News Roundup Uncertainty, confusion reign as governor tries to jumpstart Georgia’s economy

By Collin Kelley and John Ruch

Gov. Brian Kemp’s controversial decision to begin reopening businesses even as the COVID-19 pandemic continues ¬– defying federal guidelines and those from health officials – has created uncertainty and confusion across Georgia.

Kemp said he expected the number of coronavirus cases to increase after his order allowed gyms, hair salons, nail shops, bowling alleys and tattoo and massage parlors to reopen on April 24 and restaurant dining rooms, movie theaters and private social clubs on April 27. More businesses are expected to get the go-ahead to reopen soon, while Kemp encouraged hospitals to begin elective surgeries and procedures again. Kemp said the state was prepared to deal with more COVID-19 cases, including the opening of a 200-bed field hospital inside the Georgia World Congress Center, but getting people back to work was essential.

Kemp’s reopening of businesses is an attempt to kick workers off unemployment and force them back into unsafe working conditions.

“While nothing would make me happier than all of this being over and getting the “all clear,” other than there being political pressure, I haven’t seen anything of the sort. I have only seen the first sign that cases and deaths in Georgia are just barely starting to level off—much less go down–but I’m not a public health expert. I just know I’m not getting an indication from actual public health experts that re-opening is a good idea,” Escobar said.

Justin Amick, president and CEO of the company that operates Buckhead’s Painted Pin and the Westside’s Painted Duck high-end bowling parlors, also expressed surprise and concern. “Although I couldn’t be happier to have bowling solidified as one of life’s most essential needs, I’m surprised by the accelerated timeline to be able to reopen our doors to the public,” he said.

The Atlanta Board of Education has announced that Dr. Lisa Herring, the current superintendent of Birmingham City Schools, is the sole finalist to replace Meria Carstarphen as superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools

The Atlanta City Council is meeting virtually until the COVID-19 crisis eases, but the public can still listen in and participate online at citycouncil.atlantaga.gov or on Facebook.com/atlcouncil.

The Atlanta City Council unanimously approved legislation April 20 to transfer $7 million from the uncommitted fund balance to assist those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will be used for children and senior food programs, helping the homeless, small business continuity, and more.

There’s no doubt the state’s economy is moribund, with a record million Georgians filing for unemployment and troubling numbers coming in from various sectors.

MARTA, which has seen bus ridership fall by 40 percent and rail riders by 80 percent, is $50 million-and-growing in the hole and expects to have to delay expansions and projects, including transit along the 22-mile Atlanta BeltLine loop. Community group BeltLine Rail Now said in a statement that Atlanta must find a way to pay for transit “that doesn’t depend so much on volatile and regressive sales tax collections.”

A survey of more than 55 arts nonprofits to determine how coronavirus has affected this sector was conducted by Dad’s Garage Theatre’s managing director, Lara Smith, and showed a loss of $10.6 million and growing. The nonprofit arts and culture sector is a $719.8 million industry in metro Atlanta – one that supports 23,514 fulltime equivalent jobs and generates $64.5 million in local and state government revenue.

And while Gov. Kemp’s order will allow some businesses to reopen, many are choosing not to out of fear of spreading the virus to employees and customers and creating a liability risk.

Plaza Theater owner Christopher Escobar said in a statement that he couldn’t see re-opening the historic Poncey-Highland cinema before May 1, and even that date seemed early. Escobar said he was focusing on creating a streaming platform for customers to watch films at home and even creating a drive-in theater experience in the parking lot.

Escobar said he was concerned that promised relief dollars would suddenly disappear now that cinemas were being “allowed” to reopen, which echoes a concern seen across social media by those who believe

Justin Amick elaborated on the concerns in a joint statement with his father Bob Amick, owner of the Concentric Restaurants group, which includes TWO Urban Licks, Bully Boy and Parish.

“We are scared to death about the new norms, strict limitations and guidelines that will make it impossible to be financially viable,” the Amicks said. “A rushed reopening could be the nail in the coffin for many companies. We won’t risk the safety of our staff, families and patrons, as their well-being is of the utmost importance.”

They join other local restaurant owners who did not reopen their dining rooms on April 27 as allowed in Kemp’s reopening order.

Two of Atlanta’s institutions – Manuel’s Tavern in Poncey-Highland and The Colonnade on Cheshire Bridge Road – both posted on Facebook that they will remain closed for now.

“My phone has been blowing up with tons of questions from staff and regular customers asking if we’re going to open on Monday. The answer is no,” Manuel’s owner Brian Maloof posted.

Manuel’s has been completely closed since the pandemic began but plans to start offering takeout soon. “We will continue doing to-go only until I’m convinced that it’s safe to open the tavern back up completely; it may be several weeks or longer. Don’t hate us for being safe,” Maloof said.

The Colonnade’s owner posted this on Facebook: “The governor is saying that restaurants can open but we won’t just yet. We closed March 16th for the safety of our employees and our customers. Our industry will see changes going forward. I just think it’s too early and want everyone to stay safe. We definitely miss everyone!”