Atlanta News

From WABE Politics News:

Georgia’s small businesses are navigating the back-and-forth of President Donald Trump’s tariffs. After months of volatility and economic uncertainty, some companies have raised prices, while others are struggling to obtain […]

Nearly 400-home community moves forward off Interstate 20 Josh Green Tue, 06/24/2025 - 15:29

Developers behind multifamily communities with hundreds of new apartments around Covington have recently applauded an influx of jobs in eastern metro Atlanta, to include growth from companies such as Takeda, Archer Aviation, and Rivian Automotive, the latter of which is scheduled to break ground on a $5-billion facility with 7,500 jobs (eventually) next year. 

Other builders are now following suit. 

Alpharetta-based Edison Real Estate Partners is moving forward with infrastructure work on a large project called Dobbs Landing, citing the Covington submarket’s rapid growth. 

Residential plans call for a mix of 387 standalone houses and townhomes spread across a 110-acre site where Crowell Road meets Harold Dobbs Road. 

The property in question is west of Covington’s historic downtown, about 30 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.

The 110-acre Dobbs Landing site in relation to Interstate 20 and downtown Covington (right). Google Maps

Edison recently secured a $34.9-million construction financing loan from Concord Summit Capital. The developer plans to use loan proceeds to complete lot development across the residential portion of Dobbs Landing. 

Edison has inked an agreement to sell the finished lots to an unnamed, national homebuilder, according to Concord Summit reps.  

Founded in 2022, Edison is a development and residential real estate investment platform focused on Southeast markets considered high-growth and supply-constrained. It’s completed more than $2 billion in residential and commercial transactions to date, per company officials 

According to blueprints, there will be more to Dobbs Landing than places to live. 

Full scope of Dobbs Landing plans, with future commercial space shown in red and common space for trails and nature in green. Interstate 20 is shown at top. Courtesy of Concord Summit Capital/ Edison Real Estate Partners

The Newton County Planning Commission approved mixed-use plans for the project totaling nearly 214 acres in summer 2022. The breakdown called for 133 townhomes and 254 single-family houses at that time, along with commercial spaces, preserved wetlands, and wooded areas, according to The Covington News. 

Blueprints indicate a future county trail system will also snake through the site. 

Covington's TV and film history tracing from The Dukes of Hazzard and In the Heat of the Nightto Vampire Diaries has earned the city the nickname "The Hollywood of the South," which other developers have pointed to as an additional perk. 

Dobbs Landing site in the context of eastern metro Atlanta. Google Maps

...

Follow us on social media:

Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram  

• Covington news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta) 

Tags

Crowell Road at Harold Dobbs Road Covington Newton County Newton County Planning Commission Mixed-Use Development Concord Summit Capital Edison Real Estate Partners Caballero Holdings OTP Eastern Suburbs Covington Town Center Covington Center Rivian

Images

The 110-acre Dobbs Landing site in relation to Interstate 20 and downtown Covington (right). Google Maps

Full scope of Dobbs Landing plans, with future commercial space shown in red and common space for trails and nature in green. Interstate 20 is shown at top. Courtesy of Concord Summit Capital/ Edison Real Estate Partners

Dobbs Landing site in the context of eastern metro Atlanta. Google Maps

Subtitle Mix of houses, townhomes planned for 110-acre site in growing Covington

Neighborhood OTP

Background Image

Image

Before/After Images

Sponsored Post Off

From WABE Politics News:

It was during her second trimester of pregnancy when doctors told Kaycee Maruscsak her fetus no longer had a heartbeat. Just the day before, the family had held a party […]

From WABE Local News:

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution recently appointed David Plazas as its new opinion editor. The 25-year veteran journalist will serve as an editorial board member and be tasked with expanding the publication’s […]

Arts Atlanta:

Home, both as a concept and as a place, has long been the subject of artistic inquiry. From Carrie Mae Weems’ Kitchen Table series to Do Ho Suh’s ongoing series of textile reproductions of domestic spaces, “home” takes many forms and is interpreted many ways.  Home can be a place to rest your head or...

