🌱 Microsoft Steps Back From Grove Park Project + Safety Upgrades

Hey, everybody. It's Saturday in Atlanta and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening locally. Today you'll find news about these stories and more...

• Microsoft is stepping back from its $127 million development project in Atlanta.
• One of Atlanta's busiest corridors will receive safety upgrades.
• Comunidad Estrella will celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with its Miss and Mr. Community Estr(El-La) contest today.

But first, today's weather:

Sun, some clouds. High: 48 Low: 32.

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Here are the top five stories in Atlanta today:

1. Tech giant Microsoft is backing away from its 90-acre ambitions in Grove Park, which was a driving force in Atlanta real estate. It was initially promised to be a future-focused technology hub –supplying high-paying jobs, affordable housing, and a grocery store. After several meetings last year, Microsoft gathered opinions from Westside locals and government leaders and has decided to back away in recent months. (Subscription: The Atlanta Journal Constitution)
2. Metro Atlanta's busiest corridor is getting a safety upgrade. Improvements, including new audible push buttons at crosswalks and rising sidewalks for more separation between foot traffic and vehicles, along Buford Highway, will create a safer environment for drivers and pedestrians. Construction will likely begin in 2024. (WSB Atlanta)
3. An Atlanta nonprofit is dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQ+ community by crowning community leaders who help make the city a more accepting and inviting place. Comunidad Estrella advocates for the human rights of Black, Indigenous, and people of color trans community and is hosting the Miss and Mr. Community Estr(El-La) contest today from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. (11Alive.com WXIA)
4. Residents in a north Fulton neighborhood are concerned with Atlanta's deer population. According to residents, deer are eating plants and are getting too comfortable at Martin’s Landing subdivision in Roswell. Ray Bernier, who has lived by Pond Way for over 30 years, said, “They just multiplied, and they just love it here because everybody puts in some really good plants, especially hostas.” (WSB Atlanta)
5. Honda Battle of Bands is coming to Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium today (Feb. 4). The marching bands of six historically black colleges and universities and two high schools will compete at the event, which also features a college fair starting at 10 a.m. Performances will begin at 3 p.m. (WABE 90.1 FM)

Today in Atlanta:

• Adventure Cubs At Zoo Atlanta (9:30 AM)
• Coffee Connoisseur At Epicurean Atlanta (10:00 AM)
• LEGO®'s Brick Factor 2023 At Lenox Square (10:45 AM)

From my notebook:

• Are you heading to the Atlanta Zoo today? Check out an Elephant Care Demonstration at 11 a.m. or an Orangutan feeding & Keeper Talk (Habitat 2) at 1:45 p.m. (Zoo Atlanta)
• Atlanta's Clean Energy Advisory Board has relaunched with the goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2035 in the city. (City of Atlanta Government via Facebook)
• Something beautiful: Atlanta sunsets will never get old. See why at the link. (Discover Atlanta via Facebook)

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• Colony Roofers — (Visit website)
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Events:

• “Big Psychic Fair” this weekend February 4-5, 2023 (February 4)
• College Planning and Financial Aid Webinar (February 7)
• Minority Men's Health Program (February 9)
• Home Buyer’s Seminar (February 11)
• Ladies Night: A Salute to Women in Music (February 11)
• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward (Live)! (February 23)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed!

— Lauren Kubiak

About me: Lauren is a freelance copywriter for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s Degree in journalism. She is a full-time editor at an association management firm, editing peer-reviewed nursing journals, textbooks, and newsletters.