🌱 Sandy Springs Gateway Revamp + $25M Federal Funding For Trails

Hey, Sandy Springs. I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Hot with plenty of sunshine. High: 93 Low: 71.
• Friday: Humid; a strong p.m. t-storm. High: 91 Low: 69.

Here are the top four stories today in and around Sandy Springs:

1. Atlanta-based real estate developers Connolly and Coro Realty are revamping the mixed-use development formerly known as Sandy Springs Gateway into Chastain Market. The goal is to create a lively destination that offers dining, shopping, work, and leisure options for the surrounding communities. The redevelopment includes attracting new tenants such as an Italian restaurant by Chef Kevin Maxey, as well as redesigned common areas and artistic enhancements to create a welcoming and engaging environment for visitors. (Metro Atlanta CEO)
2. A petition to put the controversial police and fire department training center known as "Cop City" on the November ballot in nearby Atlanta has gained nearly 10,000 signatures in its first week. The petition, organized by the Cop City Vote Coalition, aims to collect over 70,000 signatures within seven weeks. Public opinion on the proposed training center is divided, and strict requirements such as residency and voter registration limits who can legally sign the petition. (Atlanta Civic Circle)
3. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis held a vigil to support the LGBTQ+ community and swear in new members to the LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee. The committee's role is to study trends, educate law enforcement, and develop best practices to enhance safety for the LGBTQ+ community in Fulton County. Willis emphasized her commitment to treating victims with respect and ensuring that crimes in the county are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
4. Atlanta has received a $25 million federal grant, the largest in Beltline history, to speed up the construction of trails in the northeast part of the city. The funds will be used to extend over two miles of trails, connecting different areas and establishing a connection between the Beltline and a MARTA station. The grant will also cover improvements in pedestrian safety and infrastructure along the Beltline. (Subscription: The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

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Today and tomorrow in Sandy Springs:

Thursday, June 29

• Music Sound Check Bingo At Mutation Brewing Company (7:00 PM)
• All Shook Up At Byers Theatre (7:00 PM)

Friday, June 30

• Summer Fun Day Out: Inspiration Palette At Painting With A Twist (12:00 PM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Father's Day has come and gone, but that doesn't mean we have to stop celebrating rad dads, past and present. Patch partnered with T-Mobile to shine a light on exceptional fathers in communities like Sandy Springs. Click here to meet 13 awesome dads and learn more about the legacies they're leaving behind.

From my notebook:

• The Sandy Springs Police Department reminds residents that the use of fireworks is regulated by state law, with specific dates and times allowed for usage. It is important to follow the guidelines, such as not using fireworks while under the influence, indoors, or on public streets and sidewalks. Additionally, even though fireworks may be legal, the city's noise ordinance still applies, and if a noise complaint is received, the person responsible for the fireworks may face citations or be asked to stop using them. (Sandy Springs Police via Facebook)
• In the city's latest episode of "The Road Ahead," construction has commenced on Veterans Memorial Park, with the goal of finishing the park in time for Veterans Day. The park will serve as a meaningful location for residents to honor and remember the veterans in the community. For additional updates on ongoing city projects, visit here. (Sandy Springs, Georgia: City News via Facebook)
• Don't miss the Stars and Stripes 4th of July Celebration at the City Green, featuring food trucks, fireworks, and more! Take advantage of the free shuttle service between Lake Forest Elementary School and City Springs to avoid anticipated heavy traffic and road closures. (Visit Sandy Springs via Instagram)

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Featured businesses:

• Atlanta Academy — (Visit website)
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Featured events:

• 3hr Salsa Boot Camp Atlanta @ Ballroom Impact - Beginner / Beyond Basic (July 1)
• 4th of July weekend Noche Caliente Latin Night @ Tonys John's Creek July 1st (July 1)
• SSC Trail Blazers Visit Abernathy Greenway in July (July 8)
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That's it for today! I'll see you around.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.