Have you heard about the Center for Racial Justice & Black Futures?
Athens-Clarke County government had two agenda setting sessions recently, on Oct 15 and Nov 6 respectively. Let’s discuss a selection of items that affect Athens-Clarke residents.
The first major agenda item is the approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement between ACCGov and Classic Center Authority for funding to develop the Center for Racial Justice & Black Futures. An IGA allows for an official contract to be drafted to enable two governmental entities to work together on a common goal. The CRJBF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit which has advocated for justice for Linnentown, and aided in establishing the renaming of Finley Street to Linnentown Lane, a street in the area where Linnentown once stood. Through this approval, ACCGov will begin the process of allocating funds to the project, and CCA will procure designs and a contractor so that the CRJBF will have a physical space to occupy.
CRJBF has an official website where one can learn more about the organization’s previous accomplishments and future goals.
Let’s Talk About TSPLOST
Next, the Mayor and Commission has approved a variety of transportation and pedestrian-oriented projects, the first being TSPLOST 2023 Project 4, which aims to “create vital connections between residential areas, commercial districts, and UGA campus” according to the Athens in Motion Commission. This will allow for an increase in safety for pedestrians and cyclists along West Broad Street, a major corridor in Athens. Concept sketches have been approved, and an IGA has been approved with the Georgia Department of Transportation.
The TSPLOST 2023 Project 28 was also approved, allowing for the authorization of an IGA between ACCGov and the Athens Downtown Development Authority to further develop the College Square Pedestrian Plaza. The IGA will detail project management, financing structure, maintenance and ownership, and process outline for the project. This project aims to improve paving, accessibility, seating, and lighting. College Square has allowed for “a positive impact on the movement on Broad Street and increased safety for the vast amount of pedestrians crossing Broad Street” according to a Transportation and Public Works traffic study, and the space itself serves as a great location for engaging community and businesses.
Mental Health Recovery Facility Project
Finally, the Mayor and Commission approved a designation of the highest scoring contractor to provide construction contract services for SPLOST 2020 Project 28, the Mental Health Recovery Facility Project. Advantage Behavioral Health Systems, a treatment and recovery center for behavioral health issues and addictive diseases, intends to construct an inpatient facility to better serve Advantage’s clients. Advantage is one of Athens’ 24/7 inpatient crisis centers, so this addition will allow Advantage to provide improved mental health services to Athens residents who are in crisis.
Impact of Hemp Laws from Senate Bill 494
Georgia’s new hemp amendment, Senate Bill 494 (SB 494), adds many restrictions to the hemp industry in Georgia. SB 494 attempts to redefine the federal definition of hemp and take away one of the most valuable cannabinoids, THCa, which is not intoxicating. Click here to read the full article.
Tell the @georgiadeptag to increase MG limits on gummies and drinks . Email hemp@agr.georgia.gov to increase their limits by November 21 at 4:30pm.
Staying up-to-date with local government can seem daunting, but don’t worry — you can access all sessions and minutes on the ACCGov website yourself. You can learn more about agenda sessions here.