Thursday, February 12, 2009
News Piedmont Park parking deck foe gets award
Posted by Thomas Wheatley @thomaswheatley on Thu, Feb 12, 2009 at 10:02 PM
In 2005, Doug Abramson — along with an army of Midtown residents and Atlanta activists who banded together as Friends of Piedmont Park — fought tooth and nail to not only battle plans for a controversial parking deck in Piedmont Park, but also push the city and Atlanta Botanical Garden to act in a transparent manner about their plans for a project proposed on public land.
The fight split the neighborhood and the city. Signs in residents' front yards became billboards for support or opposition. In July 2008, after much heated debate and several legal skirmishes, a Fulton County Superior Court judge said Friends of Piedmont Park must pay damages to the garden.
Nonetheless, Abramson remains involved in efforts to make government more transparent and accountable. And on Feb. 28, the Georgia First Amendment Foundation will honor Abramson for his open-government work at its awards banquet at the Commerce Club in downtown Atlanta. That night, at a reception honoring Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears, Abramson will be presented with the 2009 Open Government Hero Award.
For more information about the banquet, one which is sure to attract many of the state's legal bigwigs and activists who are open government advocates, visit the Georgia First Amendment Foundation.
(Photo by Joeff Davis)
Comments (123)
Showing 1-50 of 123
Doug Abramson is a great American. I wish more people had the courage to speak up when something is wrong. Lou
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What a disgrace. An award for bringing frivolous suits to stall projects after all other avenues had been exhausted. Next week the Georgia Association for Greener Pastures will be giving awards out to people that don't pick up their dog's shit. I'm all for transparency and accountability in government but those ideas should not be used as a shield in some merit-less personal vendetta.
The ABG got public, TAXPAYER land for a PRIVATE PURPOSE. To say that the citizens have NO RIGHT TO KNOW what deals were cut to hand over park land to private developers is just nuts. Unless, of course, you are benefitting from it. Florida has a very strong Sunshine Law for a reason. Georgia (and the City of Atlanta) sees fit to do business the old-boy way: behind closed doors. If the ABG had nothing to fear, they would have fought back with open records demonstrating they were in the clear. They did not.
Congratulations to Doug Abramson on a well-deserved award. Ignore the opinions of anonymous(cowardly), uninformed posters.
Doug Abramson is my Open Government Hero. Kudos to the Georgia First Amendment Foundation for recognizing his great work.
Oh so the critics say that the Gardens are entitled to their closed records and the citizens have no rights over their own land. Lets see what the taxpayers have to say when the lawsuits start over the "collapse." Me thinks, the tax payers are going to be footing a big portion of that bill. If anything the legal expenses are going to drive the deficit further. At least Doug and crew can be out there saying we told you so. Now if more people would get involved maybe the "shadow government" that controls Atlanta may get exposed for what it is. Congrat to Doug and CL for staying on top of this issue.
We need more public activists like Doug. All governments and government sponsored entities should be transparent and should shepherd public land, not hoard it for their own use. Congratulations to CL and Doug!
Congratulations Mr. Abramson!!! People should take inspiration from your actions and now accolades. there is nothing frivilous about your actions, they were extremely righteous and just! Piedmont Park, and the land "RENTED" by the ABG are all public property and we the citizens of Atlanta and Georgia have a right to protest when THEIR PROPERTY is being illegal governed and developed by what is becoming a special interest, introverted group of elitist snobs who have lost their way...Where are the righteous philanthropists of Atlanta's Past? Maybe they are out there still, however, they have been blindfolded by the likes of Mary Pat Mattheson....The Emporer has new clothes, or shall we say the ABG does, and it has been laid bare, tattered, torn, and regretably with blood on its hands..Maybe one day it will be cleansed, but not if we silence the voices of reason that some brand as "frivilous".
The Garden will have nothing but dispair and tragedy in its future. Arrogance and hubris get their just reward. If I were the cleverly named "O" I would keep watch over my shoulder.
Congratulations to Doug, this is a well deserved award. It's fantastic to see recognition for neighborhood activism and community organization--we need more people as engaged as he is.
Blogger 0 seems as bent as his logic. He supports transparency, but he supports secrecy? The Garden is clearly not getting their money's worth out of their PR team. Thank you Doug Abramson for tremendous dedication and focus as a defender of neighborhood interests. Don't let the Turkeys drag you down.
