x
Breaking News
More () »

Protesters hoping to gain support for public safety training petition to vote for issue on ballot

Some Atlanta city council members are looking for ways to allow voters to have a final say on the public safety training facility project.

ATLANTA — As thousands converge on Mercedes-Benz Stadium to see the Falcons face off with the Green Bay Packers, another group is hoping to use this opportunity to get more support for their cause.

A protest was planned in front of The Benz on Sunday afternoon from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the stadium's entrance gates, but that didn't go as planned. Only one person showed up. Despite that, the woman who attended said she wasn't discouraged.

However, some members of Atlanta's city council are planning to tackle the issue from a legislative angle on Monday.

“We recently received communication from the law department that essentially city council does not have the authority to bring forth any legislation or paper surrounding this conversation in terms of a ballot question,” Councilwoman Keisha Waites said.

RELATED: Protest planned of Atlanta Falcons, owner Arthur Blank by those against public safety training center before game

Despite the legal department’s advice on the resolution, Waites said she’s hoping to find a way to allow voters to weigh in.

“I stand with my colleague, Councilwoman Bahktiari in terms of her decision as well," Waites said. "It is my hope that the other members of the council will call for the citizens right to weigh in."

On Sunday, two groups were slated to meet up in front of the stadium to drum up more support for what they are calling the “Stop Cop City” movement, but only one protester showed up. Jaye Crawford said she is not discouraged.

RELATED: Group against Atlanta public safety training center accuses city of suppression after petition woes

“We know from this past week that 116,000 people in the city of Atlanta do not want Cop City," Crawford said. "We are here today to encourage the ownership, and the players to stand on the right side."

The public safety training facility is projected to cost about $90 million.

Supporters of the new facility say it’s a necessity, not a luxury.

“All around us there’s other communities saying we are investing in our public safety infrastructure. We are providing training campuses,” Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said.

RELATED: Atlanta public safety chiefs open up about need for future training center

Recently, Sen. Raphael Warnock sent a letter to Mayor Andre Dickens urging more transparency around the project.

Warnock is asking the city to respond to his request by Sept. 25.

Before You Leave, Check This Out