Public Safety Town Hall Meeting Scheduled for Southwest Atlanta

 

ATLANTA – Southwest Atlanta residents will have the opportunity to address city officials on issues related to public safety during a town hall meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at the Adamsville Recreation Center, 3201 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, S.W.

 

The meeting is being hosted by Mayor Kasim Reed and City Councilmembers C.T. Martin, Michael Julian Bond, Keisha Lance Bottoms, Cleta Winslow and H. Lamar Willis. Atlanta Police Chief George Turner and other officials with the Atlanta Police Department will be in attendance.

 

This meeting will allow residents the opportunity to discuss public safety issues impacting our neighborhoods including car thefts, gang activity, break-ins and other major public safety concerns.

 

This is intended to be healthy dialogue between your Council representatives, Mayor Reed, the community and the Atlanta Police Department in an effort to ensure optimum public safety for all of our citizens.

 

For more information call 404–330–6055.

 

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Hartsfield-Jackson guides in ‘100 days of summer’

Airport announces tips to prepare passengers for the year’s busiest travel season

ATLANTA — Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport officials anticipate more than 1.6 million passengers will pass through the facility this Memorial Day Weekend (May 25 through May 28). Total passenger traffic for the holiday weekend is expected to rise by 3 percent over the same period last year.

The Airport is well-prepared for the increased volume of passengers during the “100 days of summer” and is offering simple tips to make travel convenient and pleasurable.

1. Arrive at the Airport early.

•         Traveling internationally? The Airport now has a new front door to the world. All international flights will arrive at and depart from the international terminal complex, which is accessible off Interstate 75.www.atlanta-airport.com/internationalterminal

•         Plan to arrive 90 minutes before domestic flights and two hours before international flights.

•         Check security wait times online at www.atlanta-airport.com, or register for Trak-a-Line to receive real-time wait times via email or to your mobile device.

•         Sign up for Trak-a-Flight, the Airport’s free service that delivers updated flight information to email accounts, PDAs or mobile devices.

2. Save time by parking at the Airport.

•         Hartsfield-Jackson offers ample, convenient parking, with more than 33,000 on-site parking spaces in the hourly, economy, daily, and Gold and Park-Ride lots. The lots are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

•         More than 11,000 on-site Park-Ride spaces offer additional convenience and accessibility. They also are a bargain at just $9 per day at the domestic terminal and $12 per day at the international terminal.

•         There are more than 40 express-pay stations inside both terminals and throughout the on-site parking decks that allow travelers to pay for parking in cash or by credit card before returning to their vehicles.

•         Call 1-877-ATL-PARK or go online at www.atlanta-airport.com for updates on parking availability in all lots.

3. Renting a vehicle? Follow the signs to ground transportation.

•         All rental car companies, customer transaction counters and vehicles are at the state-of-the-art rental car center.

•         Follow the ground transportation signs and enjoy a scenic, five-minute ride on the ATL SkyTrain to the center.

4. Be prepared.

•         Avoid wearing anything metal that will set off security sensors.

•         The Transportation Security Administration asks travelers to follow the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on baggage: 3-ounce bottles or less (by volume); one quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; and one bag per passenger placed in the screening bin.

•         Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off.

•         Be careful on the escalators if children are wearing rubber or plastic shoes or flip-flops.

5. Shop, dine and explore.

•         Hartsfield-Jackson has plenty of shopping options, including several top-name luxury stores, such as Ermenegildo Zegna and Salvatore Ferragamo. Shops at the international terminal include The Body Shop, Coach, Pandora and Tommy Hilfiger.

•         Grab a bite to eat! This summer, Hartsfield-Jackson is continuing to open new restaurants. During the transition, some food and beverage locations will be closed, but there always will be open locations on each concourse. Please pardon the progress and visit www.iflyatl.com to find a list of dining options on your concourse.

•         Find summertime needs — including sunscreen and books for the beach — at multiple stores.

•         Explore what Atlanta and Georgia have to offer by visiting Georgia-themed stores, including Piedmont Park TravelMart, G. Garvin LowCountry Kitchen, and Savannah’s Candy Kitchen.

•         Need a technical gadget? There are several outlets throughout the Airport.

6. Relax.

•         If there is time for a little pampering before or after a flight, head to XpresSpa, a full-service spa on concourses A and C.

•         Minute Suites on Concourse B offers passengers private rooms to nap, relax or work.

•         Hartsfield-Jackson’s compelling art program displays more than 250 eclectic, internationally focused pieces throughout the facility.

For more information about events and happenings, please visit the Airport’s website, www.atlanta-airport.com.

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In an effort to share information with my constituents my office has prepared a Fact Sheet on the FY 2014 City of Atlanta Budget.  This information will aide anyone that is interested in learning the basics of the budget and will clarify several common misconceptions.

Atlanta City Councilmembers to hold a Southwest Atlanta Community Budget Forum

 

ATLANTA – City Councilmembers H. Lamar Willis, C.T. Martin and Keisha Lance Bottoms want to hear from Southwest Atlanta residents as the Atlanta City Council begins deliberations on the Fiscal Year 2014 City Budget. 

 

The three councilmembers, along with Mayor Kasim Reed, will host a Southwest Atlanta Community Budget Forum on Tuesday, May 7 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Benjamin E. Mays High School, 3450 Benjamin E. Mays Drive SW.

 

During the forum, councilmembers will discuss accomplishments in Districts 11 and 12 over the past year and give constituents an opportunity to express how they wish to see city resources allocated in Fiscal Year 2014. 

