The Redlight the Gulch Coalition announced at a rally this morning at City Hall that four labor unions have joined the organization protesting the development deal for the 40-acre Downtown property adjacent to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The unions include International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, District Council 77; Laborers International Union of America, Local 515; International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, Local 33; and United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers, Local 136. Spearheaded by community think-tank Georgia STAND-UP and the Housing Justice League, Redlight the Gulch has been raising money to mount a legal challenge to the $5 billion development of offices, hotels, homes and retail from LA-based CIM Group, which will utilize $1.9 in public money to complete. The coalition objects to diverting tax dollars for a private development and inadequate affordable housing among other issues.
The City of Atlanta and the Department of City Planning (DCP) have launched ATL Permit Navigator, a business development portal designed to streamline the city’s permitting process. The site will help guide customers through complex projects such as renovations and new business development, including information on zoning and building regulations, paying fees and obtaining licenses. Permit and zoning information is available in six languages, including: Spanish, French, Hindi, Vietnamese, Chinese and Korean. Visit the portal at https://permits.atlantaga.gov/.
Autter, a rideshare app for teens, has launched in Atlanta. Designed to transport middle and high school aged children back and forth to practices, school, rehearsals, games and social activities, Autter allows parents and teens to schedule their rides in advance, receive text reminders and ride updates, get real-time geo-tracking, use an internal rating system, and pre-load destinations to save time when scheduling. The company does extensive, multi-level background checks on its drivers to ensure safety.