From WABE Local News:

The singer-songwriter duo, the Indigo Girls, remains true to their Georgia and Atlanta roots after decades of acclaim, hit albums and world tours. They are currently on tour this summer […]

Land buy spares Kennesaw Mountain property threatened with development Josh Green Tue, 06/24/2025 - 12:27

A section of land bordering one of the most visited and historically significant Civil War sites in the Southeastern U.S. has been spared from metro Atlanta’s sprawl. 

National nonprofit Trust for Public Land has closed on the acquisition of 21.4 acres of property adjacent to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park that was previously targeted for residential development, officials announced today. 

Instead of OTP housing, the acreage will become part of a larger, cohesive park under National Park Service ownership and remain permanently preserved for conservation, public recreation, and historical education purposes, according to TPL. 

The undeveloped land will help retain the area’s rural feel and safeguard any archaeological treasures related to the Civil War hidden underground, per TPL officials. The property also includes a pond—considered an important water source for fighting forest fires—that was used by helicopters for fire suppression in March. 

The acreage in question (orange) in relation to today's Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. Courtesy of Trust for Public Land

The Cobb County park now spans 2,923 acres and is the only National Park Service property commemorating the Atlanta Campaign of 1864. It features three battlefield areas, 11 miles of preserved Civil War earthworks, picnic areas, and more than 18 miles of trails. 

“This acquisition isn’t just about adding acreage—it’s about preventing the fragmentation of this irreplaceable landscape and keeping it from being lost to suburban development,” George Dusenbury, Georgia state director for Trust for Public Land, said in a statement. 

Overview of Cobb County housing and the nearly 3,000-acre Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield.Shutterstock

TPL is no stranger to Kennesaw Mountain land preservation.

In the early 2000s, the agency added roughly 50 acres to increase continuity and expand access to the park. That was followed in 2008 when TPL bought 34 acres with a lake, fields, and forests from longtime residents the Hensley family. 

TPL in 2013 also added a 42-acre property called Hays Farm to the park. That features Nodine’s Hill, which includes Union entrenchments, cannon placements, and rifle pits. 

...

Follow us on social media:

Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram  

• Cobb County news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)

Tags

900 Kennesaw Mountain Drive Kennesaw Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Cobb County OTP Atlanta Suburbs Atlanta History Historical Sites Atlanta Historical Sites Civil War National Park Service Civil War History Civil War sites Atlanta Parks Atlanta Hikes Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Land and Water Conservation Fund National Park Foundation Trust for Public Land

Images

Overview of Cobb County housing and the nearly 3,000-acre Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield.Shutterstock

The acreage in question (orange) in relation to today's Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. Courtesy of Trust for Public Land

Subtitle Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park to grow by 21 acres, per Trust for Public Land

Neighborhood Kennesaw

Background Image

Image

Before/After Images

Sponsored Post Off

From WABE Politics News:

The Trump administration on Tuesday postponed classified briefings for Senate and House members as lawmakers are looking for more answers about President Donald Trump’s directed strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend and […]

Big shakeup inbound for ATL airport dining, shopping options Josh Green Tue, 06/24/2025 - 10:50

Pre- and post-flight dining and shopping options at the world’s busiest airport could look quite different soon. 

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has picked awardees for contracts to convert 30 food, beverage, and retail spaces totaling roughly 34,000 square feet at concourses and other public spaces at the aviation hub. 

Redeveloping the retail spaces is part of a broader, phased program to modernize the airport’s concessions infrastructure called ATLSkypointe. 

The recent picks came as part of phase three and are described by airport officials as a “significant step” toward refreshing the ATL visitor experience for more than 100 million annual visitors. 

Shutterstock

No new retailers expected to set up shop at the airport were specified by name. (Any suggestions, Atlanta?) 

The solicitation process conducted by the city’s Department of Procurement was described as “robust and competitive.” Contracts ultimately went to two longtime airport partners and their joint venture teams, according to an announcement today.

The smaller of the two airport retail packages was awarded to Paradies Lagardère and its partners. It includes 10 food and beverage locations dotted around concourses A, B, and C, totaling roughly 15,000 square feet. 

