The Neighborhood Hot List: Downtown

1. Undergound Atlanta sold

The city has sold the Downtown historic attraction to a developer who will transform it into apartments and retail, including a supermarket. Read more on Page 22.

2. Centennial Park expansion

Removal of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce building on the park’s west edge could open up the space for more big events, especially after the success of last year’s Outkast concerts.

3. Twin Smokers BBQ

The new barbecue joint opened just after Christmas at 300 Marietta St.

4. Spin On

The city has extended the lease for the SkyView Ferris Wheel next door to The Tabernacle for another year.

5. Streetcar Desires

We’re hoping that by the time you’re reading this, the Atlanta Streetcar will have met its goal to open before Jan.1.

DeKalb Medical Stroke Center in Decatur recently received the Certificate of Distinction for Advanced Certification as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission. The achievement recognizes the hospital’s overall efforts to provide comprehensive evidence based stroke care. “This is a great certification not only for our stroke program, but also our community,” said Chika Odioemene, DeKalb Medical Stroke Coordinator Nurse Practioner. “As the leading hospital in DeKalb County and surrounding areas – we want to ensure that we can provide the best possible care to all of our patients.”

DeKalb Medical has also garnered accolades from The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association for achieving at least 12 consecutive months of 85 percent or higher adherence to all Get With The Guidelines - Stroke Achievement Indicators to improve quality of patient care and outcomes.

More than 7,000 participants gathered in Piedmont Park recently for the 24th annual AIDS Walk Atlanta & 5K Run and raised nearly $1 million. The event kicked off with the opening ceremony, featuring Mistress of Ceremonies comedian Sandra Bernhard. Other notable speakers included AID Atlanta’s CEO Dr. Jose Diaz-Rodriguez and HIV activist Hydeia Broadbent. “We are grateful for the longtime community support around AIDS Walk Atlanta & 5K Run,” says Dr. Diaz. “The funds raised at this year’s event will help to continue the vital work supporting those in need in our community.” In addition to AID Atlanta, beneficiaries include AID Gwinnett / Ric Crawford Clinic, Aniz, Jerusalem House, Living Room, Open Hand and Positive Impact.

The Atlanta Track Club has hired Amy Begley, a 2008 US Olympian, as the first full-time head coach in the Club’s 50-year history. Begley, a 15-time All-American and two-time NCAA national champion while competing for the University of Arkansas, made the 2008 Olympic team at 10,000 meters with a dramatic last lap, racing the clock to beat the required “A” time standard for inclusion. In 2009, she finished sixth at the IAAF World Championships at the same distance in a personal best 31:13.78, making her the eighth-fastest American woman in history. She finished her professional career with six national titles, four of them – at 3000m indoors and 10,000 meters on the track and at 5K and 15K on the roads – in 2009. Among Atlanta Track Club’s stated goals is to develop at least one male and one female Olympian by 2020.

Verizon Wireless announced it has donated more than $800,000 to domestic violence advocacy organizations across the state of Georgia in 2014, including $10,000 from its HopeLine phone recycling program to the Atlanta Mission to support the organization’s Thanksgiving holiday meal in November.

The Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia will present its signature fundraising gala the Taste of Love on Feb. 7 from 6:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead. The black-tie will be emceed by comedian Jonathan Slocum. There will also be a gourmet dinner, live music and silent and live auctions. Tickets are $300 each and available at epilepsyga.org.