We’ve hit the ground running as we start a new decade.
With a 15-0 vote, my Council colleagues and I approved an Inspector General for Atlanta. Some details need to be worked out, but this may be the most important move toward good government in a long time for Atlanta. It’s a commitment that misdeeds and misbehavior will not be tolerated. This was my #1 priority for 2020. Good --- no, great --- government rests on trust AND verification.
Trees are also on my mind. We’ve struggled as we’ve tried to reach a new, clearer, and fairer ordinance to protect Atlanta’s precious green canopy. It’s time for Council to consider and pass legislation.
Safety is always on our mind. We take a look back at 2019 crime statistics for a more detailed analysis of how safe our District 8 residential neighborhoods are.
Traffic and its impact on District 8 were addressed by Atlanta’s new director of Transportation, Josh Rowan, during a meeting we hosted with the leaders of our 27 neighborhood associations. ‘You are suburban Atlanta with people from outside the perimeter coming through your neighborhoods every day,’ Josh said. The remedy, he said, is found, in part, with mass transportation, such as buses.
Josh’s candid assessment provided few immediate remedies (although there are some) but did offer longer-term solutions that should bring meaningful relief. His experience and ties to federal, state, and regional transportation officials inspire confidence that better days are ahead.
Speaking of better days, a new headquarters for the Chastain Park Conservancy is underway, and the Garmon Road party house suffered another legal blow. We’ll discuss those two points of interest and provide a status report on plans to replace the Northside Drive bridge as it crosses Peachtree Creek next to the Bobby Jones Golf Course.
We also want to make note of two significant events that deserve special mention. Former Atlanta Mayor Sam Massell announced that he will retire later this year after 30 years as head of the Buckhead Coalition. The Buckhead we know today is a result of the efforts of the ‘Mayor of Buckhead.’ We also remember Anne Cox Chambers, the philanthropist, owner of Cox Enterprises, Inc. and former US ambassador to Belgium, who died January 31 at age 100. Mrs. Chambers, for whom I once worked at Cox, lived in District 8. Her influence and generosity touched not just Atlanta but the world.
And finally, remember to call 311 to report potholes, missing street signs, and other needs. If you don’t see results, call or email us. Our contact information can be found at the bottom of this newsletter.
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