Great news about Doug Abramson!! And what a weird alignment of the stars and the planets. The AJC had an article today about Jackson Bedford, the whacked out judge who ruled for secrecy and the fat cats. Bedford seems to be hiding from the lawsuit process servers!! http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/northfulton/stories/2009/02/12/bedford_anderson_suit.html
In our country we bemoan the lack of citizen participation in government. I appreciate the willingness of Doug Abramson and others like him who pay attention and call others on improper and illegal operations that somehow get "overlooked" by those who are in charge. Our country is in a mess right now because nobody has been willing to pay attention and get involved. Thank you Doug Abramson and others who get involved and are willing to publicly take a stand.
Seems the only one with a meritless personal vendetta is "o". I have known Doug for at least 30 years and have always found him to be above board, even handed, well measured and fair in all he does. I cannot imagine what sort of personal gain he would have accrued from asking for an open and transparent process concerning the ABG development. Perhaps "o" would care to enlighten the public on his personal "intere$t" in the matter?
@Bad Karma I wont hold my breath. @Marshal I am affiliated with neither the park nor garden beyond patronage. Did you even look at the suit that Mr. Busy Body brought? Mr. Abramson filed this suit solely because he didn't have his way with the deck. Irony of ironys, he used transparency as a smoke screen. His lawsuit had nothing to do with openness, they were intended to delay the project and drive up costs. Go read the suit brought against him. Meh, let him have his pat on the back. I doubt it comes with $270,000!
Am I the only one who thinks Piedmont Park needs a parking garage? As a life long Atlanta resident I know parking for events at the park is horrendous. I'm glad the garage in being built.
Blogger 0(zero) continues to spew misinformation. Doug Abramson was one of three individuals, plus the Friends of Piedmont Park, who filed the lawsuit. I value the judgment and commendation of the Georgia First Amendment Foundation over the ignorant sniping of an anonymous zero. To S. Dekalb voter's concern about the lack of parking during large events at the park: even the fiercest proponents of the deck acknowledged that the net gain of fewer than 100 parking spaces would have almost no effect on that problem.
As far as not enough parking at the park, there is no excuse not to use MARTA in situations like that. At least for me, most big events at the park involve a good bit of drinking as well.
@Jim Pettit The other two filers are not being honored. Doug is the face of the FOPP. With all this talk of openness, you would think that the FOPP would list its board members on its site. Not so! It seems that Mr. Abramson is wielding a veil of secrecy! "net gain of fewer than 100 parking spaces" Seems like you are the one spreading misinformation. Where are the current 700 odd spaces? Counting both the park and garden spaces gets you nowhere near that number.
Congratulations to Doug Abramson for his courage and tenacity in the pursuit of open government. Many thanks to the Georgia First Amendment Foundation for recognizing a true citizen hero!
Doug is a courageous person fighting for the public's interest. If his being assessed legal costs for his lawsuit is allowed to stand, no person or environmental or public interest group will ever again be able to oppose a damaging project without risking financial ruin. Lewis Regenstein
Thank you, Georgia First Amendment Foundation, for acknowledging Mr. Abramson's efforts. The point is that we have a right to free speech and Mr. Abramson has the courage to use it. I am grateful to this organization for honoring the work of this citizen, and for recognizing the work and effort that was put into this incredible fight.
The deck will have about 800 spaces: half devoted to ABG, half to the Park. Currently, the existing Park and ABG lots can accommodate about 650. I was mistaken: it's a net gain of fewer than 200 spaces. Given that a large event attracts as many as 100,000 to the park, the parking deck will have no impact on parking during festivals. Zero: yes, Doug is the face of FOPP. Unlike you, he has the courage of his convictions and is willing to put his name and face on an issue he (and I and many others) care deeply about. Unlike you, Doug took a public stand on behalf of a principle. Very brave of you to continue to cower anonymously and spew bile...
"Currently, the existing Park and ABG lots can accommodate about 650." Which lots are you talking about? The current ABG lot is 120 spaces and the Magnolia Hall lot at Piedmont Park is 146 spaces. Am I missing other lots? Otherwise the deck is a net gain of more than 500 spaces. Also, the point, in my mind at least, isn't about parking for large events. You correctly point out the deck won't make much of a dent with those. But it does make the park more accessible on that next sunny weekend when a families across the city want to spend a Saturday in Atlanta's Central Park. Not everyone knows the streets around the park and can find parking. This deck makes the park a true citywide resource and will encourage those outside of Midtown, Va-Hi and Ansley Park to visit. Just my two cents. Congratulations on the recognition, Doug.
