tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post1044294363942922411..comments2024-03-29T00:18:53.002-04:00Comments on Tomorrow's News Today - Atlanta: Think Quik : Former IGA Making Way For QuikTripAtlantan99http://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-59995911583891097922012-01-20T00:59:15.536-05:002012-01-20T00:59:15.536-05:00Hello all,
I've posted an update to this stor...Hello all,<br /><br />I've posted an update to this story and have news on another nearby location.<br /><br />Please find that here :<br /><br />http://www.tonetoatl.com/2012/01/quick-update-on-upcoming-quiktrip.html#more<br /><br />Thanks for reading!Atlantan99https://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-26213775469077768522012-01-17T13:45:13.238-05:002012-01-17T13:45:13.238-05:00I have news about this project and other upcoming ...I have news about this project and other upcoming QT's and will be posting about them in the coming days. Please stay tuned and follow me on facebook and twitter for updates as well.<br /><br />Thanks for reading.Atlantan99https://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-47921720457237050282012-01-16T05:21:50.123-05:002012-01-16T05:21:50.123-05:00Atlantan99, do let us know when you find out what ...Atlantan99, do let us know when you find out what the demolition/construction schedule is, and whether the QT will be the new Gen III format. And more authoritative info on the fate of<br />Vol-Repairs II would also be appreciated.<br /><br />It's surprising that news about a gas station can generate 56 comments!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-27368161859591146802012-01-15T02:03:12.824-05:002012-01-15T02:03:12.824-05:00As I said in the post, the likelihood of there bei...As I said in the post, the likelihood of there being a Trader Joes built there or anywhere in the immediate area is about zero. I'm a fan of TJ's and heck, it'd be great to have em close by but the fact of the matter is, they have no immediate plans for more locations in Atlanta and the (city of) Decatur would be a far better fit for many reasons if should new stores for Atlanta become a possibility anytime soon.Atlantan99https://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-50731462979573163022012-01-14T17:40:30.593-05:002012-01-14T17:40:30.593-05:00I vote for a Chipotle on the corner!!I vote for a Chipotle on the corner!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-23418467643427923002012-01-14T17:30:34.462-05:002012-01-14T17:30:34.462-05:00Sorry, but the Volvo Repair eyesore on the corner ...Sorry, but the Volvo Repair eyesore on the corner is NOT moving according to the owner as of 1/14/12. I spoke to him and he said his brother is moving - this must be the garage next door. This corner needs to be cleaned up and I suggest anyone interested in seeing this happen should call Dekalb County Code Enforcement and Commissioner Rader.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-84777001834393753552012-01-14T10:15:34.388-05:002012-01-14T10:15:34.388-05:00I've lived in Sagamore Hills my whole life and...I've lived in Sagamore Hills my whole life and good riddance to the IGA - it literally stunk and the perishables were already perished. An awful store that I'm glad to see gone, and I would support demolishing all 4 corners as someone else said, and start completely over -- maybe this will start that process. And although QT is going to create a traffic nightmare, it would give competition to the other gas stations and bring their prices down, they're ridiculous. But why were no public hearings held or news stories published before all this took place? I don't understand how this came about without public input. I would MUCH prefer a Trader Joes at that location; we definitely need a quick and convenient small store at that corner, but I'm not going to fight the traffic to get into QT just to get some bread or milk. I really hated it when the Village Market left, that was a really nice little store. Will be interesting to see what happens.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-41844865447681204102012-01-12T19:21:35.396-05:002012-01-12T19:21:35.396-05:00I would like proof of these said “rats” infesting ...I would like proof of these said “rats” infesting the IGA building, I have shopped here many times and not once a silly rat showed up. Are you sure that you have proof?<br />I am greatly saddened to hear the beloved store is now closed for good. It troubles me to think of how all the IGA employees are to find work in this economy; surly one would have sympathy! Just think about how these people find themselves out of a job, especially when the job market is as bad as it is now. <br />I think the whole strip needs a face lift (not saying it’s an eye sore), it is obviously built from an earlier time, but tearing it down is extreme. I believe this can easily be solved by a community driven facelift. I wouldn’t mind improvement, I applaud it, and I embrace it!<br />Concerning the Williamsburg Village area, I agree with the first reply, well somewhat, the area needs improvement as well. However, not as a drastic approach! A remodeling is in order for both areas, this is old news, and has been for quite some time now. I am surprised that the issue has just come to light.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-55529263523481444342012-01-11T10:38:18.253-05:002012-01-11T10:38:18.253-05:00I've only visited the N Druid/Briarcliff QT on...I've only visited the N Druid/Briarcliff QT <b>once</b> because it's so much easier to get into and out of the QT between Buford Hwy and Dresden on Clairmont. When I moved here in 1971, there were about six gas stations around the Briarcliff/Clairmont intersection, A&P had a store in Williamsburg Village, and K-Mart (where Sam's is now) sold groceries, too. Big Apple/Food Giant were Alterman Foods "brands" in this area, both did well for a long time before larger chains took over the grocery business.