Have You Heard of C.A.U.T.I.O.N. or Road Busters?
Learn More at Pickets, Protests, and a Parkway
By Kay Stephenson, Vice President, VHCA
This never-realized 1970 map shows the proposed I-485 & Stone Mountain Highway cutting through Inman Park, Virginia Highland, Poncey-Highland, Morningside, & Candler Park
Inman Park residents Cristy Lenz and Sandi Parker want us to know about the 30-year battle to stop a proposed 8-lane raised interstate. It would have cut through the heart of several intown neighborhoods including Virginia-Highland. Some in our neighbors have heard the story and some lived it. Still others have no idea that John Howell park stands as a monument to that battle, and to the people who started with grassroots protests but showed the state that their activism couldn’t be ignored.
C.A.U.T.I.O.N. was the legal arm of the battle while Road Busters was the protest arm. In the end, they managed to elect 54 people who were opposed to the Georgia Department of Transportation’s plan. Finally, they couldn’t be ignored.
Experience the history of this success through a pop-up history exhibit featuring memorabilia of the fight. Take the opportunity to hear from, and speak with, the original organizers of C.A.U.T.I.O.N. “It’s a great reminder in these times that grassroots activism can make a difference”, said Lenz. She and Parker want to remind and educate residents about their activist roots. In addition, representatives of a diverse group of organizations will share information and offer opportunities to get involved in current issues.
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he event will be held in the same building as King of Pops in Inman Park (337 Elizabeth Street). Walk past the pops walk-up window on Bernina Avenue and turn right down the alley. A kick-off party will be held Friday February 24th from 6 – 10 pm and will include words from BeltLine visionary Ryan Gravel and Cathy Bradshaw, founder of C.A.U.T.I.O.N. Other members of C.A.U.T.I.O.N. and Road Busters will also be on hand. On Saturday February 25th, the exhibit will be open from 11 – 5 pm and includes a panel discussion on Saturday afternoon. Both days are open to the public.
More information is available on the event website and Facebook page. And if anyone has any pictures or memorabilia that they would like to put in the exhibit please contact Cristy ([email protected]) or Sandi ([email protected]) by Friday February 17th.