A recent decision by the Atlanta City Council to turn over streets around Underground Atlanta to a private developer has been the subject of scrutiny by the media.

The city is abandoning portions of lower and upper Alabama Street, Upper and Lower Pryor Street and Plaza Way to accommodate the multi-million dollar mixed-use project, according to Creative Loafing and the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

A local advocacy group, ThreadATL, is threatening a lawsuit to prevent the streets from being turned over for the redevelopment project.

Mayor Kasim Reed said the abandonment is necessary for the redevelopment of Underground Atlanta to move forward, according to the AJC.

According to Creative Loafing, four council members – Natalyn Archibong, Felicia Moore, Alex Wan, and Mary Norwood – voted “no.”

ThreadATL is holding a “Drink Beer, Save Our Streets” fundraiser on Dec. 26 to cover the costs of filing a lawsuit.

A fundraising account set up by ThreadATL says, “We believe this transfer goes against every principle of sound city planning and, more importantly, limits the rights of the people to be in our public spaces, our streets and sidewalks. … Moreover, we have reason to believe that this transfer violates state laws regarding required public input and approval.”

The developer told Saporta Report that limiting public access to the streets isn’t the intent. The developer, WRS Real Estate Investments, said there would still be bike and pedestrian access, but the abandonment would allow control over vehicle access.

ThreadATL says a lawyer has been retained to file a demand letter against the city and the legal fees for filing are $1,000, hence he fundraiser.

It will be held at the Georgia Beer Garden, located at 420 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, Georgia 30312, on Dec. 26 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The invitation says, “All proceeds from the sale of a beautiful keg of quality local beer (TBD) will help pay for our legal fees.” Additional donations will be collected at the door.

“Join us for a discussion of the legislation and the legal justification for filing suit as well as the importance of our city streets,” the event announcement says.