East Point PD looks to red light cameras at dangerous intersections

East Point is looking at installing red-light cameras at "at various intersections throughout the city that have statically shown high accident rates," according to a city document.

The goal is to curb reckless driving, according to city documents.

At least three of these high-tech camera could be watching traffic and waiting to get a snapshot of scofflaw ignoring a stop signal, according to the request for proposal posted on East Point's website.

The document does not identify which intersections where drivers and cars would be photographed. There also aren't any statistics of car crashes in the city.

But the proposal quotes findings to show these cameras improve safety:

Studies have shown that installation of red-light camera systems save lives. A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found red light safety cameras lowered red-light running fatalities by 24% and the rate of all types of fatal crashes at signalized intersections by 17% in a study of 14 large U.S. cities. Source: “Effects of Red Light Camera Enforcement on Fatal Crashes in Large U.S. Cities.” Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, February 2011.

Here are reports exploring whether the camera are a municipal money maker or safety tool:

• NPR


• A pro and con argument about the cameras


• Governors Highway Safety Association

Sealed bids are due July 9.

City residents get a role in proposed traffic program

A proposal from Council member Lance Rhodes - Ward B:

The City of East Point recognizes the value of public participation when responding to quality of life issues surrounding neighborhood traffic.

The intent of this policy is to provide a uniform methodology to address and mitigate unacceptable traffic conditions occurring within our community. Communication, cooperation and involvement in fostering resident consensus in the identification of traffic related issues and their resolution is an integral component of these policies.

There are proposed petition requirements if neighbors ask for traffic control measures:

 For installation of stop signs and intersection controls, 90% of residents (one resident per address) in a two block radius before the stop sign or intersection controls and two bocks after the stop sign or intersection controls must sign the petition or ¼ mile before the stop sign or intersection controls and ¼ mile after the stop sign or intersection controls (which ever provides the largest number of signatures).

 For installation or removal of no parking signs, 100% of residents who park on the street must sign the petition. This will include no parking signs with specific days and or times for no parking.

For installation of speed humps, all residents within 50 feet of the device must agree to the installation. 90% of residents (one resident per address) in a two block radius before the device and two bocks after the device must sign the petition or ¼ mile before the device and ¼ mile after the device (which ever provides the largest number of signatures).

City of East Point Neighborhood Participation Traffic Calming Controlpolicy

East Point fire houses open to anyone in need

Mayor Jannquell Peters posted this notice on her Facebook page:

OFFICIAL STATEMENT REGARDING SHELTERS: Each of the City of East Point Fire Department stations are Safe Houses available to the public during any emergency. In the case of Winter Storm 2014, the stations are available as shelters as well as warming stations. We have hired extra people to have one person remain at the fire station in case the company has to go out on an alarm. - Fire Station #1 to be staffed and used as a fourth Safe House/Shelter.

Here are the addresses and phone numbers;

Station #1 - 2757 East Point Street

Station #2 - 3171 Norman Berry Drive
404-559-6419

Station #3 - 3800 North Commerce
404-559-6422

Station #4 - 2222 Ben Hill Road
404-559-6424

Jannquell Peters
mayor@eastpointcity.org

Learn about sustainability in East Point

Here's an upcoming event:

Sustainability & Emerging Market Summit

July 27 ~ 10AM-4PM

The City of East Point will hold it's first "Sustainability and Emerging Market Summit" on Saturday, July 27, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at East Point Jefferson Park Recreation Center.

The summit will provide citizens the opportunity to learn about sustainability - discovering ways to use natural and more cost effective resources without destroying the ecological balance of an area. This summit will cover home energy, urban gardening, affordable healthcare and more! There will also be giveaways of energy efficient light bulbs, and citizens will have an opportunity to sign up for free home energy audits.

Location: East Point Jefferson Park Recreation Center (1431 Norman Berry Drive, East Point, GA 30344)

East Point police officer found dead in her home

EAST POINT - Authorities are waiting for further information about the death of a standout and decorated city police officer.

From the AJC

East Point officer found dead in home; police awaiting autopsy....

"Crystal A. Parker, a corporal and six-year East Point Police Department employee, ... was voted the city’s 2012 Officer of the Year, was found dead inside her south Fulton County home over the weekend. A close friend requested a welfare check after not seeing or hearing from Parker for a few days."

Channel 2 had a few more details about a recent burglary at her home in south Fulton County.

A neighbor told Channel 2's Darryn Moore that the officer's home was broken into a couple of weeks ago. The last conversation we had, she stated they had broken into her home," neighbor Destiny Jones said. Police confirmed later that someone stole hundreds of dollars' worth of electronics and jewelry during the break-in.

Police have not released Parker's cause of death or if foul play is involved.

 

Amnesty program begins this week for city court

EAST POINT - Nearly 70 people showed up last April to take advantage of the city's amensty program.

The city took in some $14,000 from people who wanted to clear up overdue fines, according to city officials.

East Point hopes people take advantage of this year's program again.

The six-day program starts today and wraps up on Monday, April 15, 2012. The municipal court will be open from 8 AM - 12  PM on Saturday, April 13, and 8 am - 6  pm Monday through Friday during the Amnesty period.

To avoid any additional collection charges or unwanted arrest, individuals should make use of the amnesty program, said city news release.

A person with  an outstanding ticket, the judge may waive additional “failure to appear” fines . Those who have had their licenses previously suspended may get a release from the Court Department upon payment of fines.

If you have an active probation with the City of East Point and a warrant has been issued for your arrest you are encouraged to contact the probation department to discuss your case during this amnesty period.

Following the program, the court will turn over responsibility for collection of all unpaid fines to a collection agency and warrants to the Police Department for service.

For more information call 404.559.6250 or check web site.

 

Got a traffic ticket? City offering amnesty program

From the city of East Point: 

East Point Municipal Court Offers Amnesty Program For Unpaid Traffic Tickets and Warrants

(East Point, GA) The City of East Point Municipal Court will offer an Amnesty Program to those with unpaid parking and traffic tickets. The six-day program will begin Monday, April 8, 2013 through Saturday, April 13, 2013 and Monday, April 15, 2012. The court will be open from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturday the 13st of April and 8:00 am through 6:00 pm Monday through Friday during the Amnesty period.

If you have an outstanding ticket, at the option of the judge, additional “failure to appear” fines may be waived. Those who have had their licenses previously suspended may get a release from the Court Department upon payment of fines.

If you have an active probation with the City of East Point and a warrant has been issued for your arrest you are encouraged to contact the probation department to discuss your case during this amnesty period.

Following the Amnesty Program, the court will turn over responsibility for collection of all unpaid fines to a collection agency and warrants to the Police Department for service. To avoid any additional collection charges or unwanted arrest, individuals should make use of the amnesty program. The Court staff encourages those interested to come early and avoid possible long lines.

For more information call 404.559.6250 or check our website at www.eastpointcity.org