BeltLine Project Will Move Forward
Mayor Shirley Franklin joined representatives from Atlanta BeltLine Inc., the BeltLine Partnership, the Atlanta Development Authority (ADA) and the City Law Department to address the recent Georgia Supreme Court decision regarding development of the BeltLine.
In a unanimous ruling, the Court reversed the 2007 ruling of the Fulton County Superior Court that validated bonds slated to be issued for the BeltLine Tax Allocation District (TAD). A TAD is established for the purpose of publicly financing certain redevelopment activities in underdeveloped areas. Redevelopment costs are financed through the pledge of future incremental increase in property taxes generated by the resulting new development.
The Supreme Court held that financing plans for redevelopment plans like the BeltLine cannot include funding from school districts. As a result, proposed bond financings of the BeltLine TAD, which was anticipated to be as much as $1.7 billion, have effectively been reduced by one-half. Atlanta can use a TAD, for at least $800 million, from the City and County portions.
Despite this unanticipated setback, the City will continue to support the development of the 25-year BeltLine project. “Atlanta is not a city that gives up on its vision. Like the construction and opening of the Fifth Runway at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and the recent re-approval of the MOST for our $3.9 billion water and sewer overhaul, this community has the same opportunity to keep the BeltLine on track.”
Atlanta – and indeed the region – suffers from uneven development, too little green space, poor air quality, traffic congestion and aggressive growth. The BeltLine will link 22 miles and countless neighborhoods in Atlanta’s urban core with transit, trails, new development, affordable housing and greenspace. This best-in-class model of efficient, environmentally-sustained development is the most wide-ranging urban re-development currently underway in the U.S.
Development is already underway in quadrants across Atlanta, including construction of the West End Park, the West End Trail, and the North Avenue Park. The City has allocated $160 million for the BeltLine redevelopment, and $18 million is included in the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) transportation funding plan.
“The BeltLine has deep, community support across the region and a wide range of partners and funding sources,” said Terri Montague, president and CEO, Atlanta BeltLine Inc. “We are disappointed in the Court’s ruling, but remain focused on the BeltLine vision.”
For More Information on the BeltLine Project and Capitol Campaign, Visit www.beltline.org
Mayor Shirley Franklin joins BeltLine officials, City of Atlanta officials and Atlanta City Councilmembers to provide a update on the BeltLine. |
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Public Works Department to Launch New Solid Waste Collection Process
Beginning March 3, 2008, the Office of Solid Waste Services will implement a new solid waste collection process that will establish long-term improvements in operations, customer service and environmental sustainability.
To ensure efficient, timely and safe collection of solid waste from all customers, the Department of Public Works (DPW) has redistributed households into more balanced service areas, which will result in new collection days for most of Atlanta’s residents. The new collection improvements will not only create a more cost-efficient collection process, but residents will benefit from a safer, cleaner, greener Atlanta.
The most noticeable changes in the new solid waste collection process include:
- New collection days for most customers.
- Weekly collection of waste materials (garbage, recycling and yard waste).
- Yard waste will not be collected in plastic bags. It must be placed in paper yard waste (kraft) bags or a container clearly labeled “yard trimmings.”
- Only 5 additional bags of garbage are allowed in addition to the contents of your Herbie Curbie for garbage collection.
For additional information, or to obtain their new collection day, customers may call the DPW Customer Service Division at 404.330.6333 or visit www.atlantaga.gov
Visit www.atlantaga.gov for information on the new Solid Waste Services Collections. |
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Atlanta Hits Water Conservation Mark in January
Atlanta residents and businesses heeded Mayor Shirley Franklin’s call to conserve water during January, using an average of 81.26 million gallons of water a day, 10.25 percent less than was used in January 2007 and just under the City’s target of 81.47 mgd.
These numbers were provided by the Atlanta Department of Watershed Management (DWM) and reflect production from the Hemphill and Chattahoochee water treatment plants. The City’s share of the North Area Treatment Plant production has not been included due to that plant’s own river withdrawal permit.
Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue mandated all users holding river withdrawal permits to cut their usage by 10 percent from December 2006 through March 2007. Atlanta’s usage during those months averaged 90.52 mgd. Usage in December 2006 was 89.68 mgd.
Despite recent rains, the City is still suffering a Level 4 drought and lake levels remain low. Lake Lanier currently is more than 18 feet below its 1,071-foot “full pool.”
Conservation tips are available at www.atlantawatershed.org The City of Atlanta’s water usage figures are posted on www.atlantawatershed.org every weekday.
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African American Men Benefit from Job Training and Mentoring Program
To address rising unemployment among African American men in Atlanta, in February, the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency (AWDA) launched the Pursuit of Excellence Institute, a 4-week job training and mentoring program.
This program is sponsored and funded by the Seagram’s Gin Company. Pursuit of Excellence provides hands-on job training and mentoring to 13 men selected by the AWDA staff who are either under-employed or seeking employment.
The program pairs participants with successful, inspiring individuals for one-on-one mentoring. AWDA staff – along with local experts - provide essential job training skills that include interviewing, dressing for success, technical skills and financial savvy.
Last week, program participants attended the 2008 Heritage Celebration in Atlanta, where they met former Atlanta Mayor and U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young. Leaders from the Atlanta Housing Authority, and local music, business etiquette and job readiness industries have also joined the program to provide their expertise.
Pursuit of Excellence is a pilot program that is simultaneously being conducted in Chicago. Participants receive a $500 stipend, weekly lesson plans and supplies, and a professional business suit. One outstanding participant will receive a $2500 fellowship and career wardrobe at the conclusion of the program on February 26, 2008.
Pursuit of Excellence participants on the first day of training.Standing together are Dantavious Heard, Omotayo Omidiji, Jairus Glenn, Michael Rios, Alexis Flowers, and Dorian Williams, Christopher Bryant, Quincy McBride, Simeon Oyeyemi, Murad Taalib-Din, Richard Crockett, Robert Lee, and Robert Phillips.
Pursuit of Excellence participants meet former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young (center) at the recent Heritage Celebration in Atlanta.
Pursuit of Excellence participant Murad Taalib-Din is fitted for a professional suit. |
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Final Dates for APS Seniors to “Meet with the Mayor”
Atlanta Public School (APS) seniors who want to qualify for a 2008 Mayor’s Youth Program summer internship or receive financial assistance for college after graduation must register to attend a scheduled “Meet with the Mayor” session.
The last scheduled “Meet with the Mayor” sessions are Saturday February 16 and Monday February 18. Sessions are held at the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency (AWDA) at 818 Pollard Street, Atlanta, 30305. Sessions are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Students will have an opportunity to meet with Mayor Shirley Franklin and the AWDA staff and share their goals after graduation. Whether they wish to receive a stimulating, paid summer internship; attend a four-year, two-year or technical college, or earn a certification and move immediately into the workforce, the Mayor’s Youth Program has assisted hundreds of young people with the transition into their next phase of life.
A Financial Aid counselor will be available both days to help students process their FAFSA applications. Students must bring their parents’ W2 forms or 2007 Tax Return Summary to process the FAFSA. If a student worked in 2007, they also need to bring W2 forms.
To register for the final “Meet with the Mayor” dates, or for more information on the Mayor’s Youth Program, visit www.mayorsyouthprogram.org.
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Mayor Shirley Franklin, BeltLine officials and the City of Atlanta Law Department held a news conference to discuss the Georgia Supreme Court’s recent ruling regarding BeltLine TAD Bonds. Click here to go to Video On Demand (VOD) webpage to watch the news conference.