That package aims to deliver “an innovative mix of customer-driven concepts, blending nationally recognized brands, beloved local Atlanta eateries, and elevated dining experiences that reflect the vibrancy of the city,” per airport officials. 

Consisting of two packages, the larger contract will include 20 retail locations with a combined 19,000 square feet in the airport’s Domestic Atrium and throughout concourses T, A, B, and C. That went to Hudson by Avolta and its JV team, ATL P3R1 Concessions Partners and ATL P3R2 Concessions Partners. 

The goal with that retail refresh is to bring the airport “globally recognized lifestyle brands, tech-forward travel essentials, and curated local artisan goods, all designed to enhance the travel experience for ATL’s global audience,” according to the announcement. 

No timeline for construction or estimated retail openings was specified. We’ve asked for more information and will update this story should that come. 

“With each new phase, we are continuing to reimagine what’s possible in an airport environment, offering our passengers a world-class mix of flavors, retail, and local culture,” Ricky Smith, Airport General Manager, said in a prepared statement. “I’m proud of the progress we’ve made and excited about what’s still to come.”

Shutterstock

...

Follow us on social media:

Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram  

• Atlanta airport 'oasis' wins international design award(Urbanize Atlanta) 

Tags

ATLSkypointe Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Atlanta Airport Atlanta Airport Restaurants ATL Airport Paradies Lagardère Hudson by Avolta Concessions Redevelopment Plan Atlanta Airport News Airport News

Images

Shutterstock

Shutterstock

Subtitle Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport awards contracts for 30 redeveloped retail spaces

Neighborhood Southside

Background Image

Image

Before/After Images

Sponsored Post Off

Arts Atlanta:

Last year, there was a new and exciting addition to Atlanta’s jazz scene, and Jazz at All Saints’ is building on a successful inaugural run with the announcement of its second season of artists. The concerts will be held in the sanctuary of All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Midtown (634 W. Peachtree St. NW), beginning...

From WABE Local News:

Four teenagers were arrested early Tuesday morning and have hate crime charges pending against them after police say they stole and cut up Pride flags at one of Atlanta’s most […]

Arts Atlanta:

Henry Cheng brings a new creative vision to the organization as it prepares for its 19th season. :: There has been a wave of leadership upheavals throughout the Atlanta classical scene over the last few years. First, there was the intense, season-long concert evaluation process that brought Nathalie Stutzmann to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, followed...

From WABE Local News:

Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court case enshrining abortion rights across the country, was overturned three years ago Tuesday in a case known as Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health […]

From the Atlanta Daily World:

Experian® CreditCenter™, with support from FICO, Aims to Break Down Barriers to Homeownership by Offering Personalized Credit and Financial Insights HomeFree-USA announces the Experian® CreditCenter™, a free tool, backed by FICO®, to empower potential homebuyers. This initiative is an extension of Experian’s ongoing partnership with HomeFree-USA, aimed at promoting financial inclusion and supporting the path … Continued

The post HomeFree-USA Unveils Experian® CreditCenter™ to Empower Thousands of Potential Homebuyers appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.

From WABE Politics News:

BEERSHEBA, Israel (AP) — A tentative truce faltered Tuesday when Israel accused Iran of launching missiles into its airspace after the ceasefire was supposed to take effect and vowed to […]

From WABE Local News:

Waymo’s robotaxis will begin carrying passengers through parts of Atlanta on Tuesday in an expansion of a partnership with Uber that began earlier this year in Austin. Waymo’s driverless march […]

From the Saporta Report:

Last Friday, College Park Councilman Roderick Gay sent reporter Adrianne Murchison a letter of complaint about her reporting on the city. Gay also emailed city hall communications staff and spokespeople. SaportaReport is a civic news site committed to dialogue and public engagement, offering space for diverse voices and points of view. Below is Councilman Gay’s […]

The post Councilman alleges bias in reporting, journalist responds appeared first on SaportaReport.