<br /><br />It would likely be a good influence on fuel prices in the immediate area, the traffic flow will need some planning, though. I assume that one "driver" would be closer proximity to the I-85 exitJMoorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00984514395329828151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-52718516802769108172012-01-11T05:41:16.183-05:002012-01-11T05:41:16.183-05:00Several months ago, when IGA discontinued their bi...Several months ago, when IGA discontinued their bi-weekly ad in the Monday AJC, we knew something was up. Even in the best of times, there were never more than a handful of customers in the store; in recent years it often seemed eeriely quiet even in the middle of the day (Compare that with the typical scene at Kroger and Publix.)<br /><br />So farewell Big Apple, Food Giant,<br />Piggly Wiggly, SuperValu, Ed's IGA, and Food Universe IGA. It's been an interesting 50+ years!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-53905686257823808382012-01-10T18:06:38.831-05:002012-01-10T18:06:38.831-05:00We fondly called this the stinky store but its rea...We fondly called this the stinky store but its really too bad, they had great produce prices. I hope that whatever replaces it is something that fills a gap for the community. Not sure that we need yet another QT.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-69644996663999700902012-01-10T17:06:16.143-05:002012-01-10T17:06:16.143-05:00My brother owned Vista Grove Super Valu and was Ed...My brother owned Vista Grove Super Valu and was Ed's partner in both Ed's IGA's. The stores were old. The equipment was as old and cost a lot of money. Money that had to buy new freezers and coolers could of been spent on other more noticeable improvements. When the Oak Grove store was closed/sold it was heartbreaking but all had high hopes on Clairmont. Both were fun stores to work in and at. The Oak Grove store had kids from all over the neighborhoods working and Clairmont only attracted a few. It wasn't long before the un-fortunate residents of Days Lodge began to over run the store and it was a battle catching shop lifters and watching the employees who were stealing. <br />Both stores were limited on space and the poor numbers that shopped the stores made it difficult to carry as many items due to dates and low turns. Both stores were predecessors to what is soon to happen in the rest of the country. The small business man will be gone. Sad state of affairs. There were and are some good memories from those days.Jeffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02908609861883144924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-34860909651070479002012-01-10T15:36:04.398-05:002012-01-10T15:36:04.398-05:00Unsightly? We have been spoiled living in the &qu...Unsightly? We have been spoiled living in the "new south". I recently heard a curator at the Atlanta History Center mention Atlanta's attitude, " If you want historic buildings go to Savannah". While I am in agreement that some clean up in the 4 corners would be appreciated, and will not shed a tear about IGA closing, it does show that customers vote with their pocketbooks and if you don't give a good customer experience a business will not survive. Several of those businesses you have mentioned while not the prettiest/modern of exteriors are excellent members of the community and I would be sad to see them go. Mo's Pizza comes to mind. Older building sure not as aesthetically pleasing as Fellini's on Lavista but I sure love the place. The post office is old and inconvenient but I have heard the neighbors complaining about it possibly closing. George's Cleaners is run down and no Taj Mahal but some of the nicest people and best cleaners in the community.<br />I for one would be happy to see a respected business like Quicktrip in our community, and it would improve the aesthetics of the corner, but remember don't judge a book by its cover. Try some of the great small businesses located in these buildings you would rather see torn down and replaced.Scott Farmerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12364605834132134118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-79411872601886440362012-01-10T15:31:41.884-05:002012-01-10T15:31:41.884-05:00We really need a sidewalk on Briarcliff between Ch...We really need a sidewalk on Briarcliff between Chrysler and Crestline before someone gets killed walking along there - and past Chrysler toward Lakeside High. But QT replacing Ed's and Vol Repairs leaving are both great news!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-8188680747513823362012-01-10T15:29:01.015-05:002012-01-10T15:29:01.015-05:00I've lived here for a long time too. Been thro...I've lived here for a long time too. Been through the Supervalu to iga conversion. Does seem to have gradually gone downhill.<br /><br />Hoping for competitive gas prices. We must have the highest in metro area. I got gas in gwinnett, forsyth and cobb whenever i could; and otherwise went over to Buford Highway. Would be nice to have something close.Herman Lorenzhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/hermanlorenznoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-76318052029965803562012-01-10T15:07:36.485-05:002012-01-10T15:07:36.485-05:00I agree that the old IGA needed to go. The place ...I agree that the old IGA needed to go. The place smelled like it was held together by mold. I don't know that a gas station is the best replacement, but if we're going to get a gas station, I think QT is the best option. I'm with those who think the whole corner needs redeveloping. Williamsburg Village and, perhaps worse, Williamsburg Apartments, are a blight on an otherwise solid neighborhood. That is not to say that all the businesses in the Williamsburg Village are bad -- just the shopping center itself and the horrible parking lot situation. I had heard rumors that the IGA was moving to the Williamsburg location of the former Pure "special event venue" -- any truth to that?