News Roundup

MARTA has been awarded a $2.6 million grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation for the purchase of six zeroemission battery electric buses to replace six diesel models.

Dr. Angelica

Geter Fugerson has been appointed as the first ever Chief Health Officer for the City of Atlanta. The CHO will focus on combating the leading causes of illness and disability in Atlanta, improving health literacy rates, and assessing emerging health needs to improve community health.

Exterior work to the Central Library in Downtown is underway as part of a $50 million renovation project to the 1980 building designed by famed architect Marcel Breuer. The first six floors of the library are being renovated to include all new mechanical equipment, flooring, restrooms and lighting. A new grand staircase will lead patrons from the lobby to the new technology center on the second floor. A new fifth-floor indoor/ outdoor conference center and event space will be one of the highlights of the new library design. A series of concrete panels will be replaced with new windows looking out over the city that will allow additional natural light to flood the interior of the renovated library. Renovations are expected to complete by late 2020.

A Fulton County judge issued a stop work order on Aug. 8 to prevent further demolition of a historic building at 152 Nassau Street in Downtown.

The Atlanta City Council unanimously approved a resolution opposing demolition of the building, which is associated with early country, blues, jazz and gospel artists. Work has already begun on th site to make way for a 21-story Margaritavillebranded hotel.