APR. 15 - APR. 28, 2016 • VOL. 8 — NO. 8
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► Medical center campuses expanding in region PAGE 12 ► New ‘Perimeter Park’ remains on drawing board PAGE 14
Sunshine, laughter and cherry blossoms
DO MY FINGERS LOOK FAT? | P9
City offers $36 million tax abatement to lure Atlanta Hawks BY DYANA BAGBY dyanabagby@reporternewspapers.net
Maggie Cunningham with her daughters Lane and Harper took in a sunny day at Blackburn Park April 2 during Brookhaven’s Second Annual Cherry Blossom Festival. More photos from the festival on page 15.►
EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATOR Lovett School’s winning bandleader Page 16
“[I’m] sad to see the Braves move out of Atlanta, but excited to see a brand-new stadium and Braves experience.” 23-YEAR-OLD ATLANTA WOMAN RESPONDING TO OUR 1Q SURVEY ON THE BRAVES’ LAST SEASON AT TURNER FIELD
See COMMENTARY on page 10
OUT & ABOUT ‘Monarchs & Margaritas’ Page 18
PHIL MOSIER
The deal to bring the $50 million Atlanta Hawks training facility to Brookhaven first was nicknamed “Operation Slam Dunk.” But Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst, an Atlanta Hawks season ticket holder, suggested “Operation Windmill Dunk.” “I thought we should name it after Dominique Wilkins’ signature dunk,” Ernst said in an interview. Wilkins, known as the “Human Highlight Film,” played a key role in the team’s success in the 1980s and is known as one of the best dunkers in the NBA. The deal, dubbed “Operation Slam Dunk” on the city’s Development Authority agendas last month, became public on April 5 during a press conference at Philips Arena when the Atlanta Hawks announced a partnership with Emory Healthcare, Emory University’s medical clinic affiliate, to See BROOKHAVEN on page 11
Parents withdraw students after BIA announces Norcross location BY DYANA BAGBY dyanabagby@reporternewspapers.net
Six parents withdrew their children from Brookhaven’s new charter school after learning the school would be located in Norcross, Brookhaven Innovation Academy’s executive director says. “The board extensively focused on trying to find a location in Brookhaven,” said BIA Executive Director Bates Mattison, who also holds a seat on Brookhaven City Council. “The reality is BIA spent months lookSee PARENTS on page 13