Resident Eric Coleman urges Eastpoint council to improve planning and zoning website data

During the East Point City Council meeting on March 13, 2025, community member Eric Coleman raised significant concerns regarding the accessibility and accuracy of information on the city's planning and zoning website, as well as discrepancies in crime statistics reported by the East Point Police Department.

Coleman highlighted issues with broken links on the planning and zoning website, which hinder residents' ability to access important zoning case information. He emphasized that the GeoPoint website, intended to provide updated zoning case reports, is outdated and could mislead residents seeking to make informed decisions about local planning matters. This raises questions about the city's commitment to transparency and the effective dissemination of crucial information to its citizens.

In addition to the website issues, Coleman addressed alarming trends in crime statistics. He pointed out that while the police department reported a decrease in overall crime, violent crimes such as homicides, assaults, and robberies have seen significant increases. Specifically, he noted that homicides have doubled since 2023, with a 112% increase, and simple assaults have risen by 49%. Coleman also questioned the accuracy of the police department's clearance rates for homicides, suggesting they are closer to 71% rather than the reported 94%.

Coleman urged the council to take action to address these rising violent crime rates and suggested that crime statistics be made available per ward to ensure equitable responses to crime across the city. His comments reflect a growing concern among residents about safety and the need for reliable information to foster community trust and engagement.

The discussions during this meeting underscore the importance of accurate data and accessible resources for residents, as well as the need for the city to address public safety concerns effectively. As the council moves forward, it will be crucial to consider these issues to enhance community trust and ensure that East Point remains a safe and informed place for its residents.