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City On the Verge

Book Discussion

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Introductions
Discussion

Atlanta - Our Home
Fixing Problems
Ramifications of the Beltline
History of Our City

Surprise Ending

Tonight’s Conversation

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What Kind of City Do We Want to Be?

TedX Talk, Ryan Gravel

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Introductions

My name is Tara Vito, and this is my city.

I did not grow up here, but this is now my city.

I want to share my Atlanta home experiences

Has been my home for 7 yrs.

Moved to Atlanta wanting a place to call home

Rhode Island is cozy and has a sense of self

I found it! With every passing year I find it more.

For better and worse, I’ve love this city

ITP - fun, exciting, lots to do, lots of opportunities to inspire change in the city and have a voice, great brunches, CHANGE

Cultural elements Ryan Gravel was hoping to institute in Atlanta - Beltline parade, Inman Park Festival

Cons - large insects that supposedly fly, traffic, some of the common big city woes

ITP, I kept seeing constant changes around me.

The neighborhoods are getting cooler.

Why was this change happening and could I somehow get ahead of the curve?

What did the changes in neighborhoods mean for OTHERS? homeless, unemployed, underemployed, disabled, economically advantaged?

These changes affected everyone, not just me.

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Introductions

My name is Tara Vito, and this is my city.

I did not grow up here, but this is now my city.

I want to share my Atlanta home experiences

Has been my home for 7 yrs.

Moved to Atlanta wanting a place to call home

Rhode Island is cozy and has a sense of self

I found it! With every passing year I find it more.

For better and worse, I’ve love this city

ITP - fun, exciting, lots to do, lots of opportunities to inspire change in the city and have a voice, great brunches, CHANGE

Cultural elements Ryan Gravel was hoping to institute in Atlanta - Beltline parade, Inman Park Festival

Cons - large insects that supposedly fly, traffic, some of the common big city woes

ITP, I kept seeing constant changes around me.

The neighborhoods are getting cooler.

Why was this change happening and could I somehow get ahead of the curve?

What did the changes in neighborhoods mean for OTHERS? homeless, unemployed, underemployed, disabled, economically advantaged?

These changes affected everyone, not just me.

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HOME

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What are you most proud

of about our city?

What would you

like to see changed?

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How have you seen your neighborhood change over the years? Are these changes negative, positive or neutral?

Are the changes you see

also mentioned in this book?

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PROBLEMS

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Do you think the Beltline truly has the power to remedy issues of sprawling suburbs, inefficient transportation, a changing economy, etc?

Why or why not?

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BELTLINE: RAMIFICATIONS

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How would your neighborhood

be affected by gentrification or

the Beltline Project? Explain.

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What are some of the dangers of gentrification or the Beltline Project

that Pendergrast warns us about?

Do you agree with his observations?

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Gentrification is inevitable and ensuring affordable housing along the Beltline is not practical.

Do you agree?

Explain.

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HISTORY OF OUR CITY

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Were you surprised about the

history of our city?

Do you see remnants of this

racist history today?

How does this history

make you feel as a citizen of Atlanta?

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My biggest wish for Atlanta is …

My biggest concern is …

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Mark Pendergrast’s most recent book chronicles the history of Atlanta, explains how the internationally recognized Atlanta Beltline project began and explores what changes the Beltline can bring to our city. Come meet this native born Atlantan for a Q&A session about the history of our city, gentrification, and more.

You are Invited!

Discuss the Future of Atlanta with Author

Mark Pendergrast

When: Friday

Where: McKerrow, 12:30pm-1:30pm

(feel free to bring your lunch)