Quote:
Originally Posted by MichaelM.
Like I said, I witnessed the uptick in crime at Perimeter first hand. I dont need the stats - I was there and saw it myself.
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Claiming that we have the burden of proof simply because you spoke first is idiotic. Neither side can accurately claim to "know" whether MARTA and crime share a causal relationship without statistics. First-hand experience is far from an objective standard...especially when your eye-witness account of the 1984 "overnight" changing of Lenox Mall occurred when you were 2.
Citing crime statistics from suburban areas not served by MARTA, in order to draw a comparison with those which are, seems like a perfectly logical approach. Sure, other things could have cause or deterred crime, but those same things are probably also in play near transit stations. Robust statistical models are capable of controlling for things like that, and if anyone has an accurate source of raw data (who knows, maybe you do), I'd be happy to run some numbers with SPSS. Spatial data organized by block group or census tract would be probably be more interesting, though, and I would put together an analysis in GIS if someone could direct me to a good data source (other than ARC, which I don't think publishes crime statistics).
Should I close with some other "eye witness" accounts, since that appears to be the modus operandi? Midtown is beautiful, fun, and booming like crazy. Buckhead is becoming the epicenter of high-wealth individuals and corporations in the city. Decatur is trendy and still very successful with both the younger and older generation. The High Museum is one of the best of its kind in the southeast, maybe even the country. North Avenue serves one of the country's best public schools, which has undoubtedly contributed substantially to the growth and success of the city, as well as one of the country's tallest office buildings. The airport is the busiest and one of the largest in the world, and probably is the real economic engine of the city.
What do they all have in common? A MARTA station.
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