‘Bound to Work’: Marietta Eyes Relocation of Downtown Dumpsters

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for April 9th Publish Date:  April 9th    Commercial: From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Wednesday, April 9th and Happy Birthday to Hugh Heffner ***04.09.25 - BIRTHDAY – HUGH HEFFNER*** I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal ‘Bound to Work’: Marietta Eyes Relocation of Downtown Dumpsters Austell Dance Team's Trailer Containing Props, Set Pieces Stolen Before Competition Cobb Moves Toward Consolidating Commuter Bus Routes, Nixing Free Loop All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  BREAK: MONSTER JAM 2025_FINAL STORY 1: ‘Bound to Work’: Marietta Eyes Relocation of Downtown Dumpsters After over a decade of debate, Marietta city officials are advancing plans to relocate three city-owned dumpsters near Marietta Square. Public Works Director Mark Rice presented two options, with the council favoring Option B, which would move the dumpsters into an enclosure in First Baptist Church’s parking lot and make Root Street one-way, adding nine parking spaces. The council voted unanimously to move the plan forward, with final traffic flow and parking details to be determined later. Mayor Tumlin and others expressed optimism about the long-awaited solution. STORY 2: Austell Dance Team's Trailer Containing Props, Set Pieces Stolen Before Competition Lisa’s Dance Spot (LDS) in Austell is seeking help to locate their stolen cargo trailer, taken on March 24. The trailer, loaded with props for their competitive dance team’s Michael Jackson-themed routine, was last seen via Flock cameras heading toward downtown Atlanta. Despite the theft, the team rebuilt their sets overnight with the help of dedicated “Prop Dads” and went on to win first place at a regional competition. Studio founder Lisa Pillow praised the team’s resilience and community support. Anyone with information is urged to contact Austell Police. STORY 3: Cobb Moves Toward Consolidating Commuter Bus Routes, Nixing Free Loop Cobb County is considering eliminating the free CobbLinc Green Circulator near The Battery and consolidating commuter routes with the Atlanta-region Transit Link Authority’s 484 Xpress Route. The Board of Commissioners voted 4-0 to begin public feedback on these changes, which aim to improve efficiency amid declining ridership. Adjustments to the Blue Circulator route are also proposed. Public hearings are set for April 22, with a final vote on May 13 after the District 2 commissioner seat is filled. CobbLinc’s 2023 operations cost $30.85 million, with funding from federal, county, and fare revenues. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.    Break: INGLES 5 STORY 4: Marietta to Consider Changes to Development at Former Harry’s Site The Marietta City Council is reviewing changes to the Marietta Crossing development, which includes 236 apartments and 39 townhomes. Developer Westplan Investors seeks to convert 10,000 square feet of retail space into either live/work units or full residential, citing weak retail demand. If approved, the project would add 12 apartments, totaling 248. Councilmembers are divided, with some favoring all-residential for safety and market reasons, while others believe residential could support retail. The council is also reviewing revised plans for the townhomes, with most being three stories and a few two stories. Final decisions are expected this week. STORY 5: YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s to Host 62nd Annual Good Friday Breakfast The YMCA of Metro Atlanta will host its 62nd Annual Good Friday Breakfast on April 18 at the Cobb Galleria Centre, celebrating its mission of fostering healthy spirit, mind, and body. Kevin Greiner, CEO of Gas South, will receive the Bransby Christian Leadership Award for his impactful community service and Gas South’s $1.3 million in support. Their contributions have enhanced YMCA programs like Adaptive Swim, benefiting over 400 participants, and STEAM Labs, inspiring creativity and education. The event unites over 800 attendees to honor these achievements and support the YMCA’s initiatives. Break: MONSTER JAM 2025_FINAL STORY 6: Driver’s License Deadline Approaching Starting May 7, U.S. travelers will need a REAL ID or other federally approved identification to board domestic flights. Georgia began issuing REAL ID-compliant licenses in 2012, but those who recently moved or haven’t renewed their license should check for a gold or black star in the upper right corner of their ID. If it’s missing, schedule an appointment with the Department of Driver Services to avoid long lines as the deadline approaches. REAL ID enhances security to ...