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Georgia "I voted" sticker by Atlanta artist draws criticism

Counties can offer the new Steve Penley design, the classic peach sticker or both this election.

Culture

A new &quot;I voted&quot; sticker designed by an Atlanta artist that an AJC columnist once dubbed the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="da Vinci of the GOP" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ajc.com/politics/opinion-meet-steve-penley-the-da-vinci-of-the-gop/2X6E35GSGNE7HGVR2UDNQ4KQFA/" data-vars-content-id="7be031fb-f822-45f6-bfe8-5a6cb1d03f8a" data-vars-headline="Georgia &quot;I voted&quot; sticker by Atlanta artist draws criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ajc.com/politics/opinion-meet-steve-penley-the-da-vinci-of-the-gop/2X6E35GSGNE7HGVR2UDNQ4KQFA/" target="_blank">da Vinci of the GOP</a>&quot; is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drawing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/Georgia/comments/1wtds1m/new_voting_sticker_for_midterms_what_do_we_think/" data-vars-content-id="7be031fb-f822-45f6-bfe8-5a6cb1d03f8a" data-vars-headline="Georgia &quot;I voted&quot; sticker by Atlanta artist draws criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Georgia/comments/1wtds1m/new_voting_sticker_for_midterms_what_do_we_think/" target="_blank">drawing</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="criticism" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/NilesGApol/status/2104981658701267378" data-vars-content-id="7be031fb-f822-45f6-bfe8-5a6cb1d03f8a" data-vars-headline="Georgia &quot;I voted&quot; sticker by Atlanta artist draws criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/NilesGApol/status/2104981658701267378" target="_blank">criticism</a> online.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Steve Penley&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.penleyartco.com/" data-vars-content-id="7be031fb-f822-45f6-bfe8-5a6cb1d03f8a" data-vars-headline="Georgia &quot;I voted&quot; sticker by Atlanta artist draws criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.penleyartco.com/" target="_blank">Steve Penley&#x27;s</a> reboot of a routine election giveaway fueled fears that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Georgia&#x27;s beloved peach" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/2american4you/comments/17q2y8y/georgia_has_the_best_i_voted_sticker_by_a_country/" data-vars-content-id="7be031fb-f822-45f6-bfe8-5a6cb1d03f8a" data-vars-headline="Georgia &quot;I voted&quot; sticker by Atlanta artist draws criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/2american4you/comments/17q2y8y/georgia_has_the_best_i_voted_sticker_by_a_country/" target="_blank">Georgia&#x27;s beloved peach</a> sticker was going away — and sparked <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="chatter" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/AnneofGA/status/2105273272837329313" data-vars-content-id="7be031fb-f822-45f6-bfe8-5a6cb1d03f8a" data-vars-headline="Georgia &quot;I voted&quot; sticker by Atlanta artist draws criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/AnneofGA/status/2105273272837329313" target="_blank">chatter</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="online" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/AngieAsadourian/status/2105301881170141333" data-vars-content-id="7be031fb-f822-45f6-bfe8-5a6cb1d03f8a" data-vars-headline="Georgia &quot;I voted&quot; sticker by Atlanta artist draws criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/AngieAsadourian/status/2105301881170141333" target="_blank">online</a> about the artist&#x27;s conservative politics.

Historic Lakewood Heights school will be converted to residential use

Plans call for redeveloping the old Lakewood Elementary School site into commercial and residential uses.

Development

A century-old elementary school once <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="threatened with demolition" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2022/01/12/atlanta-halts-plan-demolish-historic-school" data-vars-content-id="c3720f7f-b352-4a2a-8fd4-594263b963ab" data-vars-headline="Historic Lakewood Heights school will be converted to residential use" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2022/01/12/atlanta-halts-plan-demolish-historic-school" target="_self">threatened with demolition</a> will now become part of a mixed-use development that will bring new residential units to Atlanta&#x27;s Lakewood Heights neighborhood.Why it matters: The old Lakewood Elementary School building is on the National Register of Historic Places through its inclusion in the Lakewood Heights Historic District.<ul><li>Including the site in any redevelopment plans could help preserve its history for future generations.</li></ul>

I tried ATL's Minute Suites for an airport nap

Minute Suites offer travelers a private place to rest between flights.

