[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6281625,"mediaKeyId","2603088-e52cba5e1125361b0313e3a0eea6fc77","parentId",2603088,"title","Residents press council on sidewalks, street paving and planning data; city asked to follow up","audioSeconds",325,"startMs",3275000,"endMs",3600000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2603088-e52cba5e1125361b0313e3a0eea6fc77&start=3275&end=3600","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2603088-e52cba5e1125361b0313e3a0eea6fc77/thumbnail_3275000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6281625/East-Point/Fulton-County/Georgia/Residents-press-council-on-sidewalks-street-paving-and-planning-data-city-asked-to-follow-up","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281625-9919245ec141a3080f13de46ef55ad5a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167920&Signature=HPp3CvV-jA2KJBHxltZLzc9RNEwDBkL77N7tzZ2b8Ky~HpngSYFw7o4U5Gzok9N8N8teCZzky2A0yh4ONHjIbGgxOZtXIKGAdWWBdBNdEnc-lwk3wwc3Ee7KwFoIjXNuEKR5i3dst4vTMct52iEKU9ElSm5UWNG5sCxcELKsGy8mpsRT-15bFRRYnJ4L7ZY0-1vYZzil8r9OyMkGwrP66ibbmItJ3Ky0zJzV0az0V2F46WmAXXLZEUFJvOPiuZr3SC-WTN7cXVwaTql8k8~8dcS~o6rCc~9RNN-C4XxVjvQZ2bWZjcOXSbMsq8p5nZrR5cPgfdCj1QTrswBIauNOiA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-03-13T17:15:30.72Z","article","Several East Point residents used the Feb. 3 public‑comment period to press the council for timely action on street paving, sidewalks, website access to planning records and clearer crime statistics.

Tom Wardlow, an East Point resident, asked whether funding and scheduling are in place for a sidewalk on Sylvan Road south of Cleveland (near the Walmart) and urged the council to complete the city manager hiring process so residents have a public point of contact for service questions: “Who do I go to to get my question answered?” Wardlow said.

Barbara Boyce, who identified herself as living on Saint Michael Avenue in the Colonial Hills section, said she has repeatedly asked for paving of her street and the neighborhood entrances and that prior outreach to Fulton County and the Georgia Department of Transportation had not resolved the matter. “I pay 1¢ sales tax,” Boyce told council; she asked why Colonial Hills does not receive the same paving attention as other parts of the city.

Eric Coleman, a resident, said the city’s planning and zoning web pages contain broken links and outdated zoning‑case maps. He asked staff to repair the “zoning cases” links and update the GeoPoint map so residents and property owners can find current case reports. Coleman also raised specific questions about the city police statistics and noted apparent discrepancies in homicide and clearance‑rate figures presented in the department’s communications.

Council and staff follow-up: Council members asked the public works director and the city power/arborist teams to inspect the tree/limb issues raised by Boyce and directed staff to produce a pavement/sidewalk status report. The city clerk was asked to add a copy of the Chevron public‑hearing posting to the agenda packet (requested earlier in the meeting). Council Member Shropshire said she has already requested updates from public works and asked staff to return with a comprehensive list of streets that have and have not been repaved under the city’s transportation funding programs.

Why this matters: Residents framed the issues as time‑sensitive public‑service matters — sidewalks and street paving affect safety and mobility; broken planning links limit public access to land‑use information; and accurate crime statistics matter for public trust and neighborhood safety planning.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","February 3, 2025 City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Public commenters raised urgent requests for a sidewalk on Sylvan Road, repairs in Colonial Hills and better access to planning/zoning maps and crime statistics; council asked public works, power and planning staff to provide updates and fix website links.","taxTitle","East Point, Fulton County, Georgia","taxId",50891,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6281630,"Council denies rezoning request at 2928 Palm Drive; property remains legal nonconforming use",1200,4710000,5910000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2603088-e52cba5e1125361b0313e3a0eea6fc77&start=4710&end=5910","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2603088-e52cba5e1125361b0313e3a0eea6fc77/thumbnail_4710000.jpg","/articles/6281630/East-Point/Fulton-County/Georgia/Council-denies-rezoning-request-at-2928-Palm-Drive-property-remains-legal-nonconforming-use","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281630-e5ff18196d79d35d099b27817e623f3b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167920&Signature=MSA-IYYIRKrJjventBy-ANjX0DvBl~18k-XtNPmFC0jjXy~ozFGjzTahsbSSv4pQbgrnTtVPHRFWCtAdTsuntnRxMC6nyMuI3sxeYt8MZgmf7f6WLSTpvYvA4170IqUSUt4iJ-OVFZGH1Sr0F70SQomFirC9TFbS7b6Re-I4bsPtXWkGULwBgI2MrsJ8oJH7N~AIgYbkSlycIcWPfnb4HxbGaH0EEkb3infVHjOca1qWG1Jgm98k1r6op9z6T4frVKlfW5EgpZ4i1w4Ye~fqO0BrVBFL4aewy5uX2ayOaR5kt4j406B-RoppiGfFZySaKFfJB3xvY1x9mYJogyKbHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The East Point City Council on Feb. 3 denied a rezoning request for 2928 Palm Drive that sought to change the zoning from R1A (single‑family) to R3 (multifamily).

