Brookhaven City Centre was abuzz on Saturday, Aug. 9, as stilt walkers, face painters, a DJ, and members of the Cross Keys High School band and dance team entertained the crowd that gathered to sneak a peek at the new city hall.
The daylong events kicked off with Brookhaven Police Honor Guard presenting the colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a saxophone rendition of the National Anthem by Cross Keys High School student and Pride of Brookhaven band member Emerson J. Neil-Perez.
Mayor John Park offered opening remarks prior to the ribbon cutting.
“It’s such a pleasure to welcome you to something truly remarkable: Brookhaven City Centre,” Park said. “What you see around you isn’t just architecture. It’s a reflection of what we believe in. It’s a promise kept. It’s a place built not just for the community, but with the community. This project, the most significant capital investment in Brookhaven’s history, stands as a physical embodiment of our Better Together philosophy.”
Parks went on to talk about the city’s future connectivity. Peachtree Creek Greenway is expanding to stitch together Brookhaven, Chamblee, and the Atlanta Beltline, and a pedestrian bridge is in planning to connect Emory’s Executive Drive to the greenway.
“This will create a regional spine for people powered mobility, walking, biking, strolling, and exploring our city sustainably,” Park said.
MARTA Acting General Manager and CEO Rhonda Allen said the opening of Brookhaven City Centre was a celebration of progress.
“Not just a construction project, but progress in partnership, collaboration, and the finalization of a long term vision,” Allen said.
She thanked Rep. Lucy McBath for securing $1 million of federal funding in 2022 to improve and update the Oglethorpe/Brookhaven MARTA station. Brookhaven signed a 50-year ground lease with MARTA before building on the land.
“It reflects the trust and shared vision between both organizations,” Allen said.
City council members Jennifer Owens, Michael Diaz, and Madeleine Simmons were also present with their families. Diaz said he’s focused on three points: the use of sustainable mass timber used to build the structure, the inclusive nature of community gathering spaces in the building, and the access to MARTA.
“Take MARTA, come in, grab a coffee, and head to the roof to enjoy the garden,” Diaz said.
Inside the main lobby, local vendors and city staff set up stations for visitors. DeKalb County Library staff member Marcie Helms said she’s looking forward to collaborating with the city, since the local library branch is expected to soon go under construction.
“City Centre is not just the city hall, it’s your community living room,” Park said.
Events are expected to go into the early evening, culminating with a concert by folk/rock band Jupiter Coyote.
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