Travel

Editor Geoff here! I was in your fine city this week and decided to try ATL&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minute Suites" data-vars-click-url="https://minutesuites.com/locations/atlanta-airport/#" data-vars-content-id="4a0a1105-9675-4c2f-a474-20885c698312" data-vars-headline="I tried ATL&#x27;s Minute Suites for an airport nap" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://minutesuites.com/locations/atlanta-airport/#" target="_blank">Minute Suites</a> while waiting several hours for my flight home on Wednesday.Why it matters: All of Axios Local convened in Atlanta this week for our annual retreat. We journalists love to karaoke, throw back a few rounds and yap into the wee hours, so a bit of rest was much needed.<ul><li>And I&#x27;m sorry, but I&#x27;m just not that traveler who can lie down on a filthy gate carpet. (And tbh, neither should you. You&#x27;re better than that!)</li></ul>

Bottoms, Jackson clash over Flock cameras, data centers in Georgia debate

Bottoms and Jackson told undecided voters their plans for the economy, education and more in what might be the only debate between the candidates.

Election

Keisha Lance Bottoms and Rick Jackson clashed in what might be the only <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="debate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/10/06/georgia-governor-debate-2026-atlanta-news-first-how-to-watch" data-vars-content-id="01f575dd-7eb7-4848-9194-02417ea28fbf" data-vars-headline="Bottoms, Jackson clash over Flock cameras, data centers in Georgia debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/10/06/georgia-governor-debate-2026-atlanta-news-first-how-to-watch" target="_self">debate</a> between the Democratic and Republican gubernatorial candidates during the general election season.Why it matters: Bottoms, a former Atlanta mayor, and Jackson, a billionaire health care executive, told undecided voters their plans for the economy, education and more at Atlanta News First&#x27;s debate Tuesday evening at Assembly Studios in Doraville.

Atlanta seeks answers on the future of Beltline rail

A council resolution aims to end the limbo over what transit Atlanta can build around the Beltline.

Transit

An effort to get Atlanta on track to building Beltline rail is moving forward.Why it matters: A resolution by Atlanta City Council Member Kelsea Bond asks Mayor Andre Dickens, MARTA and Atlanta Beltline leaders to create a road map for bringing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$3.5 billion" data-vars-click-url="https://beltline.org/blog/a-recap-on-the-beltline-transit-study/" data-vars-content-id="50b39bfb-7b0d-48d0-a5fb-67918e793b8c" data-vars-headline="Atlanta seeks answers on the future of Beltline rail" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://beltline.org/blog/a-recap-on-the-beltline-transit-study/" target="_blank">$3.5 billion</a> vision of rail around the 22-mile loop to life.

Peachtree Circle historic district hits roadblock

Atlanta City Council member Alex Wan wants two-thirds of residents to support the proposed historic district before he backs the request.

A campaign to create the Peachtree Circle historic district in the Ansley Park neighborhood hit a wall this week when the proposal stalled in committee.Why it matters: Many Atlanta neighborhoods are experiencing tear-down-and-rebuild projects that replace older and (sometimes) smaller homes with postmodern and (often) much larger living quarters that clash with the community aesthetic.

North Point Mall's mini-city makeover faces key vote

The plan would add housing, hotels and retail around a 20,000-seat arena in Alpharetta.

A proposal to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redevelop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/development" data-vars-content-id="756604a6-ab75-4e4d-a727-b47dc8726636" data-vars-headline="North Point Mall&#x27;s mini-city makeover faces key vote" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/development" target="_self">redevelop</a> North Point Mall into a mixed-use mini-city anchored by a 20,000-seat arena goes before the Alpharetta City Council today for a crucial vote.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="100-acre project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.jamestownlp.com/properties/north-point-mall" data-vars-content-id="756604a6-ab75-4e4d-a727-b47dc8726636" data-vars-headline="North Point Mall&#x27;s mini-city makeover faces key vote" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.jamestownlp.com/properties/north-point-mall" target="_blank">100-acre project</a> by Atlanta-based developer Jamestown and New York Life would turn an unremarkable mall into a walkable district served by housing, offices and retail with an arena designed for an NHL team.

