February morning in Jefferson Park

 Despite the recent cold mornings, signs of spring are all around.  New shoots are poking out of the ground, waiting to bloom. 

The Great Backyard Bird Count recently took place.  Eighteen species of birds were identified in East Point. Go here to see the types of birds. Blogger David Baugher, of E. Woodland Circle captured some resident birds with his camera and posted them.

Here are birds greeting the morning on Feb. 27th. If you can identify the calls, please let other readers know what birds they are by commenting below.

Bird calls in February  by  JeffersonParkHub

Rockdale County Firefighters wins 23rd Annual Biscuit Bake Off

Biscuit Bake-off in Jefferson Park raise $1,000 for Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation--UPDATE

Some 50 people crowded the basement of Jefferson Avenue Baptist Church for the annual Biscuit Bake-Off competition for the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation.  It was hosted by the East Point Woman's Club Saturday, Feb. 27.

Donations at the door, along with a  contribution from the East Point Women's Club, raised $1,000 for the nonprofit. Much of the money goes to the foundation's burn camp, that helps 100 young survivors of burns.

Nine firefighters from East Point, Rockdale County, Walton County, Fairburn, DeKalb and Roswell did their best to whisk up tasty biscuits. 

Taking home the top prize, which was an apron, was Keith White, a lieutenant at the Rockdale County Fire Department. His secret? Lard.

Animal Fundraiser at The Tavern

The always-popular East Point Corner Tavern and the equally popular Atlanta Animal Rescue Friends are teaming up.

On Friday, Feb. 26th, is a benefit for the nonprofit that strives to save adoptable pets from being euthanized. 

To help the cause, beer and sharp, pointy things that will be thrown are part of the mix.

The first ever dart tourney will be held at the Main Street mainstay, starting at 8 p.m.  Beers from Yuengling and Fat Tire for $3 and $4, respectively, are on tap.  Portion of the beer sales go to the rescue league.  

Here's more information about the event. Some things mean nothing to me, but if you know what end of the dart to throw, you'll have a clue:

CHARITY BLIND DRAW
                   East Point Corner Tavern......
Friday Night Feb 26 at 8pm
$7 buy-in, $1 bull shoot, and $1 Mystery Out.
All proceeds will be split 50/50
between the winners and the charity.
Come On ADDA .... Come Out and Support This Great Cause!

 

 

The Corner Tavern is located at  2783 Main Street (2nd Floor), East Point.

Real Estate Report

View Larger Map

1331 Bryan Avenue

$128,000

Sold in October 2009

Information from the Fulton County Board of Assessors Web site

Mental health break: jigsaw puzzle

At City Hall: Water Resources Department

At City Hall is an occasional series that looks at East Point's city departments and services.    

The Water Resources Department has a lot to to watch and maintain with 153 miles of  sewer lines and 164 miles of water lines . From its Web site and budget:

MISSION STATEMENT: "The Water Resources Department's mission is to provide progressive, administrative oversight and management of resources, external funding, procurement and budget matters necessary to insure goals, objectives and operation strategies for the city of East Point's Water Resources are successfully implemented and on target to meet the needs of those we serve"

The Water Resources Department is responsible for providing oversight and management of the following organizations:
• Water Filter Plant
• Sewerline Maintenance
• Waterline Maintenance
• Meter Services Division (Meter Repair)
• Stormwater


Water and Sewer:  

• Ensures that the City will have enough water to meet its demand through water conservation efforts
• Provides the resources for water line maintenance to improve service delivery  
• Provides the resources to treat water for residents and customers  
• Provides for the comprehensive maintenance and emergency response tasks on the wastewater collection system in the City of East Point. The wastewater collection system consists of an estimated 153 miles of wastewater collection pipes and 3400 manholes within the city limits.
• Provides for the comprehensive maintenance and emergency response tasks on the water distribution system in the City of East Point. There are estimated164 miles of distribution pipelines and four (4) above-ground storage tanks in the water distribution system: Commerce Drive, Battery Way, Sykes Park and Pearl Street. The total amount of storage available is 3.5 M.G. • 

 
 The city expects to spend $16,939,023 on this department this fiscal year. 