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-54151440359305977252012-01-10T14:29:39.292-05:002012-01-10T14:29:39.292-05:00Compare this intersection with that of Oak Grove a...Compare this intersection with that of Oak Grove at LaVista. Oak Grove has a much smaller traffic volume but the age of the buildings is the same. In order to fix the intersection at Clairmont/Briarcliff you'd have to replace many businesses like the IGA, the Chevron (enormously overpriced), the Volvo place (very unsightly) etc. You'd need community restaurants/shops AND you'd have to fight crime constantly in order to get it under control in that intersection. A Quick Trip will drive the closure of the Chevron and Shell and prevent any other gas stations from coming into the area (which is fine since the current stations are so overpriced). I see no point in the IGA reopening across the street. It's too late for them. Too bad, I used to go in there to get non-fresh items like wine, cola, cereal, honey etc.NGnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-77072332657224836702012-01-09T18:04:12.859-05:002012-01-09T18:04:12.859-05:00I'm not as old as dirt, but I do go back to wh...I'm not as old as dirt, but I do go back to when there were cows grazing at Briarcliff and North Druid Hills. I have fond memories of the two Ed's IGAs and much less fond feelings about how far down things got at the hold-your-nose Clairmont location once Ed departed, although I appreciated being able to park close to the store and the curious product offerings. <br />It seems clear that QT will open with any configuration that will get traffic into (but not necessarily out of) their location. However, once you've gassed up, it's like the Hotel California; you can check out, but you can never leave. You might need to refill again before you can exit. Heaven help you and the other drivers if you want to turn left out of either the N. Druid Hills entrance/exit by the school or the Briarcliff Road entrance/exit by the Boston Market. The new QT going in at Clairmont/Briarcliff, might generate similar difficult exit situations. Since Clairmont is a state highway, I imagine both DeKalb County and the state of Georgia have a piece of the action in redesigning the intersection. It seems that this is the time to push for a dedicated left turn lane on Clairmont, so that those turning left into the IHOP and Wells Fargo Bank do not impede southbound Clairmont traffic. There certainly looks to be sufficent property along the county right-of-way to accomplish that. Acceleration/deceleration lanes also might be appropriate, as well as a dedicated right turn lane from Briarcliff to southbound Clairmont. The current entrance/exit at the drugstore end of the property should also be redesigned to clearly allow for an entrance lane as well as separate right turn and left turn lanes. That is currently a sometimes problem and will only get worse with the additional QT generated traffic. The current entrance/exit on Clairmont nearest to Briarcliff might also need to be redesigned to become either entrance-only or entrance and right-turn only exit. If not, you'll end up with some cars trying to exit by turning left into the heavy traffic at intersection; they'll get part-way out, and end up blocking southbound Clairmont traffic. If the Vol-Repair is leaving, it might also be the time to have a dedicated right turn lane from southbound Clairmont to Briarcliff. While they're at it, a right turn only lane from northbound Clairmont to Briarcliff might be considered. Southbound traffic on Clairmont already often backs up to I-85 and Northbound traffic on Clairmont already often backs up to Audubon or even Council Bluff.<br />QT appears inevitable, but now is the time to contact Jeff Rader, DeKalb County District 2Commissioner at jrader@dekalbcountyga.gov and Kathie Gannon, DeKalb County Super District 6 Commissioner at kgannon@dekalbcountyga.gov. Depending on where you live in relation to the Briarcliff/Clairmont intersection, your State Representative might be Mary Margaret Oliver or Mike Jacobs and your State Senator might be Jason Carter or Steve Henson. If you have an interest in this issue, make sure your voice has a chance of being heard while redevelopment is in an early stage. This is a once in a generation chance to try and get it right.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-70013142211714986812012-01-09T15:55:09.594-05:002012-01-09T15:55:09.594-05:00The loss of the IGA is no loss at all. The store ...The loss of the IGA is no loss at all. The store hasn't been kept up in years. I echo the comments that I find it hard to be excited about another gas station, however I would welcome a well run operation like Quick Trip. Plus their prices are so much more affordable then what is there now. <br /><br />In a larger context, with the Vol Repair shop exiting their location, this would be a wonderful opportunity for a study of the whole 4 corners area. I think a good redevelopment plan is in order. The Williamsburg center is old and an eyesore. That and the apartment homes behind it would be ripe for redevelopment. I would like to see the area become more pedestrian friendly as well with more greenspace added. Roundabout anybody?