The Main Street Academy gets state OK, opens in the fall

There will be a new education option for Tri-City parents with school age youngsters

The state Board of Education Thursday, March 11, gave its approval to the charter school that will serve the East Point, Hapeville and College Park. 

Organizers announced:

State Approval

We are now official...today, The Main Street Academy charter petition has been approved by the State Department of Education!
With approximately 4 years in the making, countless hours of hard work and several obstacles along the way, The Main Street Academy will finally open its doors this Fall.  This is only the beginning of our journey together.  We need all of you (parents, community leaders and concerned citizens) to join in and help our school succeed. 
Thanks to all of you who have participated in our events and fundraisers, volunteered your time and shared your ideas.  All of these things have helped to get us where we are and are critical elements to ensuring a bright future for TMSA.
Pre-Enrolled families will be contacted soon with enrollment information and timing, and we will post the enrollment period on our website.  Please stay tuned.
Thank you for your continued support of TMSA!

See the Web site for more information: http://www.tricitiescharter.com

New gardeners in the Jefferson Park neighborhood makes plans for spring

Spring officially begins March 20 so it is timely that a new gardening club is getting ready for new plantings. 

Holly Roseberry, of East Woodland Circle, is organizing the effort.  She said several people have contacted her about getting it off the ground, while some 20 people have joined the group's Facebook page:  Jefferson Park, GA Gardening Club.  Find it at http://bit.ly/92nJrU

The group's members range from novices to a horticulturist. Roseberry said she has little experience herself. "Last year we had a couple of tomato plants in pots and also flowers lining the walkway. That inspired us to finally get serious this year and make some vegetable beds in the yard," she said in an email. 

It's Facebook description shows a variety of activities for the group, from growing vegetables and using raised vegetable garden beds to organic methods.

And many hands make light work, so the group has a goal to converge on each other's gardens and get some serious work done.

To get involved, contact Holly at hollyroseberry(at)gmail.com.

And this article from the Wall Street Journal may be of interest to folks with a green thumb: Attack of the Rotten Tomatoes.

Main Street has 'endless future possibilities'

The city's Main Street Association just issued its first newsletter publicizing some of the people and events happening in the city center. Now, its director Erin Rodgers talks about the nonprofit:

• What is the purpose of the East Point Main Street organization?

Erin Rodgers: The East Point Main Street Association (EPMSA) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization made up of nine board members who are residents or business owners. The board’s mission is to “To preserve and enhance the downtown area as the heart of East Point, communicating a sense of place, community pride and heritage, while providing for a successful business and residential environment.”

• What are the strengths of the city's downtown and how is the organization building on them? What does the organization envisions as success for downtown? 

ER: One of the strengths of the city’s downtown are the historic buildings we have and the amount of available land that allows for future expansion. Many city’s downtowns have a limited number of buildings or available space, however, our downtown boasts a large footprint and therefore, endless future possibilities. The ultimate success for downtown will be when it “fills out” to its full potential and becomes a thriving downtown district full of businesses, residents and visitors alike.

• What challenges do you face in promoting the downtown area? How can residents help overcome those challenges? 

ER: Currently, one of the biggest challenges for downtown East Point, like many cities, is the current economy. As I mentioned above, we have a tremendous supply of available buildings and land for new businesses/developments, we are located just 5 minutes from I-75/85, I-285 and the busiest international airport in the nation and we are only 9 miles from downtown Atlanta – we have so much going for us! However, new businesses and developers are being very cautious these days and they want to see figures/numbers that support bringing their business to East Point (density figures, income levels in the area neighborhoods, etc.- so be sure to fill out your 2010 census!!) and they want to see incentives to take that risk in this volatile market. As residents, you can encourage others to be patrons of our downtown area businesses, show a potential home buyer the area, show your support by attending events downtown. . .basically just get involved! The better our current businesses do, the more attractive downtown becomes to potential new businesses.

• What type of establishment does downtown East Point need at this point? 

ER: Well that is the purpose of the new neighborhood survey on the www.downtowneastpoint.com website- if you haven’t already, send one in today! A few of the most requested establishments are as follows: Grocery Store, Theatre/Performance Hall, Indoor Farmer’s Market and Coffee House.

• Can you tell us a little about the survey? What will it be used for?

ER: The survey will be used to prioritize what residents feel are the most important downtown issues that need to be addressed. Your opinion matters! Send one in today.

If you haven't already, take a few moments and fill out this four page survey to help guide the development of Main Street.  Email your responses or mail the completed survey to: 

East Point Main Street Association
Attn: Main Street/Downtown Development Manager
1526 East Forrest Ave., Suite 400
East Point, Georgia 30344

East Point Main Street Assocation Neighborhood Survey

Proposed blueprint for the future of Fort McPherson

The clock is ticking on Fort McPherson and what the future holds for the 488-acre military facility. 

A series of meetings start this week to work on a blueprint for its re-use once it closes in September 2011. The meetings are hosted by The City of Atlanta's Bureau of Planning.

There is little doubt the impending closure of the base, which opened in 1889, will have a ripple effect in East Point, especially restaurants and service industries.

An economic impact report published annually by the Fort McPherson Public Affairs Office in 2004 lists 1,329 active duty, 878 Army Reserve, and 2,064 civilians that work at Fort McPherson.  Including Army Retirees, family members, and retirees from other services – Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem affect over 136,000 people.  The total active duty payroll for Fort McPherson as of 2004 was $106.8 million. 

 To prepare for the future,  the planning bureau wants to hear from people about the proposed blueprint, which calls for residential housing, an R&D center, a historic district and other features. (Read the 2007 final reuse report here.)

