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Hey, West Midtown / Collier Hills! This week: MOCA GA's new home at the Goat Farm is open to the public after 26 years of work, though the museum closes October 13-17 before regular hours resume October 20. Plus, the city council has put the $68 million jail sale to Fulton County on hold for two weeks, and early voting starts Tuesday.

- News — MOCA GA's ribbon-cutting, Isaias power outages, a $1B Georgia Tech and Emory AI commitment, and early voting starting October 13 headline the section.
- Business — Duracell opened its global R&D headquarters at Science Square Labs, a $56 million investment expected to create 110 jobs.
- Events — Tank and The Bangas at Terminal West, the Dirt & Glitter Plant Show at Atlantic Station, and a Design Recess conference at the Goat Farm lead a busy week.
- Government — Fulton set its millage rates and moved toward abolishing its ethics board, while Atlanta council committees weigh the Ellsworth Industrial rezonings and a Collier Road event venue permit.
- Construction — A new bar area is taking shape on Marietta St, Howell Mill has several tenant build-outs, and potholes on Huff Rd keep drawing reports.

Let's dive in.

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MOCA GA cuts the ribbon on its new West Midtown home
Mayor Andre Dickens helped cut the ribbon on September 14 at the $16.4 million, 26,000-square-foot museum on The Goat Farm Arts Center campus, designed by Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects. It has five galleries for a collection that has grown from about 250 works in 2000 to more than 1,600, and it opened to the public October 7, will be closed October 13-17, and returns to regular noon to 5 p.m. hours October 20.

Isaias knocks out power to tens of thousands across metro Atlanta
Isaias made landfall Friday as a Category 2 hurricane and weakened to a post-tropical cyclone as it moved north through Alabama. As of 2 p.m. Saturday, about 50,000 Georgia households were without power, including 4,300 in DeKalb County and 2,000 in Fulton County, and a high wind warning and flood watch remained in effect for North and Central Georgia until Sunday morning.

Georgia Tech and Emory Invest More Than $1B in AI to Drive State's Jobs, Economic Growth
The combined commitment is approximately $600 million from Emory and more than $575 million from Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech's investments include advanced computing infrastructure in Tech Square and a new AI supercomputer called Nexus that is set to launch in October, while Emory is focusing on AI talent, healthcare innovation, and applications in fields such as medicine, business, and law.

How to Report Illegal Tree Cutting
Neighbors reported large trees cut down at 1809 Defoor Ave with no required notice or permit posted. For active cutting with no visible permit, the guidance is to call 911 and cite Section 158-101(a) of the Atlanta tree ordinance, while private property cases go to the Office of Buildings Arborist Division at [email protected] and right-of-way trees go to the Parks and Recreation Forestry Division.

Atlanta City Council delays decision on jail sale to Fulton County
The council put the item on hold for two weeks. Fulton County has agreed to pay $68 million for the Atlanta City Detention Center, which needs about $75 million in upgrades according to the county, and CFO Muhamed Ralla recommended placing proceeds in the fund balance or using them for one-time, related projects.

Early voting begins next week: Fulton provides 32 advance polling venues
Advance voting for the Nov. 3 general election, which includes the governor's race, runs from Tuesday, Oct. 13 through Friday, Oct. 30. Seven of the 32 locations will accept absentee by-mail ballots through an on-site drop box during early voting dates and hours.

BUSINESS

Duracell opens global R&D headquarters at Science Square Labs in Atlanta — Duracell officially opened its global research and development headquarters on October 6 at 101 Nerem Street NW in the Science Square innovation district near Georgia Tech, relocating the operation from Bethel, Connecticut, and occupying about 82,500 square feet as part of a $56 million investment expected to create 110 jobs.

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Tuesday, October 13
- Oct. Wine & Cocktail Pairing Dinner at the Woodall | the Woodall
- Trap Yoga Tuesday | The Interlock

Wednesday, October 14
- The Brothers Comatose | Actor’s Express – King Plow Arts Center
- ear, SEES00000 | Goat Farm
- Bluegrass Open Jam | Ormsby's ATL
- Wellness Wednesdays: HIIT Like a Pro | The Interlock

Thursday, October 15
- Tank and The Bangas | Terminal West
- ML Buch | Goat Farm
- HouseProud Atlanta Presents Raise the Roof -- Annual Golf Tourney | Puttshack - Atlanta - Midtown
- Atlanta F.A.M. – Fashion, Art & Music | Chattahoochee Food Works

Friday, October 16
- Dirt & Glitter Plant Show | Atlantic Station
- Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Womens Volleyball vs. Syracuse University Womens Volleyball | O’Keefe Gymnasium
- Georgia Tech Swimming & Diving – The Dual Meet Tournament | McAuley Aquatic Center
- Friday Night Live | Atlantic Green