Get rid of old paint as you spring clean this weekend

This weekend Home Depot is accepting unwanted and left over house paint.  That gives you all day Sunday, Feb. 21, to poke around in closets and garages to find those paint cans. 

The free recycling is only taking place at select locations and the store on Ponce de Leon, Atlanta, is the nearest store participating.

It is easy, no questions asked.  Roll in with your paint - up to 20 cans accepted at a time - and walk way. No fuss.

The accepted items:

• latex paint
• oil paint
• deck stain
• porch/floor paint
• interior stain
• all water- and oil-based paint

Biscuits, need you know more? 23rd Annual Firefighter's Biscuit Bake-Off

The East Point Woman's Club will hold the 23rd Annual Firefighter's Biscuit Bake-Off on Saturday morning, February 27 in the Fellowship Hall at Jefferson Avenue Baptist Church.

The festivities begin at 8:30 A.M. and are open to the public. Breakfast will be available for a donation and all proceeds go to the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation.

Parking for the event is available (and easiest access to the church Fellowship Hall) in the church parking lot located at the corner of Winburn Drive and Batavia Avenue in East Point. (Just a block north of Cleveland Avenue near South Fulton Medical Center)

The church address is 1150 Jefferson Avenue, East Point, GA  30344 and the phone number is (404) 767-0582.  Please feel free to call or email the church (jeffersonchurch@att.net) for more information or additional directions.

The Main Street Academy on March agenda --- UPDATE

Clarification: After this story was posted, Andrew Broy, of the Ga. Department of Education, sent an email apologizing for incorrect information.  He wrote that he got confused when responding to The JP Hub question.

My apologies, I misspoke and was thinking of another school.  Main street was not applying to the commission -- the SBOE will vote on the school at the March meeting.  The charter will only be granted if the SBOE approves it in March.

The charter school planned for East Point, College Park and Hapeville gained the approval of a state education panel to open its doors to students in the fall is on the agenda for the state Board of Education March meeting.

A state education official emailed The Jefferson Park Hub Tuesday, Feb. 16, about the status of The Main Street Academy. Here's what he wrote:

The Main Street Academy approval by the Commission was not overturned by the (State Board of Education) last week, so the charter is proper and the school can open this fall.


_____________________________
Andrew W. Broy
Associate Superintendent, Policy, External Affairs, and Charter Schools
Office of Policy and External Affairs
Georgia Department of Education

There has been great interest in the charter school proposal. Several hundred people attended a community meeting in January about the charter school and requests for seats in the school are nearly at capacity.

TMSA leaders attended the state meetings last week, to speak to members of the state education board about its efforts.
"TMSA has received a recommendation for approval by the charter division, but we will not have official state approval until the State BOE votes on 3/11/10," said Stacy Kerber, a founding committee member of TMSA, in an email.

For more information about charter schools, the state Education Department has a FAQ section.

Calling for volunteers for the neighborhood tour of homes

Folks are needed for the neighborhood's annual party as the 2010 Tour of Homes organizing committee gets underway.

Shelly Davis, the co-chairperson, Jefferson Park Tour of Homes, sent out this notice of help:

 The 2010 Tour of Homes Committee is seeking committee members! If you've been looking for an opportunity to give back to your neighborhood, please contact jeffersonparktourofhomes@gmail.com

The committee is currently seeking the following talents:
Accounting/Bookkeeping, Sponsorship, Event Planning/Coordinating, Eagerness, Fresh Ideas, Desire to "Give Back".


Also, WE ARE IN NEED OF HOMES! If you are generous enough to share your beautiful abode, please contact the committee at jeffersonparktourofhomes@gmail.com.


