Latest news with #AtlantaCityHall
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Neighbors speak out to keep gas station out of Atlanta community
Residents who don't want a new gas station built in their community took their concerns to Atlanta City Hall. T They warned the councilwoman for the area, she needs to show she's on their side or else they will remember when they head to the polls in November. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Amber Burks represented a group of residents who oppose a gas station being built in their community on Greenbriar Parkway near the Greenbriar Mall. She spoke at Atlanta's City Council meeting. 'Stop the gas station from being built,' Burks told the body. Burks also focused her message on Councilwoman Marci Overstreet, who represents the area where the proposed gas station is being built. 'I hope you show us that you deserve our continued support,' Burks said. The neighbors issued a warning to Overstreet about the project, saying she needed to show she's on their side in this fight. 'On November 4, as we make our way to the polls, your constituents will remember either your passivity or your active effort as a leader,' Burks said. Overstreet quickly set the record straight. 'I never said that I don't agree with the community. I actually said I was standing with the community.' Members of the community said it was blindsided when they saw the gas station being built near their homes, near a senior apartment complex and near a daycare. They say they have too many gas stations already. TRENDING STORIES: 'Nursing imposters': Man impersonating healthcare worker arrested, officials say Snellville teen charged in shooting spree that targeted former classmates Person found 'slumped' over in U-Haul leads to discovery of stolen IDs, fentanyl Burks says zoning was changed to prevent any new gas stations in July 2022. 'A month later, they grant a permit for a gas station to be built,' she said. Overstreet mentioned she thought the gas station was permitted in error. She told Channel 2's Tom Jones recently that city planning disagreed with that assessment. Overstreet says she shared that information with the community. 'So I have been standing with the community,' Overstreet said. Residents still plan to hold Overstreet accountable. 'I encourage you, councilwoman, not to turn your back on southwest Atlanta,' said Burks. Overstreet has said in the past that she is frustrated with the project and doesn't agree with it. Residents want a stop-work order placed on the project. They say they haven't been able to find out the status of the project. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Atlanta's largest park renamed for former Mayor Shirley Franklin
The City of Atlanta is honoring the city's first woman mayor by renaming a park and busy downtown road after her. On Monday, the Atlanta City Council voted unanimously to rename Central Avenue, where Atlanta City Hall sits, and Westside Reservoir Park after former Mayor Shirley Franklin. Central Avenue will now be known as Shirley Clarke Franklin Boulevard and Westside Reservoir Park will be renamed Shirley Clarke Franklin Park. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Franklin served two terms as Atlanta's mayor from 2002 to 2010 and was the first Black woman to serve as mayor of a major city in the modern South. The city council says her time in office is marked by her contributions to the Atlanta BeltLine, improvements to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and development of city parks, affordable housing and more. 'Renaming Central Avenue and Westside Reservoir Park after former Mayor Shirley Franklin is a testament to her enduring legacy and profound impact on Atlanta. As someone who witnessed her leadership firsthand, I can attest to her firmness, fairness, and boldness in tackling difficult issues. Mayor Franklin's contributions to Atlanta are immeasurable,' said Councilwoman Andrea Boone. TRENDING STORIES: 18-year-old charged with murder in quadruple killing at northwest Georgia park Ex-prosecutor's trial ends as judge throws out felony indictment in Ahmaud Arbery death case Mother demands answers over death of son found in man's car during traffic stop Westside Reservoir Park, which opened in 2021, is the largest park in the City of Atlanta at 280 acres. It's located on the site of the former Bellwood Quarry, which is in the area of Marietta Boulevard and Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway. The park also provides 2.4 billion gallons of emergency drinking water for Atlanta's residents. It's unclear when the name changes will officially go into effect. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
