Atlanta News

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. 

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• Cobb County news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)

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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

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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. 

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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.”

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

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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...

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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:

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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

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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

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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:

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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.” 

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

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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

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From WABE Politics News:

Miller County Election Supervisor Jerry Calhoun says he’s not sure anyone will vote in an upcoming Democratic primary runoff. After all, the southwest Georgia county only recorded one vote in […]

From WABE Local News:

On a partly cloudy afternoon, folks gathered at an intersection on Irving Street leading into a quiet neighborhood in Jonesboro.  While the sun played hide and seek, people sat under […]

From WABE Arts and Culture News:

The Georgia Film Academy (GFA) is partnering with one of metro Atlanta’s biggest movie studios to provide education and workforce training to a new generation of film and television industry […]

Arts Atlanta:

It was hot when I walked in. It wasn’t just the summer heat making my shirt stick to my back, but the gallery’s red lights and red walls, paired with unidentifiable noises growing louder and louder, that primed me for discomfort. It felt like stepping into the mouth of something primal. I felt myself start...

From WABE Local News:

The National Environmental Action Network (NEAN) is working to promote environmental justice. The Virginia-based nonprofit is expanding its efforts to educate the public about the health impacts of toxic “forever […]

Photo tour: First new Beltline section of '25 highlights beauty, problems Josh Green Mon, 06/23/2025 - 12:51

As of today’s official Westside Trail ribbon-cutting, Atlanta Beltline connectivity has never been better. But while the project’s newest segment is a vital link between earlier trails, neighborhoods, and even downtown, it’s also a study in contrasts. 

The Westside Trail’s only missing piece—the 1.3-mile Segment 4—is officially open for runners, cyclists, walkers, and anyone else not traveling by motorized vehicle, marking a “major milestone” for the broader project, as officials recently said.  

It provides a wooded section shaded by towering trees, views of vast templates for planned development, seating and shade structures, and easy-to-navigate connections to surface streets. But it also lends a front-row seat to residential blight like no Beltline pathway before it. 

North view from Segment 4, with the Azalea Gardens community at right. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

The Segment 4 opening means 6.8 miles of contiguous, mainline Beltline pathway has now been pieced together, the longest stretch to date. The finished Westside Trail connects neighborhoods around the loop from Huff Road in Blandtown down to Pittsburgh Yards, directly south of downtown. 

The Westside Trail’s newest section is also now linked with the 1.7-mile connector trail that spokes out of downtown, providing a route to the city's commercial core.

Latest construction progress map for the Beltline's 22-mile loop, with the 1.3-mile Westside Trail's Segment 4 (now complete) at left.Atlanta Beltline Inc.

The Beltline and its city partners have ambitious plans to build an influx of housing—to the tune of 3,300 units, eventually—on parcels just west of the new trail section, north of Joseph E. Boone Boulevard.

Elsewhere, as this photo essay illustrates, existing (and crumbling) multifamily projects just east of the new trail are clearly also in need of attention. 

Segment 4 broke ground in March 2023. Today it includes bridges and other elevated structures, a fiber duct bank, vertical connections to several neighborhood streets, security cameras, and lighting, alongside storm drainage and management systems with green infrastructure. Part of Segment 4 was opened last fall, but a gap of nearly a mile remained. (Find a tour of that earlier section here.) 

Pedal up to the gallery for a look at the Westside Trail’s last crucial piece to be filled in, starting from its northern end. 

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• Beltline news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)

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We begin at the juncture where the Westside Beltline Connector now allows for a left, southward turn onto the Westside Trail. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Heading south on Westside Trail Segment 4, now open to the public. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Handrails and ramp infrastructure nearing Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Looking back north toward new lighting and a retention pond beside Segment 4. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Crossing beneath Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway NW. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Ramp infrastructure on the southern side of Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

A brick warehouse complex, at right, where the 24/7 Moving company operates. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Unseen at left is the 15.5-acre property, 1060 Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway, where Star Metals developer Allen Morris Company has completed rezoning. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

A more open section of Segment 4, just east of Maddox Park. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

A shade structure overlooking part of downtown's skyline. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

An empty, brick-clad apartment community along Neal Place NW, just east of the trail. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

View to properties at right that include City of Atlanta Department of Transportation facilities and a sanitation substation. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

East view over the Neal Place apartments toward Midtown. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

A pleasantly wooded (and shaded) section of the new trail near Joseph E. Boone Boulevard. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

The western section of the Azalea Gardens apartment complex, vacant and in disrepair, neighbors Segment 4 at left. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

An elevated section of the Westside Trail nearing Joseph E. Boone Boulevard. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Looking east over Azalea Gardens apartments. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

North view from Segment 4, with the Azalea Gardens community at right. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

New signals and pedestrian safety infrastructure where Segment 4 meets Joseph E. Boone Boulevard. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Segment 4's connection to Joseph E. Boone Boulevard bike lanes, looking east toward Vine City's Cook Park. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Heading south again, between Joseph E. Boone Boulevard and Mobile Street/Mayson Turner Road.Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Concrete bench seating and future landscaping spaces. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Looking back north toward Joseph E. Boone Boulevard. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

We end where Segment 4 connects with a section finished last fall. Washington Park is ahead on the left, and the Lee + White district is three miles south of this point. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Subtitle Finished Westside Trail now links downtown to Southwest Atlanta neighborhoods, key streets

Neighborhood Bankhead

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