Code Compliance, BeltLine Brings Hundreds to Public Forum
For four hours this past Saturday, Mayor Shirley Franklin joined the Office of Code Compliance (OCC) and Atlanta Beltline Inc. (ABI) for a town hall-style public forum to address stakeholder concerns ranging from housing code violations to the BeltLine.
The forum was held in the Georgia Power Auditorium. Mayor Franklin joined Steve Cover, City Planning and Community Development commissioner; Tim Hardy, Code Compliance Director; and Tina Arbes, BeltLine CEO.
The City plans to take a comprehensive look at its housing code policies. In 2005, a similar comprehensive strategy was undertaken for the City’s permitting improvement project. As a result, between 2005 and 2007, the Bureau of Buildings successfully reduced the time it takes to receive building permits to best-in-class standards.
“We recognize that there are problems in regard to addressing housing code violations. We are here today not just to listen to you and take notes, but also to take action,” Cover said.
It currently takes 9-11 days to process a code complaint – this includes the time the complaint is received to the time the owner is identified and a notice or citation is mailed. Hardy says this process can be decreased to seven days, but more manpower is needed. Suggestions moving forward include new web-based tracking systems.
Arbes offered a progress report on the BeltLine, which recently celebrated a milestone in the Northeast Corridor, and has raised $16 million in private donations toward a $60 million capitol campaign. Please visit www.beltline.org for information on this and more.
For Your Information: The Neighborhood Deputies Program is a great opportunity for City residents to help identify housing code violations. For more information on this program, please contact Tanya Mitchell at 404.658.7084.
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Fort McPherson Takes Critical Next Steps
On Saturday September 8, the Fort McPherson Planning Land Reuse Authority (LRA) will host a public hearing to present the final draft of a base re-use plan and transfer agreements for its homeless assistance programs.
The hearing will be held at 10 a.m., at William M. Finch Elementary School, 1114 Avon Avenue SW, Atlanta, 30311. Public engagement is a tenet of the U.S. Base Realignment and Closure Act of 2005, which signaled the end of McPherson as a military facility.
Designed to become an economic generator for the metro area, the guiding principles of the redevelopment are to generate jobs and mixed-income neighborhoods; economically uplift surrounding communities for the benefit of existing residents; enhance community services; promote sound environmental concepts; and honor the history of the site.
The Fort McPherson LRA will host is regular board meeting on Tuesday September 11 in the Preston S. Arkwright Auditorium, Georgia Power building, 241 Ralph McGill Blvd., Atlanta, 30308. Visit here to RSVP for this meeting.
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New Season of Opportunities for Atlanta Public Schools Seniors
Therrell High School seniors and juniors had an opportunity to hear about the City’s innovative Mayor’s Youth Program from Mayor Shirley Franklin herself when she paid them a visit on Friday.
The 2007-08 season for the Mayor’s Youth Program is already in high gear. Over the next few weeks, Mayor Franklin will visit all 10 Atlanta Public Schools (APS) high schools, spreading the word about the Mayor’s Youth Program which assists seniors with the transition into their next phase in life.
Therrell students expressed overwhelming interest in the program’s Healthcare certifications and SAT preparation classes. The Mayor’s Youth Program assists with preparation for secondary education (SAT/ACT preparation, scholarship and financial aid applications); unmet financial needs; and career development.
One of the primary program goals is to instill self-motivation. Students must remain engaged with Mayor’s Youth Program staff throughout the school year and meet with Mayor Franklin at a Saturday session at the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency (AWDA) which manages the program. The first Saturday with the Mayor is scheduled for September 22.
“If you are trying to figure out what’s next for you, you need to come and see us. We have a place for everyone in this program!” Mayor Franklin said. “We can make things happen that you think are impossible but we can’t do it without your help.”
Mayor Franklin joins Deborah Lum, AWDA executive director, to give Therrell High School students information about the 2007-08 Mayor’s Youth Program. |
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Community Courts Offer ‘TLC’ to Young Drivers
To reduce the staggering number of young drivers who are being killed on Georgia roads, the Municipal Court of Atlanta has launched Teens Learning Control (TLC), an innovative mentoring program managed by its Community Courts division.
