The Atlanta roundup: See how much the Mall West End sold for; other news

In Atlanta news, the Mall West End Mall has been sold, the reach of the chemical explosion, and more

By Toby Adeyemi
Oct 02, 2024
7:20 pm

The Mall West End is sold

The Mall West End was purchased for $450M. The new owners plan to turn the old mall into an affordable housing and commercial retail space. It will feature grocery stores, gyms, local boutiques, and at least 900 rental units. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens held a press conference about the sale. “This is a long-awaited new era for the West End. This is not just a redevelopment of the Mall West End—this is fulfilling a commitment to a community,” he said. “Our Administration is dedicated to creating affordable housing and vibrant business spaces that respect and preserve the rich legacy of this historic neighborhood. Together with our partners, we will work to ensure the heart and soul of the West End continues to thrive under our stewardship.”

President Jimmy Carter makes history

Yesterday, the only former president from Georgia celebrated turning 100. He also became the first president ever to reach this milestone. jimmy carter president website celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by his family and close friends at his home in Plains, GA. President Carter is known for his handling of the Iranian Hostage Crisis, which cost him his reelection against Ronald Reagan. He did become one of the more popular former presidents because of his humanitarian efforts, which eventually won him a Nobel Peace Prize.

Lingering effects of the chemical plant explosion

On Sunday, there was a huge biolab chemical plant fire and explosion, which created a massive plume of colorful smoke. This led to a desperate situation where many Conyers, GA, residents were forced to evacuate their homes and emergency workers had to block off highways. Three days later, metro Atlanta still feels the explosion’s effects. Numerous public safety alerts have been sent across the metro advising about the air quality and boiling drinking water. There have also been warnings dispatched to certain areas to stay inside and not use air conditioning.

Biolab Facility up in Flames in Conyers, Georgia

• The initial fire was caused when water from a “malfunctioning sprinkler” came into contact with a water-reactive chemical, leading to a “chemical reaction” and a fire on the roof of the plant. Despite initial containment… pic.twitter.com/tEG7IeFKCy

— World life (@seautocure) September 29, 2024

Abortion ban overturned

Judge Robert McBurney of Fulton County has overturned the state’s six-week abortion ban, calling it unconstitutional, and has established that abortions are now permitted up to 22 weeks of pregnancy. McBurney wrote he made this change because he felt the abortion ban violated Georgia’s Constitution. He shared that “liberty in Georgia includes in its meaning, in its protections, and in its bundle of rights the power of a woman to control her own body, to decide what happens to it and in it, and to reject state interference with her health care choices.” The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, which ended a national debate about the right to abortion and opened the door for state bans. There is a total of 13 states that have banned abortion at any stage of pregnancy, with some very stern exceptions. Georgia was one of four states where the abortion ban begins after the first six weeks. Pro choice advocates point out that most women don’t know they’re pregnant by week six.

Atlanta Braves are going to the playoffs

The Braves entered this season with championship aspirations. The season did not play out like that at all. It was a season cursed by injuries, which was the primary reason the Braves struggled this year. In one of the rockier seasons lately, the Braves playoff hopes came down to the 11th hour or, in baseball terms, game 162. Thankfully, the Braves could pull out the win against the New York Mets, clinching a wild card birth. They played the San Diego Padres in Game 1 of the Wildcard last night and lost. But we are hoping for a bounce back in Game 2.