Thank you all so much for your continued support. Whether you have signed and shared the petition, or come into the store or supported in other ways. We have a few updates and some clarification we hope may be helpful. 
Back in June, Julia shared via Instagram that she had come to an agreement with The City in regards to a new design of their park which would be located directly behind the store. Construction had been paused. She had been in talks with The City re: park design, the new building was to be smaller, with the side facing The Book Worm to be an outdoor eating area. Parking would still be extremely limited with only one handicap parking space.
Speaking of the garden, she said that at the Austell Garden, where we have moved the food portion of our garden due to the lack of space, there has been story time and Book Fest events, volunteering time, harvest days, and workshops. The agreed upon plan for the Story Garden at the store would include leveling the ground, new grass, a new fence, and a living wall for privacy. The new wall will not be as tall as originally planned and will not block in The Book Worm. The Book Worm side should be finished shortly where we can begin planting some flowers. The Book Worm Story Garden will consist of flowers/landscaping for our reading activities, including our new Reading Garden Book Club. We have no control over what is done to the DDA's side however, they did adjust the design somewhat. There will also be no electrical or sound system installed on their side.
On August 1, the crew repaved the whole parking lot. They are calling this a "temporary" parking lot. While we are VERY happy that the parking lot is back, we are told the front half is only temporary until the building is built. Yes, the building is still being built so more signatures are still needed to show the community doesn't want another empty building but our parking lot. I personally have been several times on weekends and weekdays and this parking lot has been full. This parking lot not only serves The Book Worm, but so many surrounding businesses in Downtown Powder Springs. The City continues to host events at Thurman Springs Park with nowhere to, well, park. The Seafood Festival required offsite parking with shuttle service to downtown. Shoutout to the shuttle driver- she was fantastic. 
It is evident that the outpouring of support from the community and friends has had an impact. Designs are changing, plans are stalling, and our parking lot is back (for now). Please continue to sign and share the petition. Come in to say hi, buy a book, or join us for Book Club. Thank you for everything!