Kimberly Smith, the city’s Planning & Zoning Director, briefed the council. She told members the property already has an administrative approval from August permitting duplex/triplex use and that planning staff and the planning commission had recommended denial of a full R3 rezoning. Smith said staff had discussed potential down‑zoning options with the applicant, but that an R2 designation (two‑family) would not meet the applicant’s financing needs because the site contains two units in the rear and a primary single‑family structure in front.

Smith told council the property’s existing configuration dates to the 1960s and operates as a legal nonconforming use. Staff cautioned that an R3 rezoning would constitute spot zoning and would be out of character with the surrounding single‑family neighborhood; staff noted R3 typically is directed to corners, intersections or areas already containing multifamily units. Council members raised concerns about allowing a zoning change that could permit a 4–8 unit multifamily building in the middle of a single‑family block.

Council Member Freely moved to deny the rezoning request; the motion was seconded and carried. The council made clear that the administrative approval that allowed the existing duplex/triplex configuration remains in effect and that the applicant may pursue other options outside the rezoning process if appropriate.

Why this matters: The decision preserves the neighborhood’s single‑family zoning pattern and prevents conversion to a multifamily zoning district that staff described as out of character in that block. Council members also requested that staff continue to enforce permitting and zoning rules and to provide clarity about grandfathered and administratively approved uses to neighbors who inquire.

Actions recorded: motion to deny by Council Member Freely; motion carried during the Feb. 3 session.","Council voted to deny a rezoning petition from R1A to R3 for 2928 Palm Drive after staff and planning commission recommended denial; staff said the property already has an administrative approval for duplex/triplex use and is a legal nonconforming use.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6281635,"Council approves two alcohol licenses: Chevron convenience store transfer and Whisk Atlanta restaurant",1130,2614000,3744000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2603088-e52cba5e1125361b0313e3a0eea6fc77&start=2614&end=3744","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2603088-e52cba5e1125361b0313e3a0eea6fc77/thumbnail_2614000.jpg","/articles/6281635/East-Point/Fulton-County/Georgia/Council-approves-two-alcohol-licenses-Chevron-convenience-store-transfer-and-Whisk-Atlanta-restaurant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281635-46e00ea0e12a1bb8979e905e5d7a7faa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167920&Signature=D-ZfSWEbEPflIfxYVgPcY5z20Gbr54LhqW7fRVsXxk-uQzZJ2gWiTHA1PsNQrniOLPSBFy9A6VqEb6tqtD6uihyNGjwTTHDX9pO9UOcn2pHo7~dL6wpRbzrcqeDb7uEiG5v7IururfYe0IqHStf3ArY88T7Rh6XGG2szZpl8A0m-TOvJp4zaVkUZJ7BB6asZlGdQsCwKawATrBwoEN~m6eizDHEj82Q1oUWmSzZmr4egDhK3twcnp1Byhth3SfCpXUhBhOfToEDgnfGUPbSzlw4b6DJdR49u8hBenV3~Nxkm5IqVIiBb3lJLakUJV~Xi2wjjRMHA7fdkMvtEYZRmBg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The East Point City Council voted Feb. 3 to approve two separate alcohol‑license requests after public hearings and staff review.

Police Department staff told the council the applicants—an existing Chevron convenience store at 1337 Virginia Avenue and a new restaurant, Whisk Atlanta at 3523 Camp Creek Parkway—met background and advertisement requirements and that the department recommended issuance of the requested licenses.

For the Chevron location, an applicant representative, Salim Thabani, told the council the business owners have three decades of retail experience and asked council to approve the license transfer to the new registered agent. A nearby resident, Tom Wardlow, spoke in opposition, citing a “very high crime rate” at the location and questioning whether another retail alcohol outlet was wise near the Motel 6 and Egan Park neighborhood. Council members paused to verify the address after a clerical typo appeared in meeting materials; staff confirmed the correct address is 1337 Virginia Avenue. After a brief discussion about what data the police could consider when recommending issuance, Council voted to approve the transfer. The motion to approve was made by Council Member Butler and the motion carried following the roll call procedure used in the meeting (all those present responded “Aye”).

Separately, the council heard a public hearing for Whisk Atlanta (presented by applicant Jaden Lamar). Supporters — including resident Vivian Towns and local restaurant operator John Blaine Woodland — described the proposed restaurant as a family‑friendly brunch and dining venue. Police staff recommended issuance of a consumption‑on‑premises license for beer, wine and liquor after the applicant passed background checks and met advertisement requirements. Council Member Butler moved to approve the license; the motion passed (all those present voted in favor).

What the record shows: city staff confirmed both applicants passed required background checks and satisfied advertisement and bylaw requirements for new or transferred licenses. Council asked the police to consider neighborhood crime and security plans when reviewing license applications; the deputy city attorney noted the liquor‑license ordinance lists several items the police chief may consider, including security plans, employee training and parking provisions.

