(ATLANTA, GA) – A proposal to relocate the Olympic Cauldron from where it currently stands in Summerhill to Centennial Olympic Park is drawing pushback from residents who say the move would strip their neighborhood of a piece of its legacy.
Photo credit: Facebook | hewittgallery.com
The proposal was announced through a partnership between Georgia State University and Olympic leaders Billy Payne and Andrew Young, the former mayor of Atlanta. The goal is to connect Atlanta’s legacy with downtown, according to reports.
Last week, residents gathered near the tower to oppose the proposal and urge officials to keep the monument in the neighborhood.
We asked readers on Nextdoor how they felt about the proposal.
Photo Credit: Mia Sims | Nextdoor
Many people opposed relocating the cauldron and said the best thing to do is restore the structure in Summerhill.
“We can sure find the dumbest reason to spend a dime,” one commenter wrote. “We need to spruce it up and leave it.”
Another commenter wrote: “I think that they should restore it where it is and not move it.”
Originally installed as part of the 1996 Summer Olympics, the torch has stood in Summerhill for decades. Its significance is tied to the fact that Summerhill was founded as one of Atlanta’s earliest post-Civil War communities, settled largely by formerly enslaved Black residents and later home to immigrant communities.
Photo Credit: WABE | Erik S. Lesser / Associated Press
Many people connected the proposal to larger concerns about preservation and redevelopment.
One commenter criticized Georgia State University’s involvement and their lack of support for community history.
“It's disheartening that GA State has consistently shown zero regard for Atlantans' history, culture, and citizenry,” they wrote. “This first became apparent to me when they dismantled WRAS, and has continued on with their lack of sensitivity towards historic properties and buildings around Sweet Auburn. I thought an institution of higher learning would hold itself to a higher standard, but alas.”
Supporters of the relocation focused on the condition and visibility of the structure.
“Move it to Centennial and actually make it look nice because it looks like dogshit right now,” one commenter wrote. “I realize [there's] sentimental value to its location, but it adds zero other value to that location. It's entirely out of place and even looks terrible from the highway.”
Another commenter wrote: “With all due respect, that torch looks like an unfinished building with scaffolding left behind.”
Some people suggested alternatives to relocation.
“Let them make their own! There are unemployed metro welders and fabricators and GA has budget,” one commenter wrote.
Others questioned whether the issue should be a priority for city leaders.
“So many other issues WAY more important in town for everyone to get all hot and bothered about this rusty relic,” one commenter wrote.
One commenter responded more lightly, writing: “I’m just glad they are not trashing it for a bike lane.”
The responses reflected differing views on whether the cauldron should remain in Summerhill as a neighborhood landmark or be relocated as part of efforts to preserve Atlanta’s Olympic legacy.
The official relocation date has not yet been announced.
Please email mia.s@lead4earth.com for questions, concerns or comments.
0
0
Comments