The Atlanta City Council has adopted a new tree protection ordinance, which increases funding for the low-income senior assistance program to $400,000 a year.

The measure also encourages planting over compensation payments, and doubles the fine for illegal tree removal from $100,000 per acre to $200,000 per acre, according to a City Council news release.

Atlanta’s Tree Protection Ordinance (TPO) has been the subject of some major changes after the Community Development Committee advanced a revised TPO despite objections from both developers and tree advocates. Key changes included:

• Higher removal fees to deter clear-cutting.
• Discounts for affordable housing projects to balance development needs.
• Guaranteed funding for arborists to improve enforcement.
• Support for low-income seniors with tree maintenance costs.

 The new measure balances development with conservation, ensuring the city retains its environmental and cultural identity amid growth. For example, the ordinance protects “significant” trees (those with a diameter at breast height of 6 inches or more) and requires mitigation for any approved removals.

With the city’s constant redevelopment, tree protection ordinances in Atlanta are needed for several critical reasons, driven by the city’s unique environmental, urban, and social context:

1. Preserving Urban Canopy

Atlanta is known as the “City in the Forest” due to its extensive tree cover, estimated at 36-47% of the city’s land area, one of the highest in the U.S.

Trees provide essential benefits like cooling urban heat islands (Atlanta’s summer temperatures can exceed 90°F), improving air quality (reducing pollutants like PM2.5), and managing stormwater runoff (critical in a city prone to flash flooding due to its hilly terrain and clay soils).

2. Mitigating Development Pressure

Atlanta’s rapid growth, with a population increase of 18.7% from 2010 to 2020 and ongoing construction booms, puts significant pressure on green spaces.

 Without ordinances, developers might clear-cut trees for new projects, eroding the city’s tree canopy and exacerbating environmental issues like heat and flooding.

However, developers argue that stricter regulations, such as higher tree removal fees (recompense) and preservation standards, could stifle housing development, particularly affordable housing.

For example, the proposed recompense fee increase from $100 per tree plus $30 per inch of diameter to $260 per inch, with the removal of a $5,000-per-acre cap, could significantly raise costs for developers. One developer cited a project’s tree removal cost rising from $20,000 to $155,000 under the new rules.

3. Environmental Justice

Trees are unevenly distributed across Atlanta, with wealthier, predominantly white neighborhoods like Buckhead having denser canopies than lower-income, minority areas like those in South Atlanta.

Ordinances help ensure equitable tree preservation and planting, addressing disparities in access to green benefits.

Key provisions, like preservation standards requiring developers to protect a percentage of trees on lots, were removed after pushback from builders who claimed these would hinder economic development. Tree advocates, such as conservationist Kathryn Kolb, called this a “gross failure of process,” arguing that the revised ordinance weakens protections and may reduce effective recompense compared to current standards.

4. Erosion and Flood Control

 Atlanta’s topography and frequent heavy rainfall make it susceptible to erosion and flooding. 

Trees stabilize soil and absorb rainwater (a single mature tree can absorb 100+ gallons daily), reducing runoff into the city’s strained sewer system, which has faced federal mandates for upgrades due to past overflows.

The ordinance revision process has drawn criticism for insufficient public engagement. Council member Michael Julian Bond abstained from the June 10 vote, citing that the new draft was introduced with little time for review, stating, “To my knowledge, I don’t think anyone has seen it prior to this very moment.”

This lack of transparency frustrated both council members and tree advocates, who urged for more public input and a delay in the vote.

5. Biodiversity and Habitat

 Trees support local wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals, maintaining Atlanta’s ecological balance.

Ordinances protect habitats from being destroyed during urban expansion.

The ordinance includes carve-outs, such as up to 100% fee waivers for affordable housing projects, but critics like developer Rod Mullice contend that small-scale developers lack the resources to comply with increased costs, potentially reducing housing supply in tree-heavy suburban areas.

Conversely, tree advocates dismiss this as a “red herring,” emphasizing that the ordinance’s fee adjustments are corrected for inflation and real-world tree replacement costs, which the current $5,000-per-acre cap fails to cover (only 10% of actual planting costs).

Final Word

Trees enhance Atlanta’s aesthetic appeal, boosting property values by up to 15% in tree-lined neighborhoods.

Ordinances ensure this economic benefit is preserved citywide.

The modern restaurant building at the corner of Juniper and Fifth Street in the heart of Midtown Atlanta has had many iterations. It’s never had this, though. SM44, a rebranded Steak Market, ushers in a new chapter under new ownership, spearheaded by former Georgia Tech star, two-time Olympian and ex-Miami Heat player Alade Aminu.

Paying homage to Steak Market’s legacy, the new Atlanta restaurant infuses what was great about it as well as Bar 44 and stirs both into its own vibe.

The main floor offers a refined dining experience, while our downstairs speakeasy provides a laid-back atmosphere with hookah and cigars.