Thanks so much and we look forward to hearing from YOU!

Below are some photos from last fall's event.

Neighborhood association meeting Tuesday

Learn what is happening around the Jefferson Park at the monthly association meeting.
It starts at 7 p.m. at the Jefferson Avenue Baptist Church.

At City Hall: Department of Parks and Recreation

At City Hall is an occasional series that looks at East Point's city departments and services. 

If you have a boy with a mean curve ball or you just want junior to have fun outdoors, East Point's Park and Recreation Department is getting ready for baseball season. (There are coed leagues from ages 5 to 8.) 
The fee is $90 for residents. Registration is open. First practice starts Feb 22, 2010.

And here's a little more about East Point's Park and Recreation Department from its website:

Mission

The City of East Point Department of Parks and Recreation is committed to enhancing the quality of life of its residents through broad based recreational and cultural opportunities which include providing well-maintained facilities, park land acquisition and preservation of resources while working in concert with the City’s leadership.

Vision

To promote a healthy community where all residents participate in a broad range of parks, recreation and cultural enrichment activities offered at various well-maintained public facilities.  Thereby, residents will be physically and mentally healthy and better connected to their neighbors and the community. 

 Facilities & Activities

The City offers a wide range of amenities and recreational activities for its citizens including:

·         1 recreation center.

·         An 18 acre sports facility that can be used for baseball, soccer and football.

·         A Velodrome – a professionally designed bicycle race track.

Parks & Recreation FY10 Budget... 

• Replaces the roof and gymnasium flooring at the Jefferson Recreation Center
• Establishes additional crew to maintain acquired park and green space
• Acquires more aerobics equipment and provides for game room upgrades 
• Provides funding for comprehensive parks and recreation master plan 
• Installation\restoration of playground, basketball and tennis courts and restroom facilities
  at  Brookdale Park  
• Renovates restrooms, locker rooms and kitchenette at the Jefferson Recreation Center     Initiates fitness classes/programs
• Initiates Instructor Service Contracts for sports and general recreation programs 

Fat Tuesday in College Park

Just down the street in College Park, three mainstay businesses are joining force to throw a party. Join the fun, support local businesses. Get your tickets ahead of time. 

Laissez les bons temps rouler.

Valentine's Day poll

Photo Friday

 

Have a good weekend.

Friday's snow

Here are some snapshots taken with an iPhone of the neighborhood. Please share pictures you have of the snow. Email them so they can be added to the slideshow.

'Destination' programs may be boosted by new tax--UPDATE

UPDATE:

This new tax could help develop a stronger Main Street program to promote and develop the city center.

Councilman Rhodes answered a few questions about this tax proposal:

1. How much money was raised in the most recent budget year from this tax?

I can get the numbers for you, but it will have no bearing on the proposed increase. Any additional hotel motel tax (1% to 5%) will be used as defined by state law. At this point, we are not sure how much it may be due to not knowing what will be proposed by the state legislature. They may only approve 1% or they could approve the entire 5%.  The total could be from a hotel motel tax for 4% to 8%. The surrounding area is 6% and 8%.

   2. Has the council formed around a consensus about what the new tax rate would be and how much additional income it would bring in?

We have a list of about 20 items we believe would fall within the guidelines set up by the state. However, we are reviewing the list now to be sure we are providing the correct information. I will get it out as soon as we get it. Council will then vote around those things we believe will be proper per state law.

  3. What organizations may benefit from this?  It would appear the Downtown East Point group could benefit? Any other group?

The tax is designed for promotion and tourism. I am not sure any specific group would benefit but I am hoping that we will be able to use some of it for the Main Street Board to fund their activities. Most successful cities have a strong Main Street Board but East Point has not been able to fund them to the extent that they could be of the greatest use. When we get the list reviewed of possible uses, I will have a better idea on how to answer this question.

The East Point City Council wants to increase the city's revenue by raising taxes on hotel guests.

