capacity has increased thanks to Middle East infrastructure improvements, OPEC has resisted increasing its production in order to keep prices high -- because it can (free markets require willing buyers and willing sellers to set a price).

If we immediately dumped our entire Strategic Petroleum Reserve on the market today, its effect upon the market would be both minimal and short lived. For this reason, previous SPR withdrawals have been made as symbolic political statements. The SPR contains less than two month's supply of our current oil imports -- a major asset for defense purposes, but very small in relation to the mammoth private oil market. Besides, depletion of a strategic defense asset is a dangerous practice, similar to canceling fire insurance in a high risk neighborhood.

And finally... if you want to see a truly volatile oil market, just wait until Iran has nukes. While our President is merely "talking crap to Iran," the rest of the world is actually crapping in fear of the prospect of a nuclear Tehran. We are doing their dirty work, and they are privately grateful for it.

[ATLaffinity]

Right now gasoline is $6.50 in the Netherlands.

They have a $4 tax on gas!

We pay like 30 cents.

Unless you think we've hit peak oil or expect the gov't to increase the fuel tax by a factor of 15, you can't believe that prices at the pump will be $8.

[Fiorenza]

The problem is, the dollar is sinking fast, and the producers are starting to require payment in Euro etc. We are running a crazy trade deficit, $50 or $60 billion every month. And the government has to finance the budget deficit. So yeah, I can easily imagine $10/gallon gas pretty soon as well as everything else much pricier. Like
I said, buy your midtown condo now.

[Behind_Phips]

The differential in gas taxes among the states used to be quite significant, but has been eroded lately by the much higher base price to which the state taxes are added.

I disagree with the basic premise of your argument for higher taxes, which is the implication that everything belongs to government to begin with, and whatever government lets you keep is a "subsidy" or some sort of favor. I would much rather trust the free market to reward or punish voluntary choices than to trust any government to manipulate those choices through punitive taxation. Sure, we could emulate the European model of redistributive taxes to fund any or all of a myriad of giveaway schemes -- for a while. But then we would ultimately end up as Europe is becoming: a live-for-today welfare paradise where unemployment is high, every want is free, but with a shrinking population which cannot possibly pay for the future it has forged for itself.

Marketswork, free markets really work don't they? Especially the financial markets...i.e sub-prime/prime mortgage market. Just wait and see, they will have their hands out to the government to bail their asses out. But they will say it is for the homeowners...what a load of crap. Also, why does the oil lobby press for even more tax rebates. They get a disportionately greater share than competing industries based on tax code from the 80's.

Marketswork, what is the main difference between our economic system and Europes'? The answer is not taxes...
It's the fact that the US has a significant middle class. This is what has made the US the power it is today. Unfortunately, the middle class is eroding quicker today than at anytime in the history of our country. This shift will impact everyone, including the wealthy. It is my belief, the US government needs to manipulate our tax system to strengthen the middle class. Trust me, you do not want to live in the society where the ultra wealthy control all the assets just because some people have a theory that laissez fair and free market policies will create the market price.:tup:

[Behind_Phips]

The problem is, the dollar is sinking fast, and the producers are starting to require payment in Euro etc. We are running a crazy trade deficit, $50 or $60 billion every month. And the government has to finance the budget deficit. So yeah, I can easily imagine $10/gallon gas pretty soon as well as everything else much pricier. Like
I said, buy your midtown condo now.

Not true. Only one or two countries are even exploring pricing oil in Euros (Iran and Venezuela). OPEC knows if they screw the US, they will crash our market and then the rest our the world's economies. We do consume 50% of the oil supplies. Personally, I hope prices go higher. The US needs to learn that our addiction to the worlds oil supply is creating a war minded foreign policy.

Fiorenza, I want you to respond to my comment on drilling in Alaska. Defend your argument on why we need to jeopardize this natural resource.:whip:

[L.ARCH]

Doesn't Georgia have the lowest gas taxes in the nation (next to Alaska)? It seems to me that encourages sprawl, pollution and auto-centric development. Even our new DOT commissioner commutes two hours each way.

Yet we live in a world where it's obvious that we desperately need to achieve energy independence, cut down on carbon emissions, conserve water and address a traffic/transportation mess which is probably the worst in the nation. It seems to me it's well past time to stop subsidizing sprawl with our ridiculously low fuel taxes. We could make some serious improvements if our taxes were at least in line with the rest of the U.S., not mention the rest of the planet.

I went to London recently and was told by a friend that it costs £8 just to drive into the city! Not to mention parking fees which would bring the average American commuter to their knees. And taxes, lots of them. You would think, according to some people, that this would somehow hurt economic activity... Now, I'm no economist, so correct me if I'm wrong in thinking London's booming economy might suffer from an astronomical cost of commuting/living... but my main point is Americans-Georgians-Atlantans are incredibly under taxed by comparison. But, we also don't have widespread efficient public transportation systems (not to mention health care, amazing public schools, etc. etc.) It's obviously a trade off between a low cost of living without these things, or a high cost of living with an arguably higher standard of living (and a booming economy?)

[Behind_Phips]

Some picks to appease everyone that do not like us talking about geopolitical babble. These are from an iPhone so they are not great. I had to run to Kroger to pick up some beer before the GA - GA Tech game!!!

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/5015/buck1wo0.th.jpg (http://img413.imageshack.us/my.php?image=buck1wo0.jpg)

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/1075/buck2xr6.th.jpg (http://img403.imageshack.us/my.php?image=buck2xr6.jpg)

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/3769/buck3it2.th.jpg (http://img225.imageshack.us/my.php?image=buck3it2.jpg)

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/3769/buck3it2.th.jpg (http://img225.imageshack.us/my.php?image=buck3it2.jpg)

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/3769/buck3it2.th.jpg (http://img225.imageshack.us/my.php?image=buck3it2.jpg)

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/4932/buck4on4.th.jpg (http://img86.imageshack.us/my.php?image=buck4on4.jpg)

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/9057/buck5vj4.th.jpg (http://img267.imageshack.us/my.php?image=buck5vj4.jpg)

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/4816/buck7jt2.th.jpg (http://img249.imageshack.us/my.php?image=buck7jt2.jpg)

[atlantaguy]

Georgia hasn't raised the gas tax since the early 70's, and the money can ONLY be used for roads and bridges.

We live in the only State in the country that refuses to give it's largest public transit agency a single dime, and I honestly believe that Sonny-Bubba would simply like MARTA to just go away.

We have some very serious issues facing us, with absolutely no leadership whatsoever. Things don't look too good for us right now, and the idiots that run this state seem to think that unbridled growth (and prayer) will solve everything.

Sad.

[Fiorenza]

Fiorenza, I want you to respond to my comment on drilling in Alaska. Defend your argument on why we need to jeopardize this natural resource.

I was just saying, we need to be self sufficient in this country and not import huge amounts of energy products. May I suggest that if we had started drilling the proven reserves 12 years ago, we'd now be able to cut our dependence on OPEC by 25% or more. And, to whoever said that only Venezuela and Iran are requiring payment in Euro...you can add Kuwait as well as other Gulf states to the list, and probably the others as well - soon.

[Fiorenza]

New Wave of Mortgage Failures Could Create a Nightmare Economic Scenario (http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/071124/apfn_doomsday_scenario.html?.v=1)