From the Saporta Report:

The Atlanta Way took the spotlight at the June 23 meeting of the Rotary Club of Atlanta. In many ways, it was a coming home. The Atlanta Rotary has been a galvanizing force of bringing the community together for decades. It was on Sept. 20, 2021, when two Rotarians – Egbert Perry and Larry Gellerstedt […]

The post Atlanta Rotary seeking to engage people with the spirit of the ‘Atlanta Way’ appeared first on SaportaReport.

From WABE Politics News:

The latest Map the Meal Gap study from the national nonprofit Feeding America has revealed a significant increase in food insecurity across Georgia, a trend that has placed additional strain […]

At long last, people-friendly Jackson Street Bridge redo is happening Josh Green Mon, 06/23/2025 - 17:44

After more than a decade of brainstorming, planning, and pulling funds together, the long-sought upgrade for one of Atlanta’s most iconic selfie meccas is set to begin soon. 

According to the City of Atlanta Department of Transportation and Atlanta Downtown Improvement District, a joint groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled the morning of July 8 for Jackson Street Bridge’s people-friendly makeover. 

The bridge has long served as one of Atlanta’s most popular destinations for wedding photos, Insta posts, The Walking Dead tourism, and anything else involving skyline photography.

Initially floated in 2014, the idea for redoing the bridge has been refined with neighborhood input over the years. In 2019, Colorado-based advocacy group PeopleForBikes awarded Atlanta a $10,000 grant to help make the miniature park—or “parklet”—happen on the bridge, dotted with shrubs, trees, and interesting, functional seating.

The project was voted by Urbanize Atlanta readers as the top “wish list” item of 2022, back when it appeared on the cusp of happening, per city officials at the time. (False alarm). 

The revised Jackson Street placemaking plan that was once expected to move forward in 2021, per city officials.Department of City Planning; Atlanta City Studio

Liliana Bakhtiari, Atlanta City Council member (District 5), told Urbanize Atlanta in March last year her office had allocated $300,000 toward the Jackson Street Bridge project to fully finance it. The Atlanta Downtown Improvement District then stepped in to help with the bidding process for construction companies to implement changes on the bridge and nearby streets. 

As part of the Department of City Planning’s Placemaking Program, the project will reconfigure traffic and bike lanes along Jackson Street to increase safety and vibrancy. 

The bridge’s parklet would be a wide pedestrian area with seating, ADA access, an array of plantings in raised planters, and possibly bike racks, city officials have said. 

A new protected cycle track would extend from the PATH Foundation’s Freedom Park Trail to the Baker-Highland Trail, better linking Old Fourth Ward with downtown.

The project completed the permitting process in 2021 with both Atlanta’s and Georgia’s departments of transportation. Renew Atlanta funds are expected to foot most of the bill, officials said at that time.

Below, find before/after glimpses of what’s now planned for Jackson Street Bridge, according to ATLDOT’s most recent renderings, beginning just south of the bridge at Cain Street, near the PATH Foundation trail:

Tags

Jackson Street Bridge Arcadis Georgia Department of Transportation PeopleForBikes Bike Lanes Atlanta Department of Transportation Highland Avenue PATH Foundation Freedom Parkway Trail Baker-Highland Trail John Lewis Freedom Parkway Alternative Transit Alternative Transportation Alternate Transportation Atlanta Bike Infrastructure Bike Infrastructure Atlanta Downtown Improvement District Old Fourth Ward Construction

Images

An early concept from 2014 that articulated some ideas for improving the popular destination.Department of City Planning; Atlanta City Studio

A 2018 concept with a small plaza, benches, and landscaping, plus narrowed vehicular travel lanes.David DiGioia rendering, via Department of City Planning; Atlanta City Studio

The revised Jackson Street placemaking plan that was once expected to move forward in 2021, per city officials.Department of City Planning; Atlanta City Studio

Subtitle Hooray!

Neighborhood Old Fourth Ward

Background Image

Image

Before/After Images

Before Image

Image

After Image

Image

Before Image

Image

After Image

Image

Before Image

Image

After Image

Image

Sponsored Post Off

From the Saporta Report:

Titanium dioxide isn’t the rarest mineral, and its uses — making various products look whiter — aren’t the most vital. Yet, this powdery substance has been the subject of a six-year-long legal battle which culminated last week in a $60 million deal for land near the Okefenokee Swamp.