Ward B Council Lance Rhodes said the council took the first step to increase the existing 3 percent hotel/motel tax when it recently voted to notify the city's state representative of the council's intent. 

"It is well past time for East Point to move in this direction," said Rhodes in an email. 

The tax is paid by patrons of East Point hotels. According to the city's Economic Development Department, hotels are big employers here. They include: 

• Crowne Plaza Atlanta-Airport Hotel
• Doubletree Hotel
• Holiday Inn Airport Hotel 

City coffers received $1,186,897 in the 2008 fiscal year and $800,000 the next year from the hotel/motel tax, according to the city's budget.          

A state law restricts uses for the hotel tax to promoting tourism, conventions and trade shows.

"Endangered Species" Billboard on Sylvan Road---UPDATE

UPDATE: National Public radio also did a story on this.  Listen to it here.

Photo: Kendrick Brinson for The New York Times

A billboard on Sylvan Road, on the edge of the Jefferson Park neighborhood, is one in a controversial series. The sign can be seen on the right side heading north from East Point toward Atlanta.

The New York Times took a look at this campaign. 

ATLANTA — Anti-abortion groups have erected scores of billboards here with an alarming message: “Black children are an endangered species.”

Kendrick Brinson for The New York Times

Anti-abortion groups have erected scores of billboards.

The groups responsible insist that they are not exaggerating, despite contrary federal data. The billboards, which show a close-up of a worried-looking African-American boy, are an effort to highlight data showing that black women get a disproportionate number of abortions, especially in Georgia, and that the number in Georgia is increasing.
“The impact of abortion has become so great that it has begun to impact our fertility rate,” said Catherine Davis, the minority outreach coordinator for Georgia Right to Life, the state’s main anti-abortion group, which has sponsored the billboards in partnership with the Radiance Foundation, a group based in Atlanta that encourages adoption.

To read more of the story, go here.
For information about the Radiance Foundation, here.

Free spay/neuter program for cats

If the neighborhood is anything, it is a pet friendly kind of place.

So, this event put on by PAWS Atlanta will be embraced:

PREVENT-A-LITTER CAMPAIGN

PAWS Atlanta has just announced that on March 3rd, we will spay or neuter your cat for FREE (with purchase of a $15 rabies shot or proof of rabies vaccination).

Spring is around the corner and the shelter sees an increase of unwanted litters during this season.

Please call 770-593-1155 to schedule your appointment as space is limited.

Stay tuned for our upcoming free FERAL CAT spay and neuter clinic to be scheduled soon.

Our Low-Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic will continue to operate on Wednesdays for both cats ($60) and dogs ($75 under 50 pounds and $100 over 50 pounds). 

Please call 770-593-1155 to schedule your appointment or for more information

Pizza Night for The Main Street Academy Charter

Coming on the heels of its successful community meeting that drew hundreds of people, supporters of The Main Street Academy are tucking into pizza tonight. 

Join them to learn more about this charter school slated to open in the fall.

MARTA: Remove bus through the neighborhood

MARTA, facing a sea of red ink in budget shortfall, is proposing to slash scores of its bus routes.

The lumbering bus that cuts through the neighborhood on the Sylvan Hills/ Route 193, is to be discontinued.

A list of changes was unveiled at a public meeting on Saturday, Feb. 6 

"According to a list of Proposal includes modification of Route 78 will provide service on Cleveland Ave. segment and modification of Route 172 will provide
service on Sylvan Rd segment. Service will no longer operate on Jefferson Ave., Jefferson Terrace, and Springdale Rd. Additionally, service will no longer be provided on Sylvan Rd between Dill Ave. and Lee St. (Bold added.)"

The MARTA station is a mile away from Jefferson Park, but not a very easy walk. Riding the bus is a way for commuters to save gas and be environmentally sensitive. 

If transit is important to you, join others with Area Coalition for Transit Now for Transit Day at the statehouse.

