Next steps unclear for Atlanta Public Safety Training Center | Plus

“The actual taxpayer cost of the proposed facility will be closer to $67 million, which many constituents consider irresponsible and disrespectful. With the recent closure of WellStar, the City of Atlanta has only ‘one’ level one trauma center,” Post 3 At-Large Council member Keisha Sean Waites said in a statement. Waites said she might introduce legislation next week calling for the referendum.

“We can spend the $67 million of taxpayer’s money on affordable housing, resources for the unsheltered, infrastructure improvements, mental health services, health care for the uninsured, rental and mortgage assistance, including providing accommodation and salary increases for our first responders, and law enforcement officers,” Waites added. “These resources directly impact the root causes of crime and poverty.”

Opponents of the training center have sued the city, and a federal judge extended the deadline for opponents to submit signatures. However, an appellate court paused the order, making the deadline unclear.

On Monday, opponents turned in more than 100,000 signatures from those who ostensibly want a referendum on the training center.

Atlanta Clerk Emeritus Foris Webb III said the city received the petitions after the initial 60-day deadline and won’t count them. However, it will hold them “in a secure location” until the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals issues a ruling with additional guidance.

“The original petition was issued on June 21, making August 21 the original 60-day deadline for petition submission,”…