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-21527687771199809032012-01-09T15:09:11.353-05:002012-01-09T15:09:11.353-05:00I live in the area as well and welcome a clean, br...I live in the area as well and welcome a clean, bright, fairly-priced QuikTrip. I often stop in the Shell station on my way home from work to get gas, but it is a bit sketchy. My husband swears he got in the way of a robbery there once. <br /><br />It's a great, convenient part of town. I don't want to see those 4 corners become chain-restaurants or other big businesses, but some revitalization would be hugely welcomed and great for the neighborhoods.<br /><br />While we're at it---how about some sidewalks for Clairmont Road???!?Mollyhttp://thenestinggame.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-44467149607240818072012-01-09T00:40:10.751-05:002012-01-09T00:40:10.751-05:00This will doom the Chevron, no problem, no loss. I...This will doom the Chevron, no problem, no loss. I call these mega-stations "sixteen-bays"-testiment to our oil indulgent lifestyles.<br />No worries--all gas stations will be gone in 20 years.<br />Planning the four-corners: The properties being redevelped as individual propoerties here just shows how little our comnunity affiliates with by-the-highway commerical areas that are between neighborhood areas. Contrast that with the insistence on planning Emory Village and Toco Hills as "total" development--all corners at once. Planning is happenig at Oak Grove also--all three considered what the county calls "neighborhood centers".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-76388456417062713262012-01-08T13:07:21.574-05:002012-01-08T13:07:21.574-05:00Live in the area. Only went to the IGA once and i...Live in the area. Only went to the IGA once and it was disgusting. It did have a bad smell in there. Not happy about the QT though. Although I like QT it is going to mess up the traffic.<br />Agree with what some others have said....a local store or restaurant with more character would be nice. I do like going to the drug store in that shopping center so hopefully that will stay.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-16293679086600276002012-01-07T00:38:28.504-05:002012-01-07T00:38:28.504-05:00I don't drive through there too much so no pro...I don't drive through there too much so no problem from my standpoint.<br /><br />Will be interesting to see if they configure the ingress and egress on Clairmont in such a way to deter the left turn from Clairmont. I think that there's an extra lane on Briarcliff that will let cars go around someone trying the left turn from there.waynehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06618045889874013820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-34874506999118214352012-01-06T23:56:02.740-05:002012-01-06T23:56:02.740-05:00Well, there certainly seems to be no likelihood th...Well, there certainly seems to be no likelihood that a QT would result in LESS traffic, so that's out. The real estate group at QT, like those at McDonalds or any other major retailer, study current traffic counts in detail, and seek to predict the ability of a station in that location to draw customers that would otherwise be likely to be heading elsewhere for gas, food, drinks, etc. <br /><br />By the look of the other two nearest stations, I'm betting most drivers stop there only for gas, with no interest in entering the store. I know I will take a different route than normal when I need gas, just to go by a clean new station with a store that looks nicer, feels safer, consistently offers the lowest price on gas in the area, etc. With a QT on that corner, I will now tend to drive to that intersection instead of looping over to North Druid Hills, or Buford Hwy, or Lawrenceville Hwy when I need to fill up or want a c-store. So... sorry neighbor, but you definitely will be able to add my car to the current traffic counts a time or two every week. <br /><br />Try not to let it frustrate you too much when I come to a stop right in front of you in the left lane at the last second when you are heading towards I-85, white-knuckling it to make it through the light at Briarcliff before it goes red. I just need to wait for a Marta bus and about 20 more cars to go by so that I can turn left across traffic to go get me some gas and a slim jim. I probably won't get enough of an opening to squeeze through until the light does turn red and all the red-light runners finally clear the intersection. Please pass my apology along to the other 10 cars behind you who also might have been able to make it through the light...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-27023683776333393192012-01-06T09:17:21.203-05:002012-01-06T09:17:21.203-05:00I remember finding a smelly, maggot covered egg be...I remember finding a smelly, maggot covered egg behind a cooler in the dairy section back when I worked there. That may have been the dead animal smell some remember.<br /><br />Do QTs really lead to increased traffic?!? I don't see it as much of a destination. Potentially, if QT is able to cut dedicated turn lanes into the existing lot, traffic should not be impacted (i.e. a car heading east on Briarcliff would first enter a lane that allows for gradual slow down, and then a right turn into the qt, as opposed to having to do the full slow-down on Briarcliff).<br /><br />I used to live in Maryland, and in general I've noticed that the local roads/engineering departments are really bad at making lanes for these type of things (often using curb angles that cars can't negotiate instead of using a gradual curb curvature that car wheels can negotiate). In MD, they were very good at using gradual curvature, not 'trapezoid' type angles that don't help at all.mindspringyahoohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04916299133467799390noreply@blogger.com