Help ACT Now ensure short and long term funding for transit in Georgia. Join us at the state capitol February 18th to speak to your legislators.
Meet at the Freight Depot (65 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SE, Atlanta, GA) near Five Points Station at 9am and take the caravan of buses over to the capitol. Meet with legislators from 10am-12.  Email us at info@actnowga.org for more information.

 For more information from MARTA, here.

Photo:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/leeco/ / CC BY 2.0

At City Hall: Economic Development

At City Hall is an occasional series that looks at local government .

Economic Development Department:

The Economic Development Department is located at 1526 East Forrest Ave., 4th floor and can be contacted at 404.270-7214. It is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

It's goal is to assist local businesses, either by attracting them to East Point or helping local businesses thrive here.

Economic Development’s FY10 Budget goals...

• Encourage continued balanced growth and development in East Point’s commercial districts
• Enhance the economic vitality of the City of East Point while protecting its unique character
• Facilitate the construction of signature mixed-use projects in identified revitalization areas that will invigorate the community and expand the tax base
• Market the City of East Point effectively to attract quality commercial tenants, a broader mix of retailers and to improve the City's image throughout the region
• Strengthen the community character and positive image of East Point
• Improve communication and connection within the City and between the City and its citizens
• Work with BIDA to develop a work program and be more proactive in shaping development city-wide
• Obtain Fulton County School Board approval for Corridors TAD
• Increase attendance and regional awareness of the East Point festivals coordinated by EPMSA

Budget for 2010: $419, 473
Budget for 2009: $385, 277

Downtown East Point Super Bowl specials

Looking to get in on the action for the gridiron classic? Downtown joints have the TVs and the food to watch the Colts take on the Saints.




Oz Pizza has a special for $24.99: two large pizzas, one topping; bread sticks and a 5 liter bottle of Coke.
It is at 2805 Main St.

The Corner Tavern has more than a dozen TVs so you won't have to look far to see the action.
Check out the menu and bring an appetite.

It is the first Super Bowl party, so be a part of the celebration. It is located at 2783 Main St.

The Uptown Sports Bar has more than 18 TVs. It is a place John Madden would enjoy.

There are food and drink specials.  Wear your team colors and get a special drink, food for every touchdown.

The bar and grill opens at 2 p.m. It is located at 2787 Main St.

Police message system and how it could work

Imagine getting an alert on your phone or email that police are getting a lot of reports about smashed car windows and stolen valuables. The crime seems to be centered around just a few blocks.

The notice spurs people that night to remove valuables. And folks pay more attention to people who look unfamiliar, acting suspiciously.

With the one notice, people protect themselves and could help officers crack a case.

Batavia Street resident Cynthia Roseberry is hoping a police messaging system can be brought here. 

She said a similar program has been successful in Cobb County, where she used to live. Residents can learn about crime trends and crime alerts, she said.

She has spoken to police officers here and they seem interested in the idea, Roseberry said.

The alerts aren't only crime focused. They can be used to tell about good deeds in the department, advisories about weather and road problems. And the messages can be customized so users can choose only to get messages about downtown East Point or Jefferson Park or any other neighborhood.

Nearby communities using a message system include the Marietta police and Cobb county law enforcement.

Smyrna, along with the Marietta police, use a free program from the Nixle company that enables users to receive up-to-date public safety alerts and advisories. If adopted here, information would be sent from the East Point Police Department or City Hall to a user's phone, e-mail or Web browser.

In the past week, Smyrna has issued alerts about road closures because of accidents, an advisory about testing the weather sirens, an arrest made in an armed robbery. (To see it in action in Smyrna, go here.

More than 3,800 public safety and community agencies throughout the country have begun using Nixle since its launch in March. It is a free service for government agencies.
--
For information about Nixle.

Recycle your electronics

Keep East Point Beautiful wants to help you take out the trash.  And do it in a green way.

