Homeless advocates are demanding that, when the city's new aquarium opens in November, it hires the homeless to fill some jobs. And, the advocates are making the demand of the aquarium's benefactor, billionaire Bernie Marcus.

Marcus has raised the anger of homeless supporters by saying that the success of the aquarium is linked to a city council proposal that would ban panhandling in the so-called tourist triangle; an area that would include the aquarium, the new World of Coca-Cola and hotels and restaurants.

The city council has twice postponed action on a bill that would make it illegal to ask for money or other valuables in the area of downtown Atlanta. The plan is set for another vote on August 15th.

Former Atlanta City Councilman Derrick Boazman has issued a threat to Marcus; hire the homeless or else they will shut down the aquarium through protests.

Marcus' comments on the panhandling proposal came during an interview in which the Home Depot founder said failure to act on panhandling would also jeopardize Atlanta's chances on landing the NASCAR Hall of Fame. NASCAR officials will soon decide whether to place the new museum in Atlanta or Charlotte, North Carolina.