These pedestrian signals are inches from a Castleberry Hill resident's window

The signals were installed mere inches from the Swift & Company Lofts building on Peters Street in Castleberry Hill.

What would you do if you woke up one morning to find a pedestrian crossing signal installed right outside your window?<ul><li>It&#x27;s a situation Castleberry Hill residents and historic preservation advocates have been trying to remedy for several months, ever since the Georgia Department of Transportation installed two signals in awkward locations.</li></ul>Why it matters: Both signals, which were installed as part of larger improvement projects, are just inches away from the Swift &amp; Co. Lofts building at 244 Peters St. SW.

What does Atlanta's Atlantic Station need next?

New management wants to hears ideas as Atlantic Station rethinks its shops, dining and placemaking.

Atlantic Station is getting another makeover. But first, the mixed-use district would like your opinion.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trademark Property Company" data-vars-click-url="https://trademarkproperty.com/" data-vars-content-id="9bd45180-77ed-43ba-9ecd-99b0751be617" data-vars-headline="What does Atlanta&#x27;s Atlantic Station need next?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://trademarkproperty.com/" target="_blank">Trademark Property Company</a>, a Texas-based real-estate firm, took over management, leasing and operations of the 138-acre mixed-use district on Aug. 1.

Atlanta is growing, but at a slower rate

The region's 2025–2026 growth rate was 1%, down from 1.2% from 2024 to 2025.

While the 11-county Atlanta region continues to grow, it did not gain as many residents <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="as it did a year ago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/08/14/atlanta-population-growth-arc-region-fulton-henry-gwinnett-forsyth" data-vars-content-id="094440b6-7aae-4678-bb5d-3a1ec2395ad1" data-vars-headline="Atlanta is growing, but at a slower rate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/08/14/atlanta-population-growth-arc-region-fulton-henry-gwinnett-forsyth" target="_self">as it did a year ago</a>.Why it matters: Despite the internet chatter, Atlanta is (still) not full.

New affordable housing project will be built near Lindbergh MARTA station

The Overlook at Garson will include 130 affordable units for families making $45,700 to $73,120.

Atlanta Beltline, city officials, stakeholders and developers broke ground on a new project that will bring more than 100 affordable housing units along a future segment of the Beltline&#x27;s trail network.Why it matters: Overlook at Garson will bring much-needed affordable options to the Lindbergh neighborhood, in the affluent Buckhead area.

A 125-year-old Atlanta mansion hits the market

The former museum and Peachtree landmark comes with history, tax credit potential and a motivated seller.

Real Estate

For 125 years, the historic Rufus M. Rose House on Peachtree Street has been a family home, an eclectic museum and antique store, and preservation offices.<ul><li>Now you can make it yours for $2.58 million.</li></ul>Why it matters: The Victorian mansion — built in 1901 for Rose, an Atlanta physician and founder of the R.M. Rose Distillery in Vinings — has waited decades for a new chapter.<ul><li>The red-brick home is the last house standing from a pre-automobile era when Peachtree was Atlanta&#x27;s Millionaires&#x27; Row.</li></ul>

Another stretch of Ponce could be remade with apartments

Selig's plan would replace aging storefronts with housing, retail and affordable units on Ponce.

A developer&#x27;s plan to turn a stretch of aging buildings along <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ponce de Leon Avenue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/04/25/ponce-de-leon-office-rents-midtown-buckhead" data-vars-content-id="e84f0ea0-5604-47b4-9864-5ab632b1dc59" data-vars-headline="Another stretch of Ponce could be remade with apartments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/04/25/ponce-de-leon-office-rents-midtown-buckhead" target="_self">Ponce de Leon Avenue</a> into a mixed-use development is moving forward.Why it matters: Selig Enterprises&#x27; 375-unit proposal would redevelop one of the few largely intact clusters of aging commercial buildings on the Virginia-Highland side of Ponce.

Development 🏗️

Historic Lakewood Heights school will be converted to residential use

Atlanta seeks answers on the future of Beltline rail

Peachtree Circle historic district hits roadblock

North Point Mall's mini-city makeover faces key vote

These pedestrian signals are inches from a Castleberry Hill resident's window