The meetings will be held from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at Atlanta Technical College, 1560 Metropolitan Parkway, Atlanta, on:

• March 10: Academic Complex (Auditorium)
• March 17: Academic Complex (Auditorium)
• March 31: Academic Complex (Auditorium)
• March 24: Cleveland L. Dennard Center Main Ballroom

Parking: On the side in front of the Cleveland L. Dennard Conference Center. The Auditorium is in the Academic Complex Building, next to the Cleveland L. Dennard Conference Center.

The parking in front of the Academic Complex Building is reserved for student and
faculty parking- Please do not park in this area.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Jewelle Kennedy
Bureau of Planning
Dpcd-jkennedy@atlantaga.gov(404)330-6145

The East Point Main Street Assocation brings new life to downtown

Supporters of downtown East Point are promoting the new businesses and community activities around the city center. 

The East Point Main Street Association, a nonprofit focused on revitalizing the business district, issued its first newsletter this week. It features an event calendar, spotlights a business of the month and other information. 

The business month is Angel's Catering, at 2865 Main St., to provide food for events and business meetings. For more information: www.angelscatering.com. And by phone, 678-905-3122.

And for upcoming activities, check out the fundraiser for the Main Street Academy ‘s Children’s Consignment Sale. It happens at the East Point Presbyterian Church, 2810 Church St., on March 12 , 6 - 9 pm & March 13, 9 - 2 pm. For info call Mikey at 404-429-7951.
 
 Newsletter_03_01_2010

East Point urban farm offers how-to class--UPDATE

UPDATE:
If buying fresh food is at the top of your to-do list, here are other places to consider:

Morningside Farmers Market
1393 North Highland Ave.
Atlanta, GA 30306
County: Dekalb

Contact: Howison Hollenberg
Phone / Fax: (404) 444-9902
E-Mail: morningsidemarket@mindspring.com
Website: http://www.morningsidemarket.com
Covered: No
WIC: Yes; WIC Cash Vouchers: No; SFMNP: No; SNAP: No
Open Year-Round: No

April-December Saturday, 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Atlanta State Farmers Market
16 Forest Parkway
Forest Park, GA 30927
County: Clayton

Contact: Mike Harris
Phone / Fax: (404) 675-1782
E-Mail: mharris@agr.state.ga.us
Website:
Covered: No
WIC: No; WIC Cash Vouchers: No; SFMNP: No; SNAP: No
Open Year-Round: Yes

--
As winter turns into spring, minds of garden enthusiasts turn to planting flowers and vegetables.

What you may not know is that beside the busy Washington Road on the way to Camp Creek Marketplace is Truly Living Well Urban Farm. On this small plot is a whole variety of fresh farm produce as a community supported agriculture project.

This season leader Rashid Nuri is willing to share his secrets on what makes a good farm in the middle of a city. At the beginning of April, a six week class gets underway. The schedule is: 

Urban Farming Training Class

I. Introduction and Overview of Urban Farming 3 April 2010
II. Garden Design 10 April 2010
III. Soil Preparation and Management 17 April 2010
IV. Reproducing Plants 24 April 2010
V. Crop Management I 1 May 2010
VI. Crop Management II 8 May 2010

The cost of the classes is $250 for the entire series. Individual classes may be attended at a cost of $50 each. You can pay for the classes by check or through PayPal. Send check to:

Truly Living Well
P.O.Box 90841
East Point GA 30364

Or by PayPal:
admin@trulylivingwell.com

Removal requested ()Restore requestedEdited  -  -

Placement on map is approximate

Get in touch with the farm at 3353 Washington Rd. if you have questions.
K. Rashid Nuri
phone: 404.520.8331
admin@trulylivingwell.com

New medical office being built in East Point

Medical facilities are a regular part of the neighborhood and the city, with South Fulton Medical Center just on the other side of Cleveland Avenue from the Jefferson Park neighborhood.

At the corner of Humphries Street and Norman Berry Drive, a new building is being erected.  A few weeks ago, it looked like this.

Construction equipment tore up the black top last week.  And an new medical office will go up in its place.

Sketches from the developers show what the site is to look like once the building is completed:

It is to be the new home of Southwest Atlanta Nephrology medical offices.

East Point's Municipal Court offers an Amnesty Program

If you have been lax on paying your parking and traffic tickets, this is for you:

 

East Point's Municipal Court will offer an Amnesty Program to those with unpaid parking and traffic tickets and Failure to Appear Warrants. 

The five-day program will begin Monday, March 22, 2010 and end March 26, 2010. The court will be open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Thursday and from 8:00 am to 4:45 pm on Friday during the amnesty period.

If you have an outstanding ticket, at the option of the judge, additional “failure to appear” fees MAY be waived upon FULL PAYMENTS of original fines. Those who have had their licenses previously suspended will 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 at 404-209-0682 or 404-559-6250 Extension 2 to discuss your case during this amnesty period.

Following the amnesty period, 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.

Real Estate Report

1359 Winburn Dr.

$158,000

October 2009

Information from Fulton County Board of Assessors

Shameless Self Promotion at The JP Hub

Welcome all.

The graph is the number of visits to The Jefferson Park Hub in February.Overall, 148 people learned about the Jefferson Park neighborhood and East Point by reading this blog.

There were 373 visit and 800 page views. Nearly 40 percent were first time visitors and close to 30 percent had visited nine times or more in the month. The JP Hub gets about a dozen visits a day.

The top reads for the site in February were:

About-me
In person Ezra Thompson-painter
Endangered Species Billboard On Sylvan

As always, The JP Hub welcomes story ideas and photos about events and people in the neighborhood and East Point.

Thanks for reading. 

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.