If you’re standing on the MARTA plaza Saturday night and suddenly those towering “Beacons of Teal” go dark, do not fear.  It’s not the Apocalypse.

It’s just Earth Hour!

Over on The Decatur Minute, Cheryl details the city’s plans…

The City of Decatur is participating in Earth Hour on Saturday, March 27 from 8:30 until 9:30 pm. Cities and states across the country are joining together to raise awareness and demonstrate our nation’s commitment to fighting climate change by joining Earth Hour. The City of Decatur will turn off the lights in City Hall as well as on the MARTA Plaza to show support for this global initiative.

Businesses:  anyone have plans the public should be aware of?  Residents:  what do you do when you unplug during Earth Hour?

According to tonight’s city commission agenda, the commission is scheduled to authorize the City Manager to enter into a settlement agreement with Majel Cottell, who sued both the MARTA plaza contractor and the city after she slipped and fell on some temporary fencing during construction in 2006.

Co-defendent Archer Western will pay Ms. Cottell $45,000 to settle the case. Pursuant with the construction contract between the city the Archer Western, the contractor has paid all legal fees associated with the case.

In other words, “the city is required to pay nothing.”

Looks like Iron Sky isn’t just donating equipment to the school system.

The city commission will vote this evening on whether to accept a $147,000 donation of cameras, hardware and software necessary for the Police Department to tape and remotely monitor activity on the MARTA plaza and Decatur Square.

According to a letter from the City Manager (page 33)…

“…the MARTA Plaza was selected in order to add an additional opportunity to provide a safe environment for residents and visitors, to reduce the incidences of skateboarding and similar activities and to reduce the number of graffiti incidences.  It will also provide the opportunity to monitor and record the Church Street entrance to the Decatur MARTA Station and the sidewalk going to the bus-to-rail transfer point.”

A map attached with the City Manager’s note (page 34) shows cameras not just focused on what we typically think of as “the MARTA plaza”, but also the MARTA entrance on Church Street and the Square behind the Old Courthouse.

Thanks to Rus for pointing this out!