After a drawn-out and often contentious meeting, the Atlanta City Council voted to abandon six parcels of property in Downtown to make way for the new Falcon’s stadium. According to a report in Creative Loafing, residents in neighborhoods around the stadium – including English Avenue – are outraged over the possibility of the complex cutting off direct access to Downtown. Councilmembers Yolanda Adrean and C.T. Martin introduced legislation to form a “stadium oversight committee” comprised of elected officials, city employees, and neighborhood representatives, while Councilman Andre Dickens urged Mayor Kasim Reed to create a new plan that guarantees that MLK Drive will keep connecting Downtown with Castleberry Hill, English Avenue, Vine City, and other westside neighborhoods.
The costs for Decatur’s new municipal complex continue to increase due to unexpected site conditions, according to a report in Decaturish. An additional $153,000 will be needed for storm water connection at the West Trinity Place site, taking the original contract amount from $30.4 million to $32.24 million. The municipal center will house city offices and also be the new headquarters of City Schools of Decatur.
Flux Projects has cancelled its annual Flux Night public art event in Castleberry Hill for 2014, according to a report in Creative Loafing. Although last year’s event drew 25,000 people, organizers want more time to plan and give artists more lead time. The event will return in 2015.
Judge Wendy Lee Shoob has been named Deputy Chief Judge of the Fulton County Superior Court. She currently serves as chief judge for Fulton’s family court. A relative new position (established last summer), the Deputy Chief Judge serves a one year term and is a member of the Executive Committee. Additional duties include filling in for the Chief Judge, presiding over designated meetings and committees, and managing the Internal Governance Committee.
