Latest news with #MarciCollierOverstreet
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Controversial gas station sparks outcry in southwest Atlanta community
The Brief Councilwoman Marci Collier Overstreet calls for halting construction of a gas station on Greenbriar Parkway, citing violations of SPI District 20 zoning regulations. The gas station would be the tenth within a one-mile radius, contributing to oversaturation of similar businesses in the community. Residents and activists plan to continue protesting the development, with a demonstration scheduled for Friday evening. ATLANTA - A southwest Atlanta city councilmember is calling for an immediate halt to the construction of a controversial gas station on Greenbriar Parkway, citing concerns that the project violates zoning regulations approved by the Atlanta City Council. What they're saying District 11 Councilwoman Marci Collier Overstreet said she believes the construction is in direct violation of the Special Public Interest (SPI) District 20 regulations, which were approved in July 2022 to limit certain types of businesses in the area, including gas stations, liquor stores, and beauty supply shops. "I am really clear that SPI 20 was actually ratified July 2022," Overstreet said. "I am told the application was filed for this particular permit in August 2022, so to me this is in violation of the actual SPI for Greenbriar." Construction has continued despite growing opposition from residents and local activists, who argue the community is already oversaturated with similar businesses. Overstreet said she observed additional violations while visiting the site on Friday. "Seniors live right there, that's Parkview and this is their sidewalk to Greenbriar Parkway," she said. "I would not allow my mother, who's a senior in Southwest Atlanta, to walk next to the excavator with no fencing or screening." Community activist Sherry Williams, who worked with the city's planning department to draft the SPI guidelines, said the new gas station would be the tenth within a one-mile radius. "We are wondering, how could this happen?" Williams said. "But remember this is, overall, an underserved community, with a lot of businesses that the residents don't want because they are already saturated with gas stations, liquor stores, beauty shops, barbershops, car washes— all the things of that nature. We don't need another one of those." Williams added, "The City Council approved it, but here we are today. A violation was made within 30 days of the ink drying." The other side FOX 5 reached out to the owner of the property, but has yet to hear back. What's next Residents plan to continue protesting the development, with another demonstration scheduled for Friday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. The Source FOX 5's Aungelique Proctor spoke with Atlanta City Council member Marci Collier Overstreet for this article.
Axios
12-03-2025
- Politics
- Axios
A guide to Atlanta's 2025 mayoral and City Council races
Shake off your presidential election hangover: Atlanta voters head to the polls this November to decide who should hold the mayor's office and City Council seats — three of which will be wide open. Why it matters: Local government is where decisions are made regarding your property taxes, neighborhood safety, kids' education and more. Driving the news: Below, a rundown on who's running for what races at City Hall. What's next: We will make updates as new candidates file their paperwork. The qualifying period to run for office and officially appear on the ballot begins on Tues., Aug. 19 and ends on Fri., Aug. 22. Mayor Mayor Andre Dickens, who officially kicked off his re-election campaign on Tuesday at Monday Night Garage, thus far has only racked up two official opponents, according to the city's elections database. Officially running: Walter Reeves, who challenged Dickens in 2021 Marcus D. Lamar, a Blandtown resident Context: Over the past 50 years, incumbent Atlanta mayors who want to serve a second term have gotten their wish, and oftentimes with negligible opposition. The November election might follow suit, given Dickens' public support and $1.4 million war chest. City Council President In February, City Council President Doug Shipman announced he would not seek re-election, citing family health issues. Officially running: Atlanta City Council member Marci Collier Overstreet Rumored to run: Former U.S. Congressman and City Council member Kwanza Hall City Council District 1 Atlanta City Council member Jason Winston represents southeast neighborhoods like Grant Park, Chosewood Park and Lakewood Heights. The only challenger to file paperwork is Sean Skillings, who lives in Chosewood Park. District 2 The super-dense and fast-growing district that includes Old Fourth Ward, Midtown and parts of Downtown is up for grabs after Atlanta City Council member Amir Farokhi announced he would resign to take a job at The Galloway School. Kelsea Bond, a queer labor organizer, has filed paperwork to run. Other people said to be considering a run include Midtown's Courtney Smith and Virginia-Highland's Alex Bevel Jones, both of whom are community leaders. District 5 First-term council member Liliana Bakhtiari will have to fend off nonprofit professional Adam Gore-Wright to represent neighborhoods like Cabbagetown and Reynoldstown. District 7 Lawyer Jamie Christy told Axios she plans to compete for the Buckhead seat long held by Council member Howard Shook, who recently announced his retirement from office. Christy considered challenging Shook in 2021 but later worked for his office investigating high-profile crimes in the district. The district includes Buckhead neighborhoods like Lindbergh/Morosgo, Buckhead Heights and the Lenox Square Mall area. District 11 Marci Collier Overstreet's decision to explore a bid for City Council president opens up the race for the far southwest Atlanta district that's home to Niskey Lake, Venetian Hills and Ben Hill. Steven Dingle is the lone official declared candidate. Possible challengers include Nate Jester, a commercial real estate lawyer, government affairs professional Wayne Martin and Sarah-Elizabeth Langford, the director of Fulton County's development authority and ex-wife of former Mayor Kasim Reed. District 12 Council member Antonio Lewis seeks a second term representing the far south Atlanta district. A Pittsburgh neighborhood resident named Delvin Davis has filed paperwork to challenge Lewis.
