Reposted from the Athens Banner-Herald, by Blake Aued.
Black Athens residents say they’re starting to speak out in favor of a Walmart near downtown because they want the jobs it would bring to a poverty-stricken city.
But it may not bring any jobs. Several studies show that the employees the retail giant hire are offset by those who lose their jobs when competitors close up shop.
Continue reading
Check out the locally-produced documentary… and RAISE YOUR VOICE!
Reposted from the Athens Banner-Herald.
Photoshopped renderings of Oconee Street have been an entertaining diversion, but speak to the misinformation surrounding one of the most important civic discussions Athens has ever faced. The development of the Armstrong & Dobbs parcel will, for better or worse, have a tremendous impact on downtown Athens. With so much at stake, Athenians deserve an informed discussion.
According to the website set up by Selig Enterprises (www.seligathens.com) to provide information about its plans for a mixed-use development anchored by a Walmart in the eastern edge of downtown Athens, the company “look(s) forward to working with the greater Athens community to develop a project that is good for downtown, good for Athens, and good for the region.”
Continue reading
Reposted from the Athens Banner-Herald, by Blake Aued.
The world regards Athens as a vibrant, creative community. Publications from Southern Living to Forbes to Rolling Stone to GQ cite our hometown as one of the best places to live, work, retire and play.
Today we celebrate all of the community members who have participated in the ongoing discussion about the future development of our downtown. Athens’ own Comprehensive Plan declares, “The economic vitality of the Downtown is crucial for the health of the greater community.” We heartily agree.
Continue reading
