Latest news with #AngelaThreadgill
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Decatur unveils $8.5M plan to revamp downtown square
The Brief Decatur is investing $8.5 million to revamp its downtown square, adding a new performing arts stage, expanded green space, and a children's playground. The project is part of the city's Decatur 2.0 plan and is funded through SPLOST 2, meaning no additional property taxes for residents. City leaders say the upgrades reflect community input and aim to boost local businesses by attracting more visitors to downtown events and festivals. DECATUR, Ga. - Big changes are coming to downtown Decatur as the city embarks on an $8.5 million revitalization project aimed at transforming the popular square into a more dynamic and family-friendly gathering space. What we know The redevelopment will include a new performing arts stage, expanded green space, and a playground for children. City leaders say the updates are part of the Decatur 2.0 redevelopment plan and are in direct response to feedback from residents. The square, already a popular destination for outdoor concerts, festivals, and July Fourth celebrations, will see its footprint expanded. The current bandstand will be replaced with a larger, modern performance stage to better accommodate community events. What they're saying "These new features are in response to the community's vision," said Angela Threadgill, Assistant Manager for Community and Economic Development. "We have a growing population, a younger population, and we heard their voices that they would like something to do when they come downtown." Local residents are welcoming the news. "I actually like that," said Decatur resident Semrai Zere. "It adds more to the community. It gives people more of a space to come out and enjoy this beautiful area." City officials expect the upgrades to generate even more foot traffic downtown, benefiting local businesses. "That brings a lot of our residents and visitors to downtown Decatur. We have a number of businesses that thrive on these festivals," Threadgill added. Andrea Worthy, Economic Development Director for the City of Smyrna, emphasized the long-term economic impact of such investments. "Reinvesting in your downtown is one of the most important things you can do," Worthy said. "That is your cultural brand—that is how people view you." The project is being funded through SPLOST 2, a special-purpose local option sales tax, and will not affect local property taxes. What's next The city hopes to complete the downtown square renovations by spring of next year.
Axios
15-04-2025
- Business
- Axios
Decatur to begin $8.5 million downtown square overhaul
The heart of Decatur's downtown is getting an overdue overhaul. Driving the news: On Thursday, Decatur leaders will ceremoniously break ground on the $8.5 million expansion of the square and popular plaza that sits in the heart of the city's most walkable area and neighbors a MARTA station that connects directly to Downtown Atlanta. The big picture: The 12-month project, which the city hopes to finish before next summer's FIFA World Cup matches, aims to give one of metro Atlanta's downtown success stories a community space that encourages people to stick around and enjoy the square. Zoom in: Decatur's " Square Shake-Up" plan increases the size of the square and lawn, adds a "hillside" children's play area and swaps out the bandstand with a stage that can host concerts, performances and movie screenings. In addition, expect a redesigned MARTA bus terminal, larger open spaces and, importantly, public restrooms. Context: Funded by a DeKalb County sales tax earmarked for special projects, the overhaul stems from Decatur's Town Plan 2.0, the first major initiative in decades to improve the square and plaza. A second phase — timeline to be decided — would include an outdoor pavilion, splash pad and more seating. What they're saying:"The city hopes the project "sends a clear message that we aren't resting on our laurels when it comes to making Decatur the best it can be for all stakeholders," Angela Threadgill, Decatur's assistant city manager for community and economic development, said in a statement. Flashback: In 2007, the city spent $5 million to give the square a makeover — a project officials dubbed the "Little Dig," a riff on Boston's problem-plagued yet transformative "Big Dig" project."
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Decatur announces start of $8.5 million City Square transformation project
The City of Decatur is moving forward with its $8.5 million effort to transform the City Square as part of the city's 'Town Center Plan 2.0.' On Thursday, officials from the Decatur Downtown Development Authority and the City of Decatur will hold an 11 a.m. groundbreaking ceremony for the multi-phase overhaul of the town center. According to the groundbreaking announcement, the event will be a 'Square ShakeUp' to kick off the expansion of the downtown area and the town center's green space. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] 'While the current version of Decatur Square has been a fixture in our city for nearly 30 years, the needs of our community have evolved,' Angela Threadgill, the City of Decatur's Assistant City Manager for Community & Economic Development, said in a statement. 'After extensive conversations with our residents and local business owners, it became clear changes were necessary to support the type of programming that keeps Downtown Decatur vibrant.' Officials said the changes coming to the square are key to the 2.0 plan, which the Decatur City Commission adopted in 2023. As part of that plan, the city announced the bandstand would be demolished in January ahead of the reconstruction project. TRENDING STORIES: Woman testifies in Atlanta murder trial of her twin sister who murdered ex-boyfriend 'I was so happy': VA restores local vet's disability benefits after Channel 2 investigation Ex-LSU receiver Kyren Lacy died in an apparent suicide during a police chase, authorities say Channel 2′s Steve Gehlbach was at the square last week ahead of the demolition, where officials said the bandstand would be destroyed to make room for green space and a large stage for outdoor concerts. Funding for the project is coming from a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax in DeKalb County and is expected to take about 10 months to finish. The goal of the project is to be complete and reopened before June 2026 when the FIFA World Cup is hosted in Atlanta. 'When considering this project alongside some of the other initiatives undertaken by the City – especially our small business improvement grants – we hope it sends a clear message that we aren't resting on our laurels when it comes to making Decatur the best it can be for all stakeholders,' Threadgill said. Access to the Decatur city Square will be open during the construction project, with only certain parts closed for construction. Officials said as parts of the project are finished, access will reopen, and that while here isn't a specific timeline yet for the next phase of the Decatur Square transformation, it will include an outdoor pavilion, splash pad and extra seating and amenities for residents and visitors. More information on the project is available online here. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