Automobile accidents are the leading cause of death among young drivers between the ages of 16 to 21. This age group makes up only 7 percent of licensed drivers, but they represent 14 percent of fatalities and 20 percent of all reported accidents on the roads.
TLC is an alternative sentencing initiative of the Community Courts. The program strives to save lives and reduce traffic accidents due to speeding and substance abuse by imparting lessons that extend to all areas of life. Participants are typically underage drivers who have violated drug or alcohol laws while behind the wheel.
Program participants join interactive workshops, community service, and peer-to-peer groups. The Municipal Court recently partnered with Georgia State University to create a module that addresses the affects of reckless driving behavior and its consequences. TLC also partners with other agencies to provide GED services, job placement, and housing on an as-needed basis.
For more information on the Community Courts TLC program, please visit here.
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Mayor Shirley Franklin recently announced the selections for the 2nd Annual Atlanta Reads program – Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird and Gloria Naylor’s The Women of Brewster Place. Atlanta Reads is an Office of Cultural Affairs literacy program. The 2007 program theme is “Building Community.” Click here to watch the news conference and learn about public events.
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Rave Reviews!
- City Gallery East’s “Summer Show with Caribbean Roots” earned rave reviews from arts critics for its “strong” and “elegant” works which were on view through August 10. Jamaican artists Yanique Norman and Basil Watson; Bahamian Lillian Blades; and Stephanie Jackson, who has roots in Trinidad and Grenada, displayed evocative pieces that showcased historical and personal reflections of their native countries. Pieces ranged in price from $350-$18,000. City Gallery East regularly showcases exhibitions from international artists, as well as works from the Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA) ARTSCooL and summer arts programs. The Pin-Up Show is a popular yearly exhibition that highlights local Atlanta artists. City Gallery East is located at 675 Ponce de Leon Ave, Atlanta. For more information, visit www.ocaatlanta.com or call 404.817.6815.
Caribbean artist Stephanie Jackson work, “Elysian Fields” was among the displays in City Gallery East. |
- Last week, the Atlanta Fire Rescue (AFR) department hosted the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) conference, one of the largest gatherings for fire safety professionals with over 17,000 in attendance from 20 countries. IAFC conference attendees participated in training, observed latest advanced technology and products available on the market for fighting fires and saving lives.
Interim Atlanta Fire Chief Harold D. Miller (left) receives a traditional leather fire brigade bucket from out-going IAFC President, Chief Jim Harmes (right), during the IAFC Presidential Dinner. The presentation was in recognition of Atlanta’s successful conference. |
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Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunties
- Tomorrow, Wednesday August 29 from 8:30 – 9:00 a.m., Mayor Shirley Franklin will be the featured guest on C-SPAN political call-in show, Washington Journal. Mayor Franklin will answer questions live on issues regarding the city of Atlanta. For more information, visit www.c-span.org.
- In Atlanta, Every Day is an Opening Day … Montreux Jazz Festival, Friday August 31 – September 3 at Underground Atlanta and other venues in metro Atlanta. A highlight event is the Blues, Bourbon and Barbecue Boat Ride at Stone Mountain Park on Friday, August 31. For more information on this event and others, visit www.atlantafestivals.com.
- R&B group, The O’Jays will join musicians for a tribute concert to the late Gerald Levert at the Atlanta Civic Center on Saturday September 29 at 8 p.m. Artists include Angie Stone, Levert, The Manhattans, Blue Lovett and Gerald Alston. Tickets for this show are $55, $65 and $75 and are on sale at the Civic Center box office and online at www.ticketmaster.com.
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Job Announcements
With the City of Atlanta’s online application system, you are able to create an account and select a Username and Password and then log in to your account.
After your account has been established, you can create an application by clicking on the “Build Job Application” link. Once your application is completed, it will be stored in the system and can be used to apply for future job openings. To get started by viewing current open positions, click here.
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Weekly Features
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