🌱 $8 Million Contract With Evolv Weapons +Manuel Paez Terán Autopsy

Hi all. It's me, Cherryl Young/ MamaNyeMatters, your host of the Decatur-Avondale Estates Patch newsletter — here with a huge "thank you" and shoutout to one of our local sponsors, Choice Home Warranty. You are appreciated! Now here are the latest local happenings, including these stories and more...

• The family of Manuel Paez Terán discusses the results of his autopsy.
• The Decatur Downtown Development Authority approved 13 grant requests.
• The DeKalb County School Board met and approved an $8 million contract.

But first, today's weather: Mostly sunny and cool. High: 52 Low: 28.

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Here are the top stories in Decatur-Avondale Estates today:

1. With a 6-1 vote, The Decatur Downtown Development Authority approved 13 grant requests for the commercial facade improvement grant program. Board member Darren Comer and the owner of the Marlay House refrained from voting. His business has previously received a $10,000 grant for power washing, painting, priming, and a variety of other business-related features. (Decaturish.com)
2. The family of Manuel Paez Terán, an environmental activist who was shot and killed by Georgia law enforcement in January, held a news conference in Decatur yesterday to discuss the results of an autopsy they commissioned. According to their findings, Terán's hands were raised in the air when he was shot and killed by law enforcement. They also announced they are filing an open-records lawsuit to force Atlanta police to release more evidence about the killing of Terán. The Terán family's attorneys stated that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation has prevented the Atlanta Police from releasing additional evidence to the family. Reports state officers fired at Terán after he shot and injured a trooper using a gun that was registered in Terán's name. Terán's family has stated that the 26-year-old practiced nonviolence. (NPR)
3. On March 13, The DeKalb County School Board met and approved an $8 million contract with Evolv Weapons Detection for metal detectors at high schools and middle schools within the district. The funds will be spent over the next four years. $3.2 million is scheduled to be spent in the first year. This initiative was due to a reported increase in weapons being brought on school grounds. (Decaturish.com)
4. MARTA is asking and listening to the public's opinions concerning the community-driven master-planning process for the redevelopment of the 22 acres around the H.E. Holmes station in west Atlanta. In January, MARTA announced its goal is to create “a diverse mix of land uses” with “new neighborhood centers.” Nearly 200 people signed up and attended the event to give their input. Most attendees expressed the need for higher-density housing, greenspace for the community, and an array of sports for the youth. (Urbanize LA)

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Today in Decatur-Avondale Estates:

• Art Exhibit — DeKalb County Public Library (10:00 AM)
• Get Ready to File Your 2023 Taxes! — Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library (6:30 PM)
• Board of Education Meeting — College Heights ECLC (6:30 PM)
• Board of Education Meeting - Decatur High School (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Last week, Agnes Scott College students spent three full days with GIPL staff learning about nonprofit leadership and the work in faith-based environmental organizing as part of the college's Sophomore Class Atlanta Leadership Experience. (Georgia Interfaith Power & Light via Facebook)
• Last year the Louisville Metro Government was among the first cohort of Certified Welcoming places to get recertified for another three years. This could mean many things for the city's future plans. (Welcoming America via Facebook)
• Those interested in crafts can get crafty with Ms. Gussy. Classes are $10 and will have a new art project each session, materials are provided. Please contact Jada Jordan at jada.jordan@decaturga.com to reserve your spot. You must RSVP by the Wednesday before. (Decatur Active Living via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Homebuyer Blueprint Live Webinar (March 16)
• Rugby ATL's Bark In The Park (March 18)
• Music from Seven Continents (March 18)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll see you soon!

— Cherryl Young/ MamaNyeMatters

About me: Cherryl Young DBA MamaNyeMatters. I was born in Providence, Rhode Island and moved to Georgia in 2017. My first children's book, You Are the Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow was published in 2021. https://www.mamanyematters.com... I've worked in Atlanta and Gwinnett County Public Schools assisting children who have special needs. I studied Community Development @ Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. My Purpose In Life Is To Connect, Create, Inspire, Write, and Expand and I am ELATED to Be Here as a Contributing Writer @ Patch! Journey With Me...

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Decatur-Avondale Estates Patch newsletter? Contact me at Decatur@Patch.com