Latest news with #ShirleyFranklin
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Atlanta park, street renamed in honor of former Mayor Shirley Franklin
The Brief The City of Atlanta has renamed Westside Reservoir Park and Central Avenue in honor of former Mayor Shirley Franklin, recognizing her contributions to the city. Franklin, Atlanta's first female mayor, was instrumental in acquiring the land that became Westside Park during her tenure beginning in 2001. Her legacy includes the "Clean Water Atlanta" initiative and the Mayor's Youth Program, both aimed at improving infrastructure and supporting young residents. ATLANTA - Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin received a lasting tribute to her legacy this week as the city renamed both a major park and street in her honor. What we know On Thursday, city leaders officially changed the name of Westside Reservoir Park — Atlanta's largest green space — to Shirley Franklin Park. Central Avenue, a prominent downtown street, was also renamed in her honor. Franklin, who made history in 2001 as Atlanta's first female mayor, played a key role in securing the land that would later become the park during her time in office. "I don't do this for recognition — but if I have to be an example of that, I welcome it," Franklin said during the ceremony. What they're saying In addition to championing green space, Franklin is credited with launching the "Clean Water Atlanta" initiative to overhaul the city's aging sewer system, and for creating the Mayor's Youth Program to support young people across the city. The renaming ceremonies celebrate Franklin's impact on Atlanta's infrastructure, environment, and civic life — a legacy city leaders say will now be remembered for generations to come.
Axios
07-02-2025
- General
- Axios
Former Mayor Shirley Franklin receives park, street renaming honor
One of Atlanta's prettiest parks and a Downtown street bordering City Hall are being renamed in honor of Atlanta's first woman mayor. Driving the news: On Monday, the Atlanta City Council approved the renaming of Westside Reservoir Park and Central Avenue in honor of former Mayor Shirley Franklin. Catch up quick: Franklin, who served from 2002 to 2010, was also the first Black woman to lead a major Southern city. Her major accomplishment: taking on the unsexy but important job of overhauling the city's water and sewer systems. Fun fact: The city purchased a northwest Atlanta quarry during Franklin's second and final term to build an emergency drinking-water reservoir and park. Zoom out: Central Avenue from Decatur to Pryor streets (roughly from Georgia State University to the I-20/75-85 interchange) will become "Shirley Clarke Franklin Boulevard." The intrigue: The city commission tasked with determining the appropriate tribute to Franklin held a public meeting in September and solicited public input. However, the renaming legislation waived a requirement for city officials to brief nearby residents, leaving some community members feeling left out of the process, according to the Center for Civic Innovation.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Parked Delta plane hit by another aircraft while waiting on tarmac
A minor accident between two planes caused a temporary flight disruption. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The incident happened at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Wednesday. A spokesperson for Delta Air Lines told Channel 2 Action News a Japan Airlines plane that was taxiing on the tarmac hit the tail of a parked Delta plane. The Delta flight was coming from Seattle, headed to Puerto Vallarta. While there were 142 passengers on board, there were no reports of injuries. Passengers were booked on a new plane. The Atlanta-based airline says it's working with aviation stakeholders to investigate. TRENDING STORIES: 70-year-old man arrested for running pill mill out of his Carrollton home 18-year-old charged with murder in quadruple killing at northwest Georgia park Atlanta's largest park renamed for former Mayor Shirley Franklin [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Yahoo
Suspect steals $150, hit clerk multiple times at Atlanta gas station
Atlanta police need your help solving a robbery. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Investigators released surveillance video of the Jan. 25 incident. Atlanta officers said a man went into the 76 gas station on Jonesboro Road. Officials say the suspect wore a blue and white checkered blanket to hide his identity. According to APD, he showed a gun, and then hit the clerk several times, before he stole around $150 from the cash register. He appeared to have been wearing a green t-shirt, blue pants and brown shoes, underneath the blanket. TRENDING STORIES: 18-year-old charged with murder in quadruple killing at northwest Georgia park Atlanta's largest park renamed for former Mayor Shirley Franklin Murder, arson suspect in Gordon County shot by law enforcement If you have any information, call the Atlanta Police Department. Tipsters can remain anonymous by calling the Crime Stoppers Atlanta tip line at 404-577-8477, submitting a tip online, or texting CSGA and the tip to CRIMES (738477). You don't have to give any identifying information to be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000. [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]