The organization is hosting electronics recycling at the Norman Berry Recycling Site on Saturday, from noon to 5 p.m.


View Recycling in a larger map

Be counted for the Censu 2010

The once a decade head count of every American is approaching.

Starting in mid-March, forms from the U.S. Census Bureau will arrive in mailboxes. There are 10 question on this survey, making it the shortest one ever. It is expected to only take 10 minutes to fill out, according to the census website.

As you remember from your high school civics class, the Constitution requires the head count every 10 years to draw congressional districts.  Congress also uses the count to dish out more than $400 billion each year in federal aid.

But if toss it in your recycling bin, a census taker may be knocking on your door.

And if a census taker visits you, here's what you should do:  First ask to see their ID. All census workers carry official government badges marked with just their name; they may also have a "U.S. Census Bureau" bag. Note that the census taker will never ask to enter your home. Call the Regional Census Center at (404)-335-1555 to confirm the person is Census Bureau employee.

There is also a chance to land a job. The Census Bureau could bring 10,000 new temporary jobs to metro Atlanta. One of the greatest needs will be for workers with different language backgrounds, including Spanish, Mandarin, French, Vietnamese, Swahili and Japanese.

Census jobs: For information: 866-861-2010 or online

Downtown East Point video

 A slice of life of downtown East Point:

 
 

Main Street Academy community meeting follow up.

By most accounts, the community meeting for the planned Main Street Academy was a great success.  Some 600 people attended Saturday's gathering. Organizers say they are swamped with requests from parents and other stakeholders.

Did you go?  What was your impression of the event? What did you tell your friends who didn't go? Did it leave you with any unanswered questions?  Please write The Jefferson Park Hub with your point of view.

From David Shaginaw, petitioner and founding member:

On behalf of The Main Street Academy’s Founding Committee & Governing Board I would like to thank all of you that took the time to attend our meeting at the GICC. The results are in and the event was an incredible success. TMSA hosted over 600 people, not including kids, and student registration stands at 423 and rising. In addition, continuing coverage in the South Fulton Neighbor and AJC print & online editions has TMSA on the front page of the entire Tri-Cities region of Atlanta. What began in 2005 and grew through 2008, erupted this past Saturday of 2010. TMSA is coming to town, are you ready? We have received inquiries from many of you who did not attend and complete pre-enrollment. Accordingly, we encourage those of you who have not pre-enrolled to do so by calling EdisonLearning’s TMSA hotline @ 404.377.5093. This gives you the opportunity to complete the pre-enrollment process before the window is open to new supporters. On Friday 2/5 the hotline will be re-posted publicly and given to new families. Seats are limited. If you want to attend TMSA this Fall, sign up now. On Saturday I spoke to you about money and how critical community and parental involvement is to the success of any school, especially our start-up charter. I also answered multiple questions regarding offerings such as band, beta, sports and pre & after care. Everything costs money, and as a start-up charter TMSA is on its own. TMSA’s founders want our school to be exceptional, and we want to be exceptional from the start. On Saturday TMSA received $1300 in donations and sales. That’s about $2 for every attending adult. Thank you to those who have contributed to our mission. To those who have yet to contribute, you should. If you want more from a school, you have to give more. How much money does a high quality public school save your family over the course of a child’s education? The figure is substantial. Don’t stand back, do nothing and expect everything to happen on its own. That’s not how TMSA was built and it’s not how TMSA works. Help us launch our new school with everything you, as dedicated parents, want. Help us help you. Stay tuned for more news about TMSA. Visit our website for current updates. Thank you for your time and support, I appreciate it.

Top content in January

The five most popular posts in January:

• In Person: Ezra Thompson, painter 
• In Person: Joe and Catherine S., missionaries 
• Nifty way to report neighborhood problems
• Snow scenes
• Pizza poll

Thanks for reading the Jefferson Park Hub. If you can think of anyone who should be profiled with the In Person feature, please drop me a line.