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Below
are minutes for the January 10, 2006, meeting of the Atlanta
Downtown Neighborhood Association, which was hosted by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Notes were written by Whitney Russert, ADNA Secretary.
Informal socializing took place from 6:30-7:00 pm. After a brief welcome and introduction of 2006 Board members, newly re-elected President Jay Tribby introduced AJC Editor Julia Wallace to the more than 60 attendees.
Wallace spoke about the AJC’s pursuit of transparency in efforts to boost economic development in Atlanta. Citing recent Super Bowl and NASCAR museum bidding processes, and subsequent AJC lawsuits to disclose the true "cost" to Atlanta of winning these site selections, she encouraged the audience to take an interest in the process by which public monies are committed for public-private partnerships.
VP of Public Policy Chris Ciovacco introduced AJC Metro Editor Bert Roughton Jr, who opened with his impressions of Downtown since he began reporting for the AJC in 1981. The turning point, he said, was when he saw his first resident walking a dog in 1994. Although the Olympics and the opening of Centennial Park and the Georgia Aquarium seem to be fulfilling many planners' dreams of creating "a vibrant Downtown," true community exists, he said, when residents are present. He encouraged taking advantage of special tax districts and the current "honeymoon" period between city officials and business community to protect and utilize older buildings, especially those in the Fairlie-Poplar district.
In response to a question about how Downtown residents can help the AJC enhance its coverage of Downtown life, Metro section writers Chris Seward and Ty Tagami both mentioned the AJC's need for human-interest stories, with a focus on how Downtown residents are affected by city decisions.
Underground Atlanta’s nightclub failures and recently floated
proposals for legalized gambling at Underground also came up. AJC staff said there was little chance that the current legislature would consider the matter.
AJC Public Editor Angela Tuck then led two groups on behind-the-scenes tours of the AJC, visiting both the 5 th floor editorial staff and 6 th floor news reporting staff. Special thanks to Bob Howard, A1 Page Editor, for taking time to show us how the front page is produced!
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