Atlanta Braces for Freaknik Sequel

Published April 14, 2010 at 11:30 p.m.
(WSB Radio) -- This will be a busy weekend in Atlanta, and the mayor doesn't want any trouble.

Kasim Reed says the city will sue any group or organization that violate city guidelines during events this weekend.

"We will not be caught off guard," said Reed at a briefing to outline the city's plans to manage traffic and public safety during events.

"We will walk the line between keeping order in our city and welcoming our visitors," he added.

There are two groups planning events under the "Freaknik" umbrella.  In its heyday during the 1990s, tens of thousands of college students descended on the city unleashing a rash of instant street parties and causing traffic gridlock on city streets and the interstates.

Freaknik's last Atlanta event was in 1999.  Organizers have said the planned events are scheduled for private venues in the Atlanta area which do not require city permits.

Nonetheless, the city is preparing for the possibility of large crowds.

Some 300,000 are expected in the city this weekend with or without any Freaknik-type events.  The annual Dogwood Festival is planned for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in Piedmont Park.

The Atlanta Braves are home at Turner Field for a series against the Rockies. The Hawks are expected to play a playoff opponent at Philips Arena.  And there's the Sweetwater 420 Fest and a robotics competition.

The mayor says the city will spend an estimated $125,000 to $300,000 on overtime for police and fire services.  MARTA says they'll have additional rail cars on standby. 

Atlanta Police say they'll post traffic plans online at www.atlantapd.org.  Residents with questions about plans may call 404-330-6023.

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