Monthly Archives: August 2016

Canadian comedian Kevin McDonald is joining Dad's Garage in the Old Fourth Ward for a weekend of improv and workshops. Courtesy of Dad's Garage. — Canadian comedian Kevin McDonald is joining Dad’s Garage in the Old Fourth Ward for a weekend of improv and workshops. Courtesy of Dad’s Garage.

Comedian and actor Kevin McDonald is bringing his funny bone to the Old Fourth Ward.

McDonald will join the improv ensemble at Dad’s Garage on September 16 -17, for two nights of hilarity, according to a news release from Dad’s Garage. McDonald will be on stage each night during the second half of the improv jam session.

The renowned comedian will also participate in two shows. He will appear in the premiere of “Murder, She Improvised” on September 16 at 10:30 p.m. He will also close out the season of “SCANDAL!” (dead mall edition) at 8 p.m. on September 17.

“After many weeks of drama, we can’t wait to see how McDonald brings the hilarity to a close in our fictitious Old Fourth Ward Mall,” the new release says.

In addition to his stage appearances, McDonald will teach a sketch writing intensive workshop during the day on September 17 and 18.

He will teach students the process he used to create new content in “Kids in the Hall” and other sketch shows. He will also look at student work, give feedback and take students through the process of rewriting. On Sunday night, he will take the some work from the class, and help other actors put on a sketch comedy show.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to write, create, and perform with Kevin McDonald,” the news release says.

Show Details:

Improv Jamz  Sept 16, 8 p.m.

“Murder She Improvised” Sept 16, 10:30 p.m.

“SCANDAL!” Sept 17, 8 p.m.

Improv Jamz  Sept 17, 10:30 p.m.

Tickets:

“Just Seats” starting at $22 online, $24 phone & door

“Fancy Pants Seats” (reserved) available for all evenings for an additional $10 online and by phone

Sketch Writing Workshop with Kevin McDonald:

September 17 -18 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

$300 for the session

Dad’s Garage Theatre Company

569 Ezzard St SE

Atlanta, GA 30312

404.523.3141 ext. 201

www.dadsgarage.com

New-Colony-Square-Rendering-Atlanta-August-30

Beltline/ Business/ Metro ATL

Colony Square in Midtown releases rendering of new space, 5Church rooftop patio opens

Mariann Martin 08/31/2016

A newly released image shows what a "reimagined" Colony Square might look like. — A newly released image shows what a “reimagined” Colony Square might look like. Obtained via Facebook.

Colony Square, the mixed-use property in Midtown Atlanta, unveiled a new rendering of how the space might look after it is finished.

It also announced the property had received a Wired Certified Platinum rating from WiredScore.

“Take a look and let us know what you think,” a Facebook post on the Colony Square’s page invites.

The two office buildings in Colony Square offer tenants seven sources of Type 1 fiber from AT&T, Cogent, Comcast, Level 3, Verizon, XO Communications and Zayo, What Now Atlanta reported.

Colony Square has “state-of-the-art Internet connectivity, infrastructure and capacity to readily support new technology” the article noted.

The development is being “reimagined” by North American Properties, a process that was announced earlier this year.

In addition, the restaurant 5Church in Colony Square has announced they are opening their rooftop patio on Sept. 9.

Rooftop seating will be available every night on a first-come, first-served basis, according to a news release. A special “lite bite” menu will be available on the rooftop, as well as a full beverage menu.

A grey Dodge Charger similar to the one police are looking for. Photo provided by Atlanta Police.

Beltline/ Crime and Public Safety

Atlanta Police look for vehicle suspected of being involved in a hit-and-run incident

Dan Whisenhunt 08/31/2016

The Atlanta Police Department is asking for leads that will help them find a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run incident.

The incident occurred on Aug. 27 at McDaniel and Glenn streets.

“The preliminary investigation showed pedestrian Donshay N. Brown was walking North on McDaniel street along with her male companion Randy J. Miller,” the report from the Atlanta Police Department says. “Pedestrian Brown attempted to cross McDaniel Street and was struck by a possible Grey Dodge Charger that was traveling North on McDaniel Street. The suspect vehicle fled the scene of the collision and a look out was placed over the radio. Pedestrian Donshay N. Brown was transported to Grady in Critical Condition. Family members were present at Grady Hospital. Charges are anticipated in this collision.”

