Atlanta parking; Dekalb cow sculptures; Cumberland Island visitor traffic

0:00Welcome to the Georgia Today podcast. Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB Newsroom. On today's episode, the Atlanta City Council sets up a parking bill of rights. House sculptures are coming to DeCab County and the National Park Service approves a plan to increase visitor traffic on Georgia's Cumberland Island, but wildlife advocates are worried. An MPS should be able to demonstrate that the resources can handle that increase and we're just not confident that they've made that case. Today is Wednesday, September 9th. I'm Peter B. Lowe and this is Georgia Today. The National Park Service has approved a new plan that would more than double the number of visitors allowed to visit Georgia's Cumberland Island. GPB's Gillian Magtoto reports. The National Park Service plans to create new trails, facilities, camping spots and kayak rentals, as well as increase capacity to more than 700 visitors per day. But Kelly Cox with a nonprofit defenders of wildlife says the move could threaten the health of Cumberland

1:03Island. I think the main issue here is that you're doubling the visitor capacity. An MPS should be able to demonstrate that the resources can handle that increase and we're just not confident that they've made that case. And their analysis of the policy change, the service disagreed, deeming the plans to have no significant impact on the island's ecology. For GPB News, I'm Gillian Magtoto. The Atlanta City Council approved an ordinance yesterday that is being called a parking bill of rights. The ordinance requires lots and garages to clearly disclose rates, fees, payment options and operating conditions and other important information before customers park. It also provides some protections for people who don't use smartphones and requires disclosures for the use of surveillance. Owners of parking lots and garages have up to 180 days to comply with the City of Atlanta's new standards. Get ready to spot some cows around the Cab County. Twelve life-sized cow sculptures are being

2:03delivered to cities across the country as part of a new public art project called the 12 plus one initiative. Local and regional artists will transform each cow into a one-of-a-kind art piece, celebrating that community's character. The cow theme honors the Cab's history as George's dairy capital, cities including Tucker, Brookhaven Decatur and Dunwoody will get their cows by today when artists are finalized. The painted herd will be installed around the county from October 26th through November 6th. The FBI has increased the reward offered for information leading to the arrest of a man suspected of damaging an ice facility in Atlanta in 2020. The FBI is now offering $20,000 for information that will help them track down Ronald Scott Watson of Kenna Saw. That is double what the FBI was offering this time last year. According to an indictment in July of 2020, a crowd gathered at the Atlanta Ice Building and protested outside a fenced area. At that time, several people in masks and dark clothing breached the fences and

3:06vandalized the building. Watson was tied to the vandalism through evidence collected during his 2023 felony conviction for assaulting a public safety officer in Oregon. Retailer Primark opened its first Georgia location yesterday in Lawrenceville. The budget fashion retailer opened its doors at Sugar Loaf Mills. The company says its next Georgia location will be the Augusta Mall. The Georgia Department of Transportation says drivers should expect single lane closures on the US 17 state route 404 spur bridge on weekdays from 7 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon. These closures will allow crews to prepare for cable replacement work scheduled to begin later this year as part of the spur bridge major maintenance project. Drivers are encouraged to use caution when traveling through the area and allow extra travel time. The City of Atlanta has agreed to sell the Atlanta City Detention Center to Fulton County.

4:11Mayor Andre Dickens said in a letter yesterday to the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, the city would accept the county's offer to buy the jail for $68 million. The letter states the agreement is expected to deliver more than $600 million in net present value to Fulton County taxpayers. The deal still needs the council's approval. And in sports and baseball, the Braves faced the Tampa Bay Rays again at Truace Park tonight for the second of a three game series. The Braves lost last nice matchup at 7 to 1. Ronaldo Lopez is scheduled to get the start for the Braves tonight. And that's a wrap on this edition of Georgia Today. Thanks for tuning in. Come on back tomorrow. Make sure you subscribe to this podcast and check gpp.org slash news for updates to the stories you heard today as well as news stories our reporters have written. And if you've got feedback send it our way by email. The address is Georgia Today at gpp.org. I'm Peter B. L.O. Thanks again for listening. We will see you tomorrow.