Saturday, October 17
- Silverada | Actor’s Express – King Plow Arts Center
- Atlanta Meets Nicaragua – Little Hands, Big Impact | Monday Night Brewing
- THICKCON ATL | Westside Cultural Art Center
- Creator’s Market | Atlantic Station
- Westside Market | The Interlock
- Game Day Watch Party: Georgia Tech vs. Virginia Tech and UGA vs. Auburn | The Interlock
- Design Recess: Process & Play | Goat Farm

Sunday, October 18
- Hiss Golden Messenger | Actor’s Express – King Plow Arts Center
- Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Womens Volleyball vs. Boston College Eagles Womens Volleyball | O’Keefe Gymnasium
- Vinyasa + Yin with Ladies Athletic Club of Atlanta | The Interlock
- Sunday Farmers Market | Chattahoochee Food Works
- Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance Sip & Tee Inaugural Charity Golf Tournament | Topgolf Atlanta Midtown
- Uncle Sugar at Northside Tavern | Northside Tavern

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Note: our information comes from posted meetings documents (agendas and minutes when available) — latest source document hyperlinked to each meeting.

Past Week Roundup

Fulton County Board of Commissioners
Commissioners set the 2026 millage rates, including 8.87 mills for the General Fund, after a motion from Commissioner Bridget Thorne to roll the rate back to 8.22 mills died for lack of a second. The Board also voted 4-1 to start abolishing the Fulton County Board of Ethics and replace it with independent hearing officers, and the County Attorney will now draft the ordinance to make it official. Spending approvals included about $14 million in standby wastewater construction contracts and $3.76 million more for maintenance and improvements at the Camp Creek facility. Commissioners put a $9.58 million senior and behavioral health transportation contract extension with Transdev on hold, so those rides remain an open question. They also directed the County Manager to write policies for how the county uses artificial intelligence.

Atlanta City Council
Minutes aren't published yet for the council's October 5 meetings, so what follows comes from the agendas. At the full council meeting, a citywide rule requiring a special use permit for every new self-storage facility was up for a vote, along with a $2.34 million purchase of 12.6 acres for a new park in southwest Atlanta. Council members also took up an ordinance to end admission fees at city pools during open swim hours. Several industrial properties were on the table for rezoning to dense mixed-use, including an 8.54-acre site on the Upper Westside. Proposals to bar data centers from using drinking water for cooling stayed in committee. As covered in today's news section, the council also held the sale of the city jail to Fulton County. The Committee on Council took up a resolution asking elections boards to station certified police officers at recreation centers used as polling sites, plus ordinances to make public comment speakers go in sign-up order and to require a council member to sponsor every piece of legislation.

Atlanta Public Schools Board of Education
The board took up final adoption of the tax levy resolution that sets the school property tax request for the FY2027 General Fund budget, which will show up on your property tax bill. It approved construction management contracts for renovations at Booker T. Washington High School and the Medical Magnet Academy, and for building systems upgrades at Mary Lin Elementary. A third contract bundles HVAC and infrastructure work at Parkside Elementary, Heritage Academy, and Hollis Innovation Academy. The board also approved leasing the former Towns Elementary property to the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyer Foundation and Compudopt, which puts a vacant school building back to work for the community. The posted record doesn't include individual vote counts.

Neighborhood Planning Unit C
NPU-C's October 6 virtual meeting agenda featured an Atlanta BeltLine presentation on the Subarea 7 Master Plan, which guides future trail connections, greenspace, and development density in northwest Atlanta. Neighbors also reviewed two zoning variance requests, including one for a retaining wall nearly triple the city's standard height limit. A new restaurant called St Alban's Sporting Club had two alcohol license applications up for review. The agenda also listed reports from Atlanta police, fire, parks, and watershed staff, which gives you a chance to ask about safety, stormwater, and park upkeep. NPUs only recommend, so final decisions come later at city hearings.

Neighborhood Planning Unit E
NPU-E's October 6 virtual meeting agenda covered a special use permit for a food truck on Peachtree Street and an alcohol license for a new open-air café on Spring Street. A restaurant on 11th Street was up for a change of agent and a license for an additional facility. Three event permits were up for review, including the Atlanta Halal Fall Festival and the Atlanta Persian Festival in Piedmont Park, plus a sidewalk vendor festival in November. Two zoning appeals rounded things out, one over a terminated building permit and one over a commercial signage ruling. The board votes only on recommendations, and city boards make the final calls.

Notable Neighborhood Mentions

Atlanta City Council
- Westhouse (1385 Collier Rd NW) — A special use permit is being proposed to allow a large event venue exceeding 7,500 square feet to serve alcohol at the site.
- 1425 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW — A rezoning from heavy industrial to mixed residential commercial is being proposed to allow for high-density apartments and retail development.
- 1475 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW — A rezoning from heavy industrial to mixed residential commercial is being proposed to facilitate mixed-use residential and commercial redevelopment.

