Lookofsky: New deck will meet real parking needs
One of the main reasons downtown Athens is so great, and continues to thrive, is simply because so many people care about its future. The discussion surrounding the new parking deck planned for West Clayton and North Lumpkin streets only highlights how important downtown is for all of Athens. I'd like to take a moment to address the concerns of those who are uneasy with this project moving forward, with Athens-Clarke County commissioners scheduled to vote on the project Tuesday.

Editorial: Parking deck might dictate downtown's future
It's unusual for the Banner-Herald's editorial board to address the same issue within a matter of a few days. But with an Athens-Clarke County Commission vote on a new downtown parking deck slated for Tuesday, it's important to take a look beyond the practical concerns addressed in the newspaper's Monday editorial, "More thought needed on parking deck," to offer up some broader thoughts on the project.

Editorial: More thought needed on parking deck
It didn't sound all that good two years ago, and it doesn't sound any better now. In November 2007, as Athens-Clarke County commissioners were moving toward a grander vision for a planned downtown parking deck, Commissioner David Lynn - under the assumption his colleagues wouldn't seek re-election or wouldn't be around to put their stamp on the next list of local sales tax-funded projects - waxed philosophical.