Georgia Trend Daily – Aug. 6, 2019
Aug. 6, 2019 GPB
Report: Toxic Coal Ash Is Submerged In Groundwater
Grant Blankenship reports that a report from leading environmental advocates in Georgia describes how the toxins left over from burning coal for power are being stored by Georgia Power in direct contact with groundwater. The report from the Southern Environmental Law Center and others and based on analysis of Georgia Power data comes one day before the only chance for Georgians to tell the federal Environmental Protection Agency what they think about plans to handle the management of those toxins, called coal ash, to Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division.
Aug. 6, 2019 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
Down on Main Street
Patty Rasmussen reports that the national Main Street movement that started 39 years ago is responsible for helping transform and renew historic commercial districts of varying sizes and descriptions from sea to shining sea. Its goal, then and now, is to build communities through preservation-based economic development using a proven four-point approach: economic vitality, design, promotion and organization.
Aug. 6, 2019 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Class action lawsuit claims Fulton could owe millions in tax refunds
Arielle Kass reports that a Fulton County homeowner has filed a lawsuit claiming the county missed a crucial deadline to complete thousands of property value appeals and now must accept lower assessed values for those properties — a mistake that could cost the county tens of millions of dollars over several years. State law allows 180 days to complete appeals, with an additional six-month extension if more than 3% of the tax digest is under appeal. In Fulton, 8% of the tax digest was under appeal.
Aug. 6, 2019 Atlanta Business Chronicle
Atlanta apartment giant Cortland continues expansion into United Kingdom
Douglas Sams reports that Atlanta-based apartment giant Cortland has made another big push into the United Kingdom multifamily sector. Cortland acquired Leeds-based LIV Group for an undisclosed sum. The move essentially launches Cortland’s UK property management portfolio, with 2,000 current rental housing units and another 7,000 in the pipeline.
Aug. 6, 2019 PCOM-Georgia
PCOM Georgia Students Earn PA Degrees
Staff reports that the Grand Ballroom of the Infinite Energy Forum in Duluth was the setting for a commencement ceremony celebrating 18 PCOM Georgia graduates who earned the Master of Science in Health Sciences in Physician Assistant (PA) Studies degree. Held on July 30, 2019, the students, who were selected more than two years ago from an applicant pool of over 1,000, were cheered on by family members and friends.
Aug. 6, 2019 Savannah Morning News
Tybee Island to receive $1.1 million federal grant to elevate 12 homes in flood plain
Will Peebles reports that Tybee Island is getting around $1.1 from a federal grant to help mitigate the cost of raising 12 homes on the marsh side of the island. Tybee Island Mayor Jason Buelterman and Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Georgia) announced the plan on Monday.
Aug. 6, 2019 WABE 90.1
Georgia Power Proposes Rate Increases, Citing Storm Recovery And Environmental Costs
Molly Samuel reports that Georgia Power wants to raise rates for electricity by 7 percent starting next year. According to the company, typical residential power bills would go up by about $10 a month. For businesses, depending on what pricing plan they use, some base charges could double.
Aug. 6, 2019 CNN
USA Today owner Gannett merges with GateHouse Media to form massive newspaper company
Oliver Darcy reports that two of American’s largest newspaper chains announced on Monday that they will merge, uniting hundreds of local newsrooms under a single company. New Media Investment Group, the parent company of GateHouse Media, said that it had arrived at an agreement to acquire Gannett for a combination of stock and cash.
Aug. 6, 2019 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Testing of new Georgia voting machines remains unfinished
Mark Niesse reports that Georgia’s new voting machines haven’t yet passed state tests of their accuracy, reliability and security, a required step before they can be used in elections. The testing of Dominion Voting System’s equipment is expected to be completed soon, said Georgia Secretary of State spokeswoman Tess Hammock on Monday.
