In Decatur, the days of the vibrant rainbow-colored planters lining West Howard Avenue are officially numbered. City officials have announced that starting July 22, they will auction off nearly 200 of these traffic-calming planters, which have been both adored and criticized since their installation six years ago.
The quirky planters have received attention from locals and visitors alike, prompting mixed reactions, including countless bewildered comments from new drivers navigating the area. Despite the controversy, many agree the planters have been effective in improving road safety.
The proceeds from the auction will be directed toward honoring Beacon Hill, a historically significant settlement established for newly freed slaves where the planters currently stand. After more than four years of planning, the city is moving forward with an estimated $1.9 million project that will replace the planters with permanent landscaping that will narrow the busy road as a safety measure, with expected completion by early 2026.
For those interested in the quirky history of these planters, a detailed story from 2021 dives into their origins and the pandemic-related antics that surrounded them.
In Atlanta, a new phase of transportation technology has arrived. Waymo’s driverless Jaguar I-PACE taxis are now operational across the city, marking a significant step in the evolution of ride-sharing services. Uber users can now access these autonomous vehicles through various options in the app, including UberX, Comfort, and Comfort Electric.
The aim for Waymo is to expand operations with potentially hundreds of vehicles covering a 65-mile radius around Atlanta. Future plans also include the addition of driverless Hyundai Ioniqs manufactured in Georgia. To identify their ride, passengers will notice a digital dome on the car displaying their initials as it travels through the city.
Uber executives have assured that the introduction ofWaymo’s driverless vehicles will not eliminate available jobs for current Uber drivers. In cities like Austin, the demand for traditional, human-operated taxis has remained steady, indicating that many users still prefer rides with a human touch.
Meanwhile, the Georgia World Congress Center Authority is contemplating the creation of a new food and beverage district near downtown Atlanta’s sports venues. This development could follow in the footsteps of the recently constructed Centennial Yards and The Center, previously known as CNN Center.
Currently, the GWCCA has allocated $1 million towards engineering studies to evaluate the feasibility of establishing a low-rise retail space at International Plaza, the large green area that currently serves as a front yard for Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the GWCC, located near State Farm Arena.
The proposed retail district would feature a mix of dining options, from sit-down restaurants to quick eateries intended for visitors and local residents. At 110,000 square feet, International Plaza’s design is still under review, with reports expected to conclude by the end of next month.
If determined viable, the construction of this new district would only begin after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the goal of having the area completed in time for the Super Bowl scheduled in early 2028.
Early evaluations suggest existing infrastructure might limit the project to a maximum of two stories, emphasizing the critical need for careful planning amidst ongoing developments downtown. Furthermore, the redevelopment of International Plaza serves as a backup plan compared to the previously announced redesign of the Home Depot Backyard, which now focuses on retaining the space for game day and event parking due to changes in the area’s tailgating landscape brought on by Centennial Yards.
image source from：atlanta