Police are looking for a grey 2005 or 2006 model Dodge charger with front end damage. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact police at 404-765-2808, extension 128.

Beltline/ Crime and Public Safety

Beltline’s police unit sees few crimes in three years

Mariann Martin 08/30/2016

The Eastside Trail of the Beltline provides open space for cyclists and joggers. It is patrolled by the Atlanta Police Department’s PATH Force unit. Photo by Dena Mellick

In more than three years since it was created, the Beltline’s PATH force unit has responded to 18 crimes committed in its jurisdiction. Only three crimes have occurred so far in 2016, the Atlanta Police Department reports.

The Atlanta Police Department PATH Force unit was launched in July 2013. It has 15 officers, two sergeants and one lieutenant. They patrol the area around the Beltline seven days a week, with one day shift and one evening shift, according the Lt. Jeff Baxter, who heads the unit.

Crime statistics provided by the APD show officers in the unit issued charges for two counts of disorderly conduct, two counts of vandalism, three counts of larceny theft, and one count of marijuana possession. There were a few more serious charges, including an armed robbery and a sex offense over the 3-year period.

The Path Force unit patrols the Eastside Trail, West End Trail, and the Northside Trail, as well as interim hiking trails and the Southwest Connector Trail, according to information on the Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. website. It also patrols nearby parks such as the Historic Fourth Ward Park, D.H. D.H. Stanton Park, Boulevard Crossing Park and Piedmont Park.

The positions for the unit were created after APD received a $1.8 million U.S. Department of Justice COPS in 2012. As required by the federal grant, the officers are all military veterans.

The APD does not have a specific line item for the Beltline unit, so it is unclear how much it costs to fund the PATH force unit on a yearly basis.

Their precinct on Memorial Drive is owned by Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. and leased to the APD for $1 a year, Baxter said in an email.

The unit primarily patrols on foot and by bicycle. A few weeks ago, the city of Atlanta announced they were providing five electric vehicles for the Beltline which will be used by the PATH Force unit, as well as other city departments.

Beltline/ Metro ATL

Event celebrates beginning of tree-planting season

Mariann Martin 08/30/2016

A map of Atlanta shows the urban tree canopy, which is one of the highest in the country. Courtesy of Trees Atlanta. — A map of Atlanta shows the urban tree canopy, one of the highest in the country. Courtesy of Trees Atlanta.

A “Tailgate for Trees” in Old Fourth Ward will kick off the Atlanta tree-planting season.

The casual event will feature live music, “small bites” food and beverages from Red Hare Brewing Company. It will be held at Venkman’s on Thursday, Sept. 22, from 5:30 – 8 p.m.

The admission is $40.

All proceeds will benefit The Nature Conservancy and Trees Atlanta.

Atlanta is sometimes known as a “City in a Forest” because it has such so many trees. The overall urban tree canopy is at 47.9 percent, one of the highest in the country, according to the Trees Atlanta website.

Beltline

Lantern parade workshops this week

Mariann Martin 08/30/2016

The Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade had thousands of participants and thousands more gathered to watch. Photo by Travis Hudgons — The 2015 Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade had thousands of participants and thousands more gathered to watch. Photo by Travis Hudgons

One of the most beloved Beltline events of the year is just around the corner – the Lantern Parade. If you plan to swing, dangle or carry a lantern this year, now is the time to attend a lantern workshop and start making your own perfect creation.

“It is a whole bunch of fun,” said Chantelle Rytter, one of the masterminds behind the parade and the workshops. “The creativity in this city is well worth celebrating.”

It is fun to see adults get enthusiastic about about making a lantern, especially people who haven’t done a craft project since school, Rytter said.

Some workshops are open to both adults and children, while others are adults only. The first workshop features lantern hats, while the others will be globe lanterns. All supplies are provided.

First launched in 2010, the Lantern Parade is a procession of lights, music and festivities all along the Eastside Trail. Last year, more than 60,000 people attended and participated in the parade.

This year, the parade is Saturday, Sept. 10 from 7:30 – 11 p.m. It is hosted by Rytter and the Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons.

The event opens the Art on the Atlanta BeltLine exhibition, held annually from early September through mid-November.

Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. has additional details and a handy printable map and tips.

To sign up for one of the following lantern workshops, click here.

