Atlanta, in my mind, has always been a city of opposites, and perhaps extremes. There are roots of racial segregation, some still seen veining through the city in the form of roads that change names depending on what side of the historical black/white divide you are on.
There is also the wealth divide. According to Wikipedia, Atlanta ranks third in the number of Fortune 500 companies headquartered within city boundaries, with an expected 103,000 households with assets of $1 million or more to exist by 2011. On the other hand, 24.4% of the population is below the poverty line.
And Atlanta has its share of Southern hospitality as well as crime.
I've been lucky. I've been on foot in Atlanta for six years at all times of day, and I haven't had an incident until this month. And the more I talk to people, the more I hear about crime happening to them as well. It is going on all over the city. Whether it is an understaffed and underpaid police force, continued Katrina fallout, gentrification...something needs to change. It is not acceptable. No one should have to be worried about walking the streets. If you really want to promote walkable communities, make it a safe option.
Before we continue or start putting money and resources into more condos and luxury developments or flashy city symbols (Millennium Gate in Atlantic Station?), I would hope more attention and money resources are put toward public safety and support programs. Let's take care of the people who are here now before we double our city size. If enough people could come together with money, support and drive, I believe we could easily improve the city. Atlanta has come through the ashes before.
And perhaps too with Atlanta being a transient city...full of professionals who move here for several years before moving again, perhaps it prevents people from buying more into their surroundings, of really taking the time to own it and take care of it. A good book I've been meaning to check out is called
Staying Put: Making a Home in a Restless World
by Scott Russell Sanders, which addresses this issue.
For ideas of how to get involved and encourage change, check out your neighborhood association. Intown organizations such as Midtown Alliance are other good places to get involved or donate your support. Unite with your neighbors, pool together to support police patrol. Take a self-defense class such as the the free one being offered February 2 at Atlanta Budokan. Check your local gym, fitness/martial art studios as well. Support political leaders and budget improvements or actions that improve public safety. Have a plan. View the Atlanta Police Department Crime Prevention Tips. Share ideas and solutions and be an instrument for change.