Atlanta NPU
- FUM and Rabbit Ears (660 11th St) — An alcohol license and change of agent application for an additional facility on the property is on the agenda.

Meetings This Week
- Atlanta City Council — Zoning Committee | Oct-12, 11:00 AM | key topics: comprehensive citywide zoning code overhaul, new definition of family, and BeltLine industrial rezonings
- Atlanta City Council — Public Safety & Legal Administration Committee | Oct-12, 1:00 PM | key topics: restrictions on weapon-equipped robotics, alcohol licensing procedures, and legal settlement approvals
- Atlanta City Council — City Utilities Committee | Oct-13, 10:00 AM | key topics: commercial data center water cooling limits, commercial septic tank bans, and water bill dispute relief
- Atlanta City Council — Community Development/Human Services Committee | Oct-13, 1:30 PM | key topics: Memorial Drive Greenway land acquisition, park maintenance funding, and federal housing grants
- Atlanta City Council — Transportation Committee | Oct-14, 10:00 AM | key topics: Pelham Street road abandonment, Centennial Yards Complete Streets grant, and neighborhood traffic calming
- Atlanta City Council — Finance/Executive Committee | Oct-14, 1:30 PM | key topics: proposed sale of Atlanta City Detention Center, FY 2027 property tax rates, and tax incentive compliance

CONSTRUCTION

Permits
- 1050 Howell Mill NW. Gas pressure test permit pending for new gas lines serving a water heater and HVAC units.
- 1050 Howell Mill NW. Fire sprinkler permit issued to add and relocate sprinkler heads to meet code.
- 665 Marietta St NW. Electrical permit issued for a small new bar area. A separate building permit is tied to the project, so a new drink spot is taking shape on the corridor.
- 1055 Howell Mill Rd NW. Electrical permit issued for a commercial tenant build-out. It covers branch circuits, lighting controls, receptacles and dedicated power. A new tenant is moving in.
- 1055 Howell Mill Rd NW. Low voltage permit issued for fire alarm renovation work in Suite 1150.
- 1800 Howell Mill Rd NW. Minor interior renovations of about 315 sq ft are accepted for a tenant's existing 12,030 sq ft medical space.
- 1710 Defoor Ave NW. Plans for a covered roof and concrete patio at the building's front entry are in review. The patio includes steps, a handrail and landscape lighting.
- 1175 Chattahoochee Ave NW. Interior build-out issued for a second-generation space. Work starts with selective demolition of existing offices, so expect some construction activity.
- 1016 Howell Mill Rd NW. HVAC permit filed to replace a 2-ton heat pump and air handler in apartment 2418.
- 499 Northside Cir NW. HVAC permit pending to replace the heat pump and air handler in Unit 627.

Road Work

Under Construction
- I-75 from Musket Ridge Drive to I-85 Lighting — Crews are swapping the old high-pressure sodium lights along this stretch for energy-efficient LEDs, and may also replace poles, conduit and wiring.
- Bridge Preservation at 7 Locations in Cobb, DeKalb & Fulton — Bridge preservation work at several bridges in Cobb, DeKalb and Fulton counties, including Deering Road over the I-75/I-85 ramp, with new overlays, repainted steel beams and replaced bridge joints.
- SR 3/US 41 from Tech Pkwy to Hemphill Ave — The cluster of intersections at Northside Drive, 14th Street and Hemphill Avenue is being simplified to allow more flexible signal timing.
- SR 9 from SR 3 to North of Paces Ferry Road — Resurfacing of SR 9 to improve the road's low pavement condition score.
- Buford Spring Connector at I-85 Tunnel Lighting — The tunnel's old high-pressure sodium lights are being replaced with energy-efficient LEDs, with conduit and wiring replaced where needed.

Service Requests
- Potholes – Huff Rd NW (3 reports), Hampton St at Ethel St, and Fernwood Rd at Channing Dr. Huff Rd is the repeat offender this week.
- Downed Trees – Seaboard Pl at Seaboard Ave (2 reports), Howell Mill Rd NW, and Collier Rd NW. If you drive Howell Mill or Collier, watch for crews and debris.
- Traffic Signal Repairs – Marietta Blvd at Bolton Rd (2 reports) and Marietta St at Howell Mill Rd. Treat both intersections like four-way stops if the lights act up.
- Litter Removal – Williams Pl NW.
- Overgrowth Blocking Visibility – Springlake Ln NW at Howell Mill Rd.
- Sign Repair or Replacement – Hemphill Ave at Rosalyn St.

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Until next week,
West Midtown / Collier Hills Busybody

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Disclaimer: We use advanced data retrieval and analysis techniques across hundreds of sources, and may be prone to occasional error. Independently verify information with a secondary source, and please let us know if we got anything wrong via the feedback form.