Atlanta, October 18, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta is undergoing major construction in its Midtown and downtown areas in preparation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. While city leaders advocate for safety and improved infrastructure, local business owners share concerns about traffic disruptions affecting customer flow and sales. Restaurant owner Ayman Kamel highlights deteriorating traffic conditions, expressing fears of long-term impacts on businesses. The Midtown Alliance defends the construction, emphasizing its goal of enhancing public safety. As projects are expected to complete by year’s end, Atlanta faces the challenge of balancing urban development with business viability.
Atlanta
Atlanta’s Midtown and downtown areas are experiencing significant construction as city leaders prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This initiative involves various projects aimed at enhancing the local infrastructure and urban landscape. However, business owners in the area are voicing their concerns regarding the negative impact of these traffic disruptions on their customer flow and overall sales.
One particularly vocal business owner, Ayman Kamel, who owns several restaurants including 5Church Midtown, 5Church Buckhead, and Alta Toro, reports that traffic conditions have deteriorated to the point of being described as an “absolute nightmare.” He stated that the increased travel time is making it difficult for customers to reach his establishments. As a result, numerous patrons have been canceling reservations or informing the restaurants about delays caused by the ongoing construction.
The adverse traffic situation has led to declining sales and an unsatisfactory customer experience. Kamel has expressed concerns about the long-term repercussions these challenges might impose on local businesses. In an effort to alert city officials to these issues, he utilized social media to raise awareness and urge action regarding the traffic disruptions that are adversely affecting restaurant revenues.
Despite the business community’s worries, the Midtown Alliance has defended the construction initiatives. They assert that the ongoing projects are intended to improve safety in the area. The Midtown Alliance highlighted that conditions on Juniper Street, which has seen 569 accidents over the past five years, necessitate these safety improvements. It is emphasized that ensuring safe travel conditions for both pedestrians and drivers is a priority.
Completion of the current safety improvement projects is projected for the end of the year, and officials maintain that the long-term benefits of improved infrastructure will ultimately outweigh the current inconveniences experienced by local businesses.
This situation poses a complex challenge for Atlanta as it balances the need for significant urban improvements in anticipation of a major international event while addressing the concerns and livelihoods of local business owners deeply affected by the construction phase.
Background Information
The preparations for the FIFA World Cup have prompted various cities across the United States, including Atlanta, to initiate improvement projects aimed at optimizing their infrastructure and safety. Atlanta’s focus on transforming Midtown and downtown highlights the city’s commitment to not only enhance its economic appeal but also to ensure public safety in the lead-up to one of the most significant sporting events on the global stage.
FAQs
What is the main reason for the construction projects in Atlanta’s Midtown and downtown?
City leaders in Atlanta are sprucing up Midtown and downtown in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup through various construction projects.
What concerns are business owners voicing about the construction?
Business owners are expressing concerns that the ongoing construction is driving customers away due to increased traffic.
What specific impact has traffic had on local restaurants?
The situation leads to decreased sales and a negative customer experience, with some owners fearing long-term impacts on business.
How is the Midtown Alliance responding to the construction concerns?
The Midtown Alliance defended the construction, stating the projects are aimed at improving safety, specifically citing dangerous conditions on Juniper Street which had seen 569 crashes over five years.
When are the safety improvement projects expected to be completed?
The safety improvement projects are expected to be substantially complete by the end of the year.
Key Features of the Construction Projects
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Reason for Improvements | Preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup |
| Concerns Raised | Increased traffic driving customers away |
| Impact on Businesses | Decreased sales and negative customer experiences |
| Focus Area | Juniper Street, noted for high accident rates |
| Projected Completion | End of this year |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Midtown Business Owners Say Construction Hurting Sales
- KGUN9: Midtown Neighbors Argument to Keep Wider Side Road
- Tallahassee: Anger Grows to Thomasville Road Construction
- Wikipedia: FIFA World Cup
- Google Search: FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
