What a shame that the sensational cover and headline you chose to run in your last issue so distorted and compromised Michael Wall's otherwise balanced report about the plans for the Edgewood Retail Center on Moreland Avenue ("Mayhem on Moreland," Feb. 19).
We understand that in using the word "mayhem," Creative Loafing was not characterizing the project in any way, but rather dramatizing what the paper saw as a clash of ideas over what is a suitable development for that property. Even so, the use of such a negative and inflammatory word was without justification and, we fear, misleading to your readers and damaging to the reasonable and open dialogue that The Sembler Co. is conducting with most of the neighborhoods surrounding the Moreland property.
That dialogue has been and continues to be positive and extensive. From the start, our goal has been to work with Edgewood and surrounding communities to find ways to integrate four large retailing stores into a mixed-use, human scale project designed to become a part of the community in look and character while remaining a viable commercial enterprise. We are not quite there yet to everyone's satisfaction, but we are getting closer.
Largely in response to community concerns we have reduced again our planned retail space, down to 590,000 square feet. This is about 200,000 square feet less than we originally planned and over half-a-million square feet less than permitted under the current industrial zoning of the property. In addition, we have added a significant residential component to the project.
Yes, the development will generate additional traffic, but we are working earnestly with surrounding neighborhoods, Georgia DOT, GRTA, ARC and MARTA to develop a plan to manage traffic efficiently with minimal neighborhood intrusion. No one, least of all Sembler, is proposing a widening of Moreland Avenue. As far as we are concerned, worries that our project would cause the widening of Moreland through Little Five Points are absolutely without foundation.
Internally, our project will be very pedestrian-friendly, but we are also seeking to maximize the advantage of our proximity to two MARTA stations by looking for ways to make pedestrian access safer and more attractive. In addition, we are proposing (and are willing to pay for) regular MARTA shuttle service to our property as well as the Little Five Points shopping district.
Finally, one significant element overlooked in your article was the economic impact of the project. The Edgewood Retail District represents a $110 million investment in the economy of our city. It will pay an additional $1.5 million a year in property taxes to the city and will generate an estimated $8.6 million a year in sales tax revenue. In addition, the project will create approximately 1,000 permanent jobs over and above a large number of temporary jobs during the 18-month construction period.
Everyone agrees that there is a real need for quality shops and stores in the neighborhoods surrounding our project site. Sembler intends to fill that need. But we are committed to do it in such a way that our presence will be a successful, lasting, positive and welcome addition to the intown communities.
-- Jeff Fuqua, president, development division, The Sembler Co.
Laff riot
Andisheh Nouraee: You are a true laff riot (Talk of the Town, "Videos, VD and the Suckmaster II," Feb. 19).
Glad that your witty words are the work of someone who isn't a jerk!
You really seem to get around and give the appearance of someone who is genuinely interested in seeking out what's interesting without the annoying hipster pretentiousness that afflicts so many features/arts/entertainment writers. Quick, funny, clever and honest.
You rule. Bravo.
-- Mandy Mastrovita, Atlanta
Pun intended
Cliff Bostock: Three weeks seems hardly adequate (Headcase, "Public penises," Feb. 19). I say keep up the interesting series. I always enjoy your pieces, but these were exceptional.
-- Eric Pearson, Atlanta
Down memory lane
Great article on the Satellites and Hedgens (Vibes, "The Satellites rock again," Feb. 19). How well my wife and I remember that "velcro" effect of the carpet there! The picture of the Satellites on that miniscule stage brought back great memories of that little hole in the wall we loved so much. Seems like yesterday. Too bad there ain't no more places like Hedgens around anymore. This old native Atlantan appreciates the memories.
-- Grayson Parker, Woodstock
Be on the lookout
John Sugg: I read your column on media consolidation and its effects (Fishwrapper, "How Bush buys positive war spin, Feb. 19). I'm a 60-year-old American ex-pat living in Ukraine. When I left the United States in October 2001, I had already seen Fox News, Bill O'Reilly and so on, and wondered where the voice of the opposition had gone, whether embodied in the Democrats or whomever. I hadn't made the connection between media consolidation and White House boosterism yet. Sept. 11 was a recent event, and the use of it to shove everything of concern to Americans off the front page hadn't really gelled yet.
I'm really saddened. It looks like the United States is hell-bent on some very bad imperialist adventures now. I couldn't understand how Rumsfeld could get away with voicing his insults, as in every previous administration he would have been shut up, and apologies made. It was as though he had sanction, and that his words were, indeed, the words of the Bush administration. That was followed with threats that the U.S. is going to punish Germany economically for taking an opposite stance.
I now understand that the message of this administration is intentional and very clear. Everyone on the planet is hereafter divided into two groups: those totally and blindly for the U.S. and those against. And you only need to take one contrary position to be placed in the against camp, and to be punished. To say that this is merely frightening is to lack the right words.
Ultimately, I fear for the safety of all of you. These are historic times which I thought I'd never see: The U.S. seized by a band of hard-right bandits. From my side, I'm saddened. From your side, don't underestimate them. There is such a thing as evil, and I'm afraid we're getting a look at it now. Be careful, but keep telling the truth.
-- John Struthers, Nikolaev, Ukraine
Easy on the eyes
I nearly choked on my corn flakes when I turned to page 49 in the Feb. 12 issue ("The lust list") and came across No. 13, Matt. I am his former boss at Barnes & Noble.
He does have great eyes, but in addition to that, he has an incredibly beautiful, warm smile and is truly a very nice guy! He was a dream employee -- took pride in his work, was hardworking, dependable, smart, dedicated ... he was even brave enough to "learn" the classical (music) section, which no one else would touch. Oh, and did I mention easy on the eyes? It was a pleasure working with him.
Matt, congratulations! You deserve it. One question: How do know it was a girl who nominated you? What will I ever do with you hetero boys?
-- DeWayne Trainer, Atlanta
Fight head on
(In response to Fishwrapper, "The war party's huckster," Feb. 12): I am (relatively) conservative and I think we should address Iraq, as I think they are a danger to freedom. I think the same about North Korea, but they have the bomb now so it is different and scarier. I am always open to other opinions though, and like to know what they are thinking on the other side of the fence, as well. Most of my friends are liberal, as I am assuming you are. I often pose this question to them and rarely do I get an answer.
What do the liberals, Democrats, doves bring to the table as far as an approach to dealing with the Iraq and North Korea problems? I hear and read a lot of criticism of the hawks, but no real solutions to the problems.
Most of us out here remember Sept. 11 and do believe there is still a problem and a threat. Terrorists, nation, regime, we don't care. It's scary stuff. There is also a huge group of us out here that would welcome an alternative to war, but we don't think inspections are the alternative.
Yes, going to war might prompt another Sept. 11. However, if that happens, it was coming anyway. It didn't take a war the first time. At the very least, we get it over with ... and on our terms. If a war prompts the next attack on American soil, so be it. We'll be ready. Take the fight to them if you know the fight is going to happen and if we do nothing, it is going to happen. I am looking for an alternative that is different than war and different than what has been done in the past. Or I am afraid I have to stay with the hawks and take the fight to the problem.
-- Scott Kirby, Atlanta
