Cascade Heights Businesses Demand Relief Amid Road Woes

Small, Black-owned businesses along Atlanta's Cascade Road Corridor have experienced sales declines of over 50%—some as high as 72%—due to prolonged and delayed road construction that has restricted customer access for up to two years. The $19 million Complete Streets Project, intended to improve safety and amenities, has instead caused economic hardship and frustration among local business owners, with some forced to lay off staff and facing threats to their livelihoods and homes. Community leaders, including Ambassador Andrew Young, have joined business owners in organizing public meetings and press conferences to demand emergency grants and a comprehensive economic recovery plan. Business owners allege that more affluent neighborhoods received greater city support during similar disruptions, highlighting perceived inequities. In response, some officials, such as Councilmember Marci Collier Overstreet, have begun advocating for direct financial relief. The situation underscores calls for better communication and targeted economic support from the city.