Doug Abramson is one of the most dedicated and civic-minded people we have ever known. He has been relentless in defending our public park, and selfless in the pursuit of protecting our right to know. Thank you to the Abramsons and Friends of Piedmont Park for all of their hard work! The majority of the citizens of Atlanta do not realize how lucky they are to have the likes of Doug and Susan Abramson rallying the forces!
Congratulations to Doug and Susan Abramson! It's great to see their selfless efforts on behalf of Piedmont Park and open government in Atlanta recognized.
I have known Susan and Doug for more than 20 years; they are tireless workers who have contributed so much to many city and county projects; most of the bloggers seem to forget that the parking deck will eliminate ALL free parking, plus create a crime hazard; ABG wanted the deck simply to afford easy access to their events; the fact that it will be paid for with private funds is no excuse to avoid an open process; in my opinion, this important decision should have been vetted through a public referendum;lastly, I'm sure everyone is aware how precious little public park space exists in Atl; putting a monstrous parking deck in the middle of one of our most important public parks is unconscionable
Mr. T you are 100% correct. On top of the 500 spaces, there will be less asphault and, best of all in my opinion, cars will be at a separate grade then pedestrians. These are appeals to reason however. It's pointless to argue with these zealots since their claims are purely emotional and devoid of reason. Pettit: I am a neighbor of both you and Doug. Having such an unpopular opinion in this den of iniquity necessitates my anonymity. I do find it telling that Doug doesn't post the judgment against him. Perhaps if some of these people know the complete story they wouldn't be so quick to give him kudos.
Congratulations to Doug for speaking out and acting for the benefit of his community. I know it has taken much time, patience and courage. We need more citizens like Doug to stand up and be counted. Bravo to Doug for his pursuit of justice and open government.
At one of their public meetings, PPC reps acknowledged a net gain of fewer than 200 spaces. Thank you, Mr. T, for acknowledging the larger point that the deck will have no effect on parking during large events, or, for that matter, during nice weekends such as last weekend when huge crowds gathered in the park. Zero: you chose to respond to the CL article about Doug's award with an anonymous, crude, mean-spirited post. And you want to impugn Doug's integrity? Please...
I have been following the controversy since it's inception and I am so glad that they have given Doug Abramson an award for his efforts!
Having attended, as a community representative, the long and painful meetings held by the PPC to explain and defend their participation in the building of this deck, this blog needs some clarification. First of all, Friends of Piedmont Park was not against a parking deck in Piedmont Park, they were against a parking deck in the middle of the park with all the associated roads and concrete that will accompany this ill conceived project. It is unbelievable that the deck was allowed to be built based on all the community opposition against it. The public was shut down and shut out of the process. Community input was ignored...tragically. This albatross that the Atlanta Botanical Gardens (ABG) has forced on the citizens of Atlanta is fraught with secret back room deals and possible criminal activity. It is amazing to me that Doug stuck his neck out for all of us on this issue. (Even for the embittered "0"!) The ABG should be ashamed of itself for its unprofessional and boorish behavior. The ABG had a chance to show leadership and sensitivity in developing public land but instead has shown nothing but greed and utter contempt for the public and the citizens of this City. My dealings with the Director of the Garden, Mary Pat Matheson, were frightening. The rot started at the top at the ABG and was the catalyst for all of this civil unrest. This is not going to go away folks. The deck will be a blight on the ABG and the park forever and a sorry and embarrassing legacy to leave for future generations of Atlantans. Whether or not you agree with the outcome of this process everyone should be thankful there are people willing to risk their reputation and honor to provide a better community for us all as Doug has done.
Congratulations Doug on your award. Thank you for your selfless efforts on behalf of our park.
Doug Abramson is a courageous, humble, incredible person. There should be more community activists like him out there. Congratulations on your hard fought, well-desered award! Way to go! We're not done yet...
I am confused by the "net gain" arguments. Are the existing lots being destroyed after the deck is complete?
Yeah, the Park Drive surface parking lot is being restored to green space, and I think the ABG surface parking lot is too, so that's something.
