Latest news with #PattiGarrett
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Decatur Square is about to get a multimillion-dollar makeover
People are flocking to downtown Decatur to get one last look at Decatur Square before it gets a massive makeover. The plans include more green spaces, play areas, and a new stage. The mayor told Channel 2's Linda Stouffer that the local businesses that make Decatur what it is will stay open during construction. Officials broke ground on the $8.5 million renovation on Thursday. 'It's time for an update. The square is lovely, but it's time for an update,' Decatur business owner Parham Savadkoohi said. They're calling this the Decatur Square Shake Up, which will expand the town center, adding more green space, play space, and a flexible stage. But say bye-bye to the gazebo. 'I think everyone has a little heartfelt attachment to the gazebo, but it's going to really open it up, make it possible for different events,' The Rev. Todd Speed with Decatur Presbyterian Church said. TRENDING STORIES: FSU shooter accused of killing 2, injuring 6 identified as deputy's son Mother took rifle away from suspect moments before he shot Paulding deputy, GBI says Deputies say it's a 'true miracle' after alleged Walmart shoplifter using scooter ran out of store Mayor Patti Garrett said the construction phase will definitely have an impact,t and they're asking people to keep supporting the businesses around the square. 'Ten months. It's a short period of time to do all this, and we have made it clear to businesses, please reach out to us if anything they made need during that time,' City of Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett said. 'This is gonna improve it and make it better.' And while businesses brace for construction detours, at Jeni's Ice Cream, they're confident people will find them. 'More customers. Trust me, they'll come with the construction,' store manager Nya Cherry said. 'When you go see some of the other city squares, it's time to get caught up, modernize with it, and I think the plan's lovely,' Savadkoohi said. 'Brings something new. A fresh music spot and everything,' business owner Scott Herman said. This is only one phase of a larger plan. Decatur hopes to have a full reopening by next June, in time for the FIFA World Cup matches here.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Metro Atlanta city named 3rd ever UNICEF Child Friendly City in US
UNICEF USA, the American chapter of the United Nation's Children's Fund, announced Thursday that a city in metro Atlanta was the third overall Child Friendly City in the U.S. The City of Decatur was named the third Child Friendly City in the United States by UNICEF, joining Houston, Texas and Minneapolis, Minn. The organization said that brought Decatur into a group of just 3,500 municipalities on the planet to hold the designation. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] 'The commitment, energy and effort displayed by young residents of Decatur on our Teen Leadership Team and Decatur Youth Council is an inspiration to all of us and a reminder that every voice is important when it comes to the work of city government,' Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett said about the new designation. 'My hope is that we as city leaders will continue to listen to youth voices and that those who serve as Decatur Youth representatives will inspire others to participate.' TRENDING STORIES: Supporters of fired Cobb County basketball coaches pack school board meeting Which restaurant chains are seeing the biggest price increases? Coca-Cola says tariffs could hit bottom line if canning, bottling costs rise According to UNICEF, the Child Friendly Cities Initiative incorporates a framework of safety, health, inclusivity and child-responsiveness when applying its designation to its members. The City of Decatur is now among the few thousand to receive such titling since 1996, when the initiative started. 'We are thrilled to have Decatur join our growing cohort of UNICEF Child Friendly Cities in the United States and recognize the City's commitment to building a safer and more accessible community for children,' UNICEF USA President & CEO Michael J. Nyenhuis said. 'UNICEF USA is proud to celebrate the dedication of the Decatur community to support youth involvement and include them in city decision making and initiatives that will have a lasting impact for generations to come.' To earn the designation, UNICEF said Decatur had to meet five priorities, including improving public spaces access for all, increasing trust with members of law enforcement, making the city cleaner, making Decatur more inclusive for all children and young people and becoming more sustainable, while improving access to mental health resources for children and teenagers. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