Helming the kitchen is none other than celebrity chef Willie Wallace, who has cooked for such luminaries as Kanye West, Travis Scott, Kris Jenner, Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Rick Ross, Janelle Monáe, DJ Drama and more.

Photo credit: Chef Willie Wallace/Instagram

When Is SM44 Opening?

SM44 is set to open on Juneteenth, Thursday, June 19, 2025. When you’re done with Atlanta’s Juneteenth events head to SM44 to enjoy a meal.

Where Is SM44 Located?

SM44 s located at 793 Juniper St NE Atlanta, GA 30308. Here’s a map to help you find it.

Final Word

SM44 is one of many of the city’s black-owned restaurants. If you like barbecue, see our list of the Best Atlanta BBQ Restaurants.

As for eateries below I-20, these Southside Atlanta restaurants have developed quite a following.

Aside from dining at the best new Atlanta restaurants, there are so many Atlanta events popping off every week it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest gatherings, Atlanta happenings, parties and more delivered to your inbox.

Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?

Ultimate Guide: Where To Eat In Atlanta

Midtown’s pedestrian-friendly streets, centered around Peachtree Street and 10th Street, make it easy to hop between eateries, bars, and cafes. It’s a social hub where locals and visitors mingle, enhanced by proximity to cultural spots like the Fox Theatre and High Museum of Art.

Georgia’s most famous body of water has claimed another life. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources recovered the body of a missing swimmer from Lake Lanier around 7:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Ramon Diaz-Soria, 27, went missing late Saturday near Vanns Tavern Park in Forsyth County, according to a DNR spokesperson.

Man Wore Life Jacket, But Still Drowned

Witnesses reported that Diaz-Soria jumped off a boat wearing an unsecured life jacket and did not resurface.

The search was paused overnight and resumed Sunday morning, with SONAR equipment used to scan deeper lake areas.

Forsyth and Hall County fire departments aided in the search effort.

The death comes four months after another swimmer, Murtuza Mansoorali Sayani, 56, was found floating in Lake Lanier on February 27, 2025. The Forsyth County Coroner ruled his death intentional with no foul play.

Why Are There So Many Deaths on Lake Lanier?

Lake Lanier, a man-made reservoir in Georgia, has a high number of deaths—over 700 since its creation in 1956, with more than 200 between 1994 and 2023—due to a combination of environmental, human, and structural factors. Here are the primary reasons:

1. Underwater Hazards: The lake was built over the town of Oscarville, and many structures, including homes, businesses, and cemeteries, were not fully removed before flooding. These submerged remnants, such as trees, rooftops, and foundations, can entangle swimmers or divers, leading to drownings.
2. High Visitor Volume: Lake Lanier attracts over 11 million visitors annually, making it Georgia’s most popular lake. The sheer number of people engaging in swimming, boating, and other water activities increases the likelihood of accidents. For comparison, Lake Allatoona, with similar visitor numbers, has significantly fewer deaths, suggesting unique risks at Lanier.
3. Boating Incidents and Negligence: Between 1994 and 2022, 70 of the 216 deaths were boating-related, often due to collisions, mechanical failures, or boating under the influence (BUI). In 2023, Lake Lanier had the highest number of boating incidents and BUIs in Georgia. Incidents like the 2024 drowning of Matthew Mayo, who fell from a bass boat due to an unbolted seat, highlight equipment-related risks.
4. Drowning Risks: Drownings account for a significant portion of deaths (140 between 1994 and 2022). The lake’s currents, murky waters, and depths up to 160 feet can disorient swimmers. Many victims, such as Tracey Stewart and Edgar Steven Cruz Martinez in 2023, went under and did not resurface. Not wearing life jackets is a recurring factor, as officials note no deaths have occurred while wearing one.
5. Electrocution and Other Hazards: Some deaths involve unusual circumstances, like the 2023 electrocution of Thomas Milner after jumping off a dock, possibly due to faulty electrical systems. Contamination risks, such as brain-eating amoebas, have also been reported.
6. Historical and Cultural Context: The lake’s dark history, including the displacement of Oscarville’s Black community after racial violence in 1912, fuels local beliefs that it is “haunted” or “cursed.” While not a direct cause, these perceptions may contribute to risky behavior or inadequate safety measures. Divers have reported eerie underwater findings, like human remains, which add to the lake’s mystique.
7. Environmental Factors: The lake’s currents, driven by the Chattahoochee and Chestatee rivers, can be unpredictable, pulling swimmers away from shore. Murky water complicates rescue efforts, and sudden weather changes can create turbulent conditions.

Despite its dangers, Lake Lanier remains a popular destination. Safety measures like wearing life jackets, avoiding alcohol while boating or swimming, and increased oversight of electrical systems could reduce fatalities. Calls to drain and clean the lake, as advocated by Tameka Foster after her son’s 2012 death, aim to address underwater hazards but face logistical challenges.