Why this matters: Approving these licenses allows a storefront convenience retailer to continue alcohol sales under new ownership and allows a new restaurant to serve alcohol on site, both actions that may affect neighborhood commerce and public‑safety considerations. Council minutes and the posted hearing notice for the Chevron site were added to the agenda packet at the council’s request.","Council approved a transfer of an existing retail alcohol license at 1337 Virginia Ave and granted a consumption‑on‑premises license to Whisk Atlanta at 3523 Camp Creek Parkway after public hearings and brief discussion about address and crime data.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6281640,"East Point unveils ‘Empowered by Getting Ahead’ pilot; human services reports housing and poverty gains",1483,208000,1691000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2603088-e52cba5e1125361b0313e3a0eea6fc77&start=208&end=1691","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2603088-e52cba5e1125361b0313e3a0eea6fc77/thumbnail_208000.jpg","/articles/6281640/East-Point/Fulton-County/Georgia/East-Point-unveils-Empowered-by-Getting-Ahead-pilot-human-services-reports-housing-and-poverty-gains","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281640-2484cbd39b88f8aec02b8e750f6432c8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167920&Signature=hYdhw9qZn1rqo2J1I~kIm0tRQhSBMackAZyl2ga0hH~v0VsRJSyEHy2H6DenzmQ6TNIJ4nxNCzgIIMyE7BjyOMRDobU6wZZ83cV-Yd3p-pGXgUzkczTHKcy8FnUEmoZr1EQYqdQ9GztLHRODDAKGgytT~xKRVt96M34oySvwMQCLemO5aChjyDbrfacQf2d~A9P3CDK~uXFTHYnBRF0giYWFauH4~BpAalzCe0TlRUs2AWkegk5A6SHUo-kUaGSpBwrzHEbf-V0Lmgh28sYuV35u6JPTimOcBmzT~wdDnSCwM0FCFL-OjzFVcMTFsG~HfWLIwgxJ2plTB~~T1-4EgQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Yolanda Johnson, the city’s Community Social Services Manager in the Office of Equity, Inclusion and Empowerment, told the East Point City Council on Feb. 3 that the department has launched a pilot called “Empowered by Getting Ahead” and is tracking multiple measures to move residents toward self-sufficiency.

The pilot began Nov. 7 and enrolled 25 families; Johnson said the program will run through March and that about five or six families left the cohort by choice. “We assigned them a support coach,” Johnson said. “We divide the residents up, and these are our partners because we want people to feel empowered.”

The presentation gave council members an overview of recent data and program activity. Johnson said East Point’s 2022 population was about 38,100, the median household income rose to $59,006 from about $50,000 in 2021, and the city’s poverty rate has fallen from roughly 28% a decade ago to about 19.8% in 2022. Since September 2021 the human services office has logged 1,691 referrals, Johnson said; the office has housed 315 people and provided services that prevented or mitigated homelessness for about 1,250 households.

The department described core services as rapid rehousing, homeless prevention and intervention (rental assistance), and utility assistance. Johnson said many clients are single parents with three or more children and that workforce-development classes, money-management education, credit restoration sessions and home‑ownership planning are part of the pilot’s package. “We are pointing them in a direction where they are making livable wages,” Johnson said.

Council members questioned program length and follow-up. Council Member Cummings asked how long staff stays engaged with clients; Johnson said the program’s formal follow-up period is six months and can extend to 12 months depending on need. Council Member Fridley asked about the monthly rhythm for cohort check-ins; Johnson said the office conducts monthly meetings and monitors benchmarks tied to employment, housing stability and household budgeting.

Members also pressed about partnerships. Council Member Atkins asked whether staff had established formal partnerships with local nonprofits such as Zion Hill Community Development Corporation; Johnson said the office uses a mix of written partnerships and referral relationships and that some external providers limit direct intake from the city, which forces staff to find alternative resources.

Johnson listed the program’s funding sources presented to council: Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) allocations (including COVID-era ESG funding), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocations, ARPA funds and the city’s general fund. She told council the department passed a recent audit and emphasized documentation practices: every participant receives an intake (“interest”) letter and an exit letter when they leave a cohort.

Why this matters: Johnson framed the pilot as a data-driven effort to close service gaps for vulnerable East Point residents and to reduce repeated crises by connecting residents to jobs and stabilizing housing. Council members praised the office’s hands-on approach and asked staff to continue reporting metrics on placement quality, voucher usage and long-term outcomes.

Johnson concluded by noting the department’s credentials and internal staffing: she identified herself as the community social services manager, said Shannon Armstrong serves as a community liaison, Frank Whitfield is the housing and community development manager, and that the team recently added a program analyst.

Council members thanked staff for the presentation and asked for continued monthly updates with measurable outcomes and for documentation of partnerships and funding sources.","City staff described a pilot cohort and ongoing rapid-rehousing work, saying the human services office housed 315 people and helped about 1,250 avoid homelessness since 2021; council members asked about program length and partnerships.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents press council on sidewalks, street paving and planning data; city asked to follow up

Council denies rezoning request at 2928 Palm Drive; property remains legal nonconforming use

Council approves two alcohol licenses: Chevron convenience store transfer and Whisk Atlanta restaurant

East Point unveils ‘Empowered by Getting Ahead’ pilot; human services reports housing and poverty gains