Lantern Workshop: Hat Lanterns Aug. 30, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Lantern Workshop: Globe Lanterns (Adults Only) Sept. 1, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Lantern Workshop: Globe Lanterns at the Carlos Museum (Adults Only) Sept. 2, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Lantern Workshop: Globe Lanterns at the Carlos Museum Sept. 3, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Lantern Workshop: Globe Lanterns Sept. 6, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Beltline/ Business

New details on Beltline’s “lifestyle destination” development

Mariann Martin 08/30/2016

Developers for The Beacon Atlanta announced they have secured their first tenants for the six old industrial warehouses near Zoo Atlanta.

Pellerin Real Estate also shared a short fly-though video of the development and a site plan for the area in South Grant Park.

Third Street Market Goods, The Grant Park Public House, Balanced Fit Life, and Salon Vagabond are some of the tenants, as reported by What Now Atlanta.

Third Street Market Goods will be a 3,400 square feet neighborhood market and patio owned by Atlanta barkeepers Kathryn DiMenichi and Holli Medley, the article says.

Developers say the $20-million project is now 60 percent leased, according to Curbed Atlanta.

Additional tenants will come from local businesses, while others will be from from New York, the West and Gulf Coasts, Pellerin’s website says.

The Beacon Atlanta is located near a stretch of what will be the Southside Trail of the Beltline. The revitalization project will turn the old warehouses in the 9-acre district into a walkable space. It will be a “model for inspired urban living,” the developer’s website promises.

The development will have a mix of day and evening activities. Some of the proposed spaces will include a training gym, gymnastics school, wellness center, nursery school, hair salon, performing arts academy and food market, as well as numerous types of restaurants and food shops.

It will include office space, food production facilities and creative space for local artists. A music venue will seat up to 700 people.

The development is slated to open in late 2017.

Beltline/ Metro ATL/ Transit

Lane and ramp closures on Downtown Connector

Mariann Martin 08/30/2016

Atlanta Downtown Connector. Source: Wikimedia commons

A resurfacing project on the Downtown Connector will close some lanes and ramps every night this week.

Georgia DOT contractors will begin resurfacing about six miles on I-75/I-85 from University Avenue to the Brookwood Interchange, according to a news release from GDOT.

The work will take place nightly from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. An entire ramp may be closed during the project. Brookwood and I-20 interchanges will not have complete ramp closures to give emergency vehicles access to the ramps.

Exact dates may change due to weather or other factors.

No work will be done during the Labor Day weekend. Atlanta officials have reported they are expecting more than half a million people to visit the city during Labor Day weekend.

The Downtown Connector was resurfaced in 2008.

A tentative schedule for ramp closures.

Tuesday, August 30 at 9 p.m., – Wednesday, August 31 at 5 a.m.: three northbound lanes and shoulder will close between University Avenue and the Brookwood Interchange.

Wednesday, August 31 at 10 p.m. – Thursday, September 1 at 5 a.m.: four northbound lanes and shoulder will close between University Avenue and Freedom Parkway.

Wednesday, August 31 at 9 p.m. – Thursday, September 1 at 5 a.m.: three northbound lanes and shoulder will close between Freedom Parkway and the Brookwood Interchange.

Thursday, September 1 at 10 p.m. – Friday, September 2 at 5 a.m.: four northbound lanes and shoulder will close between University Avenue and the Brookwood Interchange.

Beltline/ Crime and Public Safety

Atlanta partners with GE to develop ‘Best-in-Class’ police procedures

Dan Whisenhunt 08/29/2016

An Atlanta Police vehicle. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed’s office says the city is partnering with GE to develop state-of-the-art policing in the city.

GE plans to invest $1 million into the project, a press release from the city says.

The money will be used to create, “enhanced public safety strategies, specifically focused on leadership development and culture training.”

The best-in-class policing model will consist of “data analysis and enhanced training” the press release says.

“Today’s announcement marks a significant step forward in strengthening our community policing efforts,” Reed said in the press release. “Our officers need enhanced training and capabilities to build community trust and improve as a police force. GE is one of the world’s leading companies, and when I asked for support, they responded without hesitation. I cannot thank our partners at GE enough for joining us in this essential partnership.”

The press release notes that APD has begun implementing a “Blueprint for Public Safety” that is based on recommendations of the White House’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing.

“In support of this plan’s implementation, APD and GE will jointly develop platforms that are transferable and sustainable,” the press release says. “Areas of focus include enhanced training methods, including the use of digital tools, improving data collection and analytics and leadership development and culture change practices.”