The post A chorus of Georgia voices rises to defend the Okefenokee appeared first on SaportaReport.

From the Saporta Report:

Trees, magnificent plants beyond human capacity to duplicate, suppliers of the very breath we require, a primary solution to our ever-deepening climate crisis, yet we destroy them as if there is no connection.  Mimosa Hall and Gardens survived the Civil War, but last week the city of Roswell decided history needed a parking lot. Their […]

The post The Tragedy of Mimosa appeared first on SaportaReport.

From the Saporta Report:

Who loses and election but still claims victory? In early Atlanta, a political argument and a contentious loss leads to a level of discord that tests its citizens. In Atlanta history, there have been some contentious political arguments, but never has there been a night like the one we tell in this Stories of Atlanta. […]

The post Extralegal Actions appeared first on SaportaReport.

From the Saporta Report:

To see fuller versions of the photos, click on any image and swipe right or left.

The post Around the Gold Dome – various dates appeared first on SaportaReport.

6-building affordable housing venture near ATL airport officially a go Josh Green Mon, 06/23/2025 - 15:56

The stage is officially set for a sizable affordable housing project along a corridor near Atlanta’s airport where College Park leadership expects an influx of investment soon. 

City officials and project leaders held a formal groundbreaking ceremony last week for Blue Sky Apartments, a 180-unit affordable housing venture situated on Godby Road, just south of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. 

The six-building project will be reserved for families earning between 40 and 70 percent of the area median income. A centralized clubhouse with a pool and playground area is also in the mix, according to city officials.

Blue Sky’s breakdown calls for 53 one-bedroom units, 72 with two bedrooms, and 55 with three bedrooms. 

Planned layout of six-building Blue Sky Apartments in College Park. Courtesy of City of College Park

The Godby Road corridor where Blue Sky Apartments is under construction, in the context of the airport and other southside landmarks. Google Maps

According to College Park officials, the project marks one of the first milestones in broader efforts to reinvigorate the Godby Road corridor with inclusive developments and smart growth. 

Construction schedules call for completing Blue Sky next year. 

Blue Sky is structured as a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit transaction. It’s financed through bonds issued by the Housing Authority of College Park, tax credit equity syndicated by Hudson Housing Capital and Advantage Capital, and debt financing from Bank of America and Lument, per city officials.  

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs allocated tax credits for Blue Sky. 

Courtesy of City of College Park

Al McRae, Bank of America’s Atlanta market president, speaks during Blue Sky’s recent groundbreaking ceremony.Warren Bond Photography

Tracie Arnold, College Park Ward 3 councilwoman, said during the recent ceremony the Blue Sky project will mark a trend in the growing section of her district. 

“We are ushering in a season of renewal that prioritizes smart growth, inclusive development, and opportunity for all,” said Arnold. “The energy around Godby Road is building.” 

...

Follow us on social media:

Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram  

• College Park, East Point news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta) 

Tags

2431 Old National Parkway College Park Godby Road Kimley-Horn Blue Ridge Atlantic Kimley-Horn & Associates Smith Welch Webb & White Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Warren Bond Photography City of College Park Hudson Housing Capital Advantage Capital Bank of America Lument Georgia Department of Community Affairs Affordable Housing affordable apartments affordable housing

Images

The Godby Road corridor where Blue Sky Apartments is under construction, in the context of the airport and other southside landmarks. Google Maps

Rendering of the six-building rental community at the College Park site today. Photo via Smith, Welch, Webb & White

Al McRae, Bank of America’s Atlanta market president, speaks during Blue Sky’s recent groundbreaking ceremony.Warren Bond Photography

Planned layout of six-building Blue Sky Apartments in College Park. Courtesy of City of College Park

Courtesy of City of College Park

Subtitle College Park’s Blue Sky development part of broader Godby Road corridor reimagining efforts

Neighborhood College Park/East Point

Background Image

Image

Before/After Images

Sponsored Post Off