{ May 16th, 2013 }

Inman Park’s Last Domino Ready To Drop?

Developers have been circling around the site known as 280 Elizabeth for quite some time.  By this summer, speculation and hullabaloo will be replaced by construction cranes and hard hats.

Your best bet is to check out the article on East Atlanta Patch, but here’s the net-net:  Dad’s Garage, WAX, Victory Sandwich Bar, The Collective, several smaller tenants and a considerable number of surface parking spots will be replaced by a $45 million development that will feature 201 apartments, 39,000 of retail space and a 570 space parking deck.

Personally, I always found the current building pretty interesting, and loved the eclectic tenant mix… but let’s face it, it’s not the best and highest use of 3.4 acres in the heart of Inman Park.

Some are calling it progress, others calling it regress.  What say you?

Edit Credit: East Atlanta Patch

Photo Credit:  Knibb Design

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Labels: Atlanta BeltLine : Current Events : Inman Park

{ May 5th, 2013 }

You Know That New Construction Is On Fire When…

Infill development.  Teardowns.  New construction everywhere.

It’s starting to feel a little bit like 2006.

So much so, that neighborhoods are starting to convene special meetings to talk about what’s happening out there.  A real email, from a real neighborhood, about this very real phenomenon…

NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT EVERYWHERE!!

As you are all aware, we are seeing unprecedented development in our neighborhood.   What effect does have on all of us?  The board of the (neighborhood’s name redacted for privacy) is hosting a special meeting in hopes of getting answers to questions you have about development.

Have you received an unsolicited offer to sell your property?
Wonder what a developer would offer/pay for your home/property?
Are these “buy outs” helping our home property value?
Are homeowners being coerced into selling?
Are homeowners selling to developers for under fair market value?
Are you considering selling your home or wondering what to do when you are ready to sell?

 More than one house on a lot?  What are the options?

The list of questions is endless…………we hope that you will find answers to your questions, and we will also have handouts for you to take home.

 I think it’s safe to say that the housing slump is over.

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Labels: Home Ownership

{ April 25th, 2013 }

Mother’s Day In Atlanta, 2013: All About The Trees

A mom, some kids, and a tree planting. Nailed it.

I love Trees Atlanta.  This you already know.  I also love my Mom.

So, hat’s off to Trees Atlanta for putting together a couple of cool programs to help celebrate all the Moms out there.  Straight from the release…
1. Take her on tour of the Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum.  This free 90 minute walking tour, led by a trained docent, will highlight interesting horticultural, historical and architectural aspects of the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail.  It is perfect if Mom is a gardener, historian or culture buff.  Tours are offered on Friday and Saturday mornings departing at 10:00 a.m.  When you are done, you can treat Mom to a nice lunch at one of the many great restaurants along the Atlanta BeltLine.  We still have some availability on May 10th and 11th so sign up today.

2. Honor your Mom with a gift that she (and others) long after the holiday is over- a tree.  For a $25 contribution, a tree will be planted in her honor in a tree-needy neighborhood in Atlanta.  We will send a hand-drawn card with your customized message.

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Labels: Atlanta BeltLine : Current Events : GreenLife

{ April 10th, 2013 }

Doug Wiley, Bicycle Tours of Atlanta

It’s Spring, which means it’s time to mothball your corduroys and get excited about Atlanta’s outdoor glory.  If you’re looking for an absolutely perfect way to exercise,  socialize and explore, Bicycle Tours of Atlanta is the way to go.  There’s no better way to get to know Atlanta.  Get to know Doug Wiley, their Sales and Marketing Director, and you’ll get a taste of what makes them so cool…

Q. What have you learned about Atlanta from the seat of a bike?

A.  Quite a few things, including: 

Atlanta’s intown neighborhoods are experiencing an incredible revitalization—-the growth, cool things to do and see, and wonderful people are quite amazing!  

A deeper appreciation of Atlanta’s history especially the contribution Sweet Auburn and the King Historic District have made to Atlanta, the USA, and the world through Dr. King’s efforts and legacy.

A better understanding of Atlanta’s economic and cultural development since the Civil War including Coca Cola’s major support. 

AND… despite the perception that Atlanta is a little hilly for biking, the realization that there are quite a few bike friendly routes through our fair city!  And more safe streets routes and support being developed all the time.  The bicycling future is very bright for Atlanta.

Q.  Favorite Atlanta bike tour?

A.  I am partial to our Heart Of The City historical and cultural tour.  Our new Atlanta Art Tour is pretty darned amazing too.  And on my own time I like to ride down to and around Piedmont Park, out on the Silver Comet Trail, or on the PATH to Stone Mountain.

Q.  24 hours to eat in Atlanta: where are you going, and what are you eating?  

A.  Would go one last round of my regular haunts:

Breakfast:  Flying Biscuit Cafe for eggs, especially with some black bean “love cakes”! 

Lunch:     Alon’s on N. Highland for lunch with one of their lamb sandwiches and a side of garbanzo bean salad.  

Dinner:  Neighborhood favorite Shorty’s at Toco Hills—Snoop Dogg Pizza (salami, banana peppers, and feta cheese schizzle), Caesar Salad (includes whole white anchovies), and one (or two) of their carefully chosen draft beers.

After:    Stop in at Manuel’s for more liquid refreshment and conversation.

Q.  Favorite neighborhood?

A.  Virginia Highlands, Poncey Highlands, Inman Park, Old 4th Ward, Cabbagetown, Sweet Auburn, Morningside/Lenox Park

Q.  What are Bicycle Tours of Atlanta?

A.  A commercial bicycle tour company operating out of Studioplex in the Old 4th Ward and proud to be  Trip Advisor’s #1 Activity In Atlanta!  We lead 3 hour leisurely historical, cultural, and art bicycle tours of Atlanta’s intown neighborhoods along gentle routes.  All you have to do is is show up and we supply the bicycles, helmets, water, snacks, and narratives.  There is no better way to see Atlanta up close and personal!

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Labels: Architecture : Arts and Culture : Atlanta BeltLine : Cabbagetown : Downtown : Edgewood : Five Questions With... : GreenLife : Inman Park : Kids : Old Fourth Ward : Poncey Highland : Virginia Highland

{ February 26th, 2013 }

2013 Atlanta Homestead Exemption Reminder

If you purchased a home in 2012 and have not filed for Homestead Exemption, you need to.  It’ll save you a few shekels when it comes to paying the tax man, so there’s really no excuse to not claim this benefit if you’re eligible.

It’s a really simple process.  I’ve linked to all of the Atlanta metro area county tax offices, so all you have to do is click through and follow the simple instructions.  Deadline is April 1, 2013.  Don’t put it off.

Fulton County            404-612-6440

Dekalb County            404-298-4000

Gwinnett County      770-822-8800

Cobb County                 770-528-8600

Clayton County          770-477-3311

Cherokee County      678-493-6122

Henry County              770-288-8180                 

Forsyth County           770-781-2106 

Douglas County           770-920-7272

Fayette County             770-461-3652

Paulding County          770-443-7606

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Labels: Taxes