Today on Athens News Matters, hundreds of Athenians confronted the redeveloper of the West Side mall. It turned into a lesson on tax law. And, a historic downtown building moves one step closer to demolition.
Amid dusty storefronts, Athenians demand answers about mall
The mall redevelopment project on the West Side of Athens has been the target of rumors lately. Over two hundred people packed into the Georgia Square Mall last Thursday for a town hall meeting. Surrounded by empty store fronts, they demanded answers from developers about the project that’s supposed to turn the nearly defunct retail building into a thriving neighborhood. WUGA’s Emma Auer has more.
Resolution on racial inequities passes Commission
The Athens Clarke County Commission passed a resolution addressing racial inequities in the county during Tuesday night’s meeting. The measure, which was brought to the Commission by the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement, sought to reaffirm the county’s commitment to push for affordable housing by addressing discriminatory housing practices, encourage economic justice by promoting job opportunities and equitable wages, and supporting minority-owned businesses and youth safety in Black and minority communities. WUGA’s Alexia Ridley has more.
Historic preservationists leave meeting heartbroken over Saye Building
Over the past several weeks, Athenians have rallied to try to save the Saye Building, a historic property in downtown Athens. At Tuesday’s regular session, the Mayor and Commission voted to remove it from the West Downtown Historic District. WUGA’s Lara Dua Swartz has more.
Georgia Health Report: More personnel cuts hit the CDC
This week on the Georgia Health Report, we'll talk about the latest round of layoffs by the Trump administration. The new firings affect thousands of federal health workers, including many people at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.
B2: UGA-born Hauntfest to spook Athenians this weekend
For lovers of all things scary, spooky season extends beyond October. At least, that’s what Roseann Harpold bet on when she invented Hauntfest as a University of Georgia student.
WUGA’s Sean Polite sat down with her for in depth look at what inspired the horror festival—and what visitors can expect this weekend at the event.