To DaleC: yes. The figure I wrote in my notes from one public meeting was a net gain of fewer than 200 spaces, but I now realize that the deck went through various size incarnations. In any event, the net gain in parking spaces will be relatively small and will have no effect during large events or whenever nice weather draws crowds to the park.
Jim: Do I need to point out that we have no assurances that you are who you say you are. This is the internet and you don't need a password to post here. Let's move away from ad hominem attacks, shall we? True the deck will have little effect for large weekend and festival crowds but neither will the price of tea in china. Those events are not what the deck is intended for. Events at Magnolia hall and the ABG make parking a necessary evil. If we can't agree on that, then we need to take a few step back.
I just do not understand why any resident of Atlanta would want a parking deck. As someone who lives here i feel like the park is ours. It is not for people who have to drive to get to it. I live in Edgewood and if i wanted to go to the park i would simply bike it or take marta. To hell with those that have to drive to it.
I think Edgewood Adam has expressed the true sentiments of many of those who were against the deck. Many, not all. Yeah, screw all those taxpayers who don't live next to YOUR park Adam. I live about six blocks away, but often drive to the ABG for events because it isn't safe to walk home after dark. I didn't realize I was such a problem for you. Jerk.
In all this uproar, we've forgotten what the deck will look like. Have you seen a rendition of it? The structure is dug into a hill that, at present, is nothing more than a tangle of kudzu. It will be green and LEED certified. It will look nothing like the old, Muscovite-looking decks we see downtown. Decks aren't necessarily bad, you know. If people are going to drive there -- and they will -- it's best to accommodate them intelligently. NIMBY mewlings are merely a distraction. And, count on this: You will see more decks like this in the future. Just wait until the zoo unveils its master plans.
i don't have a problem with the parking deck. i do, however, have a problem with the way that the piedmont park conservancy handled the situation. who are the people who make decisions at the conservancy? how much money flows in and out? why such an air of mystery about the group and the parking deck decision in particular? are the local media outlets at all interested in digging deeper to satify the public's curiousity?
6 blocks? You are even closer than me. I am probably 2 miles away. Get a bike and quit your bitching. You will get exercise, feel a nice connection with the city, and save money on gas.
You can not find an alternative way to get 6 blocks a few times a year and i am the jerk? Don't worry your suv would probably be too tall to fit in the parking deck anyways.
Ah, finally, a little truth from "Zero"..the deck was motivated in large part by "events at Magnolia Hall"...funny, those are usually PRIVATE events. Piedmont Park is a PUBLIC park. Thanks for bit of honesty and for making the case against the deck. By the way, I am exactly who I say I am, have lived in Midtown on Greenwood Avenue for twenty years, have no fear about voicing my opinions about Doug Abramson's civic nobility, about the deck, about the park,,,, and have friends who disagree(and are still friends), and I still find Zero's anonymous slander cowardly.
Still with the ad hominem attacks Jim? I don't know why I would expect more from you. Let us pick your brain a bit "Jim." Should no private events be held at Magnolia hall? Or do you propose they be free to anyone to use? By the way "Jim," say what you like but we really don't know you from Adam. For all we know you threw a dart at a phone book. Does it really matter though? One more thing... that letter on your keyboard, between "I" and "P," it's a lot fewer keystrokes and you'll look a lot less petty.
Doug and Susan Abramson deserve our sincere thanks for their tireless efforts in attempting to insure that entities who have responsibility over public lands operate in an honest, open and forthright manner. We need more citizens like them who are willing to challenge the powers that be and willing give of their time, energies and money on our behalf. I worked closely with them in trying to stop the travesty of the Parking Deck in the middle of Piedmont Park. Even though we did not prevail, that fact does not diminish the valiant effort that was made to preserve the integrity of our Park for future generations. During this discussion, we should not fail to point the finger of blame where it squarely belongs and that is with Anne Fauver and others on the City Council who fell in lock-step behind our mayor, Shirley Franklin. These individuals voted against the wishes of nearly every single NPU and their constituients, not to mention a host of other environmental and civic organizations who opposed the idea of replacing 100 year old trees with roads, concrete and steel. ABG and Piedmont Park Conservancy should be ashamed for the irreparable harm that they have brought to Piedmont Park and therefore to the city of Atlanta. Doug and Susan, on the other hand, should have our utmost gratitude and respect for the personal sacrifices that they have made. Congratulations, Doug!!
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