 

The city council is currently reviewing the administration’s initial budget proposal which calls for maintaining a police force of at least 2,000 officers, expanding the city’s Centers of Hope program, and no tax increase.

 

The council will hold a series of city departmental budget briefings throughout the month of May and will consider public input before adopting its final budget. 

 

For more information on the Southwest Atlanta Community Budget Forum, please call Councilmembers Willis, Martin or Bottoms at (404) 330-6030.

Welcome

Atlanta residents can now complete a city services satisfaction survey online

Survey data will be used as part of the Atlanta City Council’s 2013 City Budget Review Process

ATLANTA – Are you satisfied with City of Atlanta services? Now you can give your input with the click of a mouse.

The Atlanta City Council’s Finance/Executive Committee is inviting residents to provide input on their level of satisfaction with selected city services online on the city of Atlanta’s website at www.atlantaga.gov At the main webpage, click on the rotating image scroll that says “City of Atlanta Satisfaction Survey.”

Online feedback will be accepted until midnight April 30.

The survey data will be compiled and a report will be generated for review and analysis as part of the Atlanta City Council’s 2013 City Budget Review Process.

                                                                                               

Atlanta Smoke Alarm Program Blitz this Weekend

Clay Street in the Kirkwood Community

Saturday, March 31, 2012

ATLANTA – Atlanta Fire Rescue Department will visit Clay Street (NE & SE) in the Kirkwood Community, which has over 80 homes, to check and replace smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Residents are encouraged to call the Atlanta Smoke Alarm Recall Hotline if they suspect they may have a smoke alarm affected by the recall. Any resident in need of a smoke alarm may also call 404.546.2733 or send an email tosmokealarm@atlantaga.gov to schedule an inspection and replacement at no cost.

To date over 370 residents have contacted the Smoke Alarm Recall Hotline since established, and 1,829 smoke alarms have been distributed.

WHO: Atlanta Fire Rescue Department

WHAT: City of Atlanta Firefighters continue the mission of the ASAP by providing residents of Atlanta with a working smoke detector.

WHEN: Saturday, March 31, 2012, beginning with a 9:30 a.m. briefing at AFRD Fire Station 18, located at 2007 Oakview Road SE, Atlanta Georgia 30317

WHERE: Clay Street NE & SE Atlanta, Georgia 30318

                                                                                               

10th Annual Swing Into Spring Youth Tennis Camp

Download the permission form here!

                                                                                         

2012 Ambassador Essay Contest for Atlanta Teens

The essay contest encourages the future leaders of the community to reflect on the role of key elected officials and municipal activities.  Winners will represent the City of Atlanta, Atlanta Public Schools and their communities at trainings and conferences including the 2012 National Service Learning Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Email hlwillis@atlantaga.gov to request an electronic copy of the application and contest details.

                                                                                        


Atlanta Streetcar Construction Launch
February 1, 2012

On February 1, 2012 I had the opportunity to participate in the construction launch with Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and several of my colleagues on the Atlanta City Council.  This exciting initiative will be a great asset to the citizens of Atlanta.  Please see the information below to bring you up to speed on the facts about this program.

Overview of the Atlanta Streetcar Project

Work to implement a modern streetcar transit system continues through the collaborative public private partnership between the City of Atlanta (COA), the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID), and the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). 

The purpose of the Atlanta Streetcar project is to provide an integrated multi-modal, high-quality transit network that links communities, improves mobility by enhancing transit access and options, supports projected growth, promotes economic development and encourages strategies to develop livable communities. 

On October 15, 2010 the City of Atlanta received notice of a pending federal funding award of approximately $47.6 million to fund the East-West route of the Atlanta Streetcar. The total cost of the project is $69.2 million with capital match contributions from the City of Atlanta $15.6 million and ADID $6 million as part of a total contribution from ADID of $20 million over 20 years.

Benefits of the Atlanta Streetcar Project

The Atlanta Streetcar will provide missing circulation and direct connectivity to the existing transit services coming into Midtown and Downtown, as well as future commuter rail, regional light rail, including the Atlanta BeltLine, and intercity and high-speed passenger rail services.

• It will provide enhanced mobility to transit-dependent populations.
• Design work continues. Compared with other transportation projects, implementation can move forward quickly as soon as funding is awarded, resulting in immediate job creation and economic benefits.
• As experienced in other cities nationwide, the permanency of rail tracks has been shown to spur economic development:
• In Portland the streetcar catalyzed 140 real estate projects worth $3.5 billion; following its construction, property values increased by approximately 50 percent.
• In Seattle a $51 million streetcar project (capital cost) led to 3.3 million SF of development.
• Attractive, convenient service will increase transit ridership, foot traffic and customers for businesses near Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia State University, the Civic Center, the Arts Center, Edgewood and Auburn Avenue, and the Peachtree corridor.

Project Characteristics:

• East-West route = 2.6 track miles with 12 stops/stations (in design)
• Electric streetcar vehicle
• Shared with other traffic, on-street lanes
• Overhead power system (single trolley wire)
• 15-minute frequency (average)
• Operational costs to be covered by fare box revenue, advertising, ADID, Atlanta car rental and hotel motel tax and federal funds

                                                                                              

Winter Wonderland Soiree Photos are here!


My staff and I had a wonderful time hosting the Post 3 Annual Holiday Party.  Each year I select a group that has gone above and beyond to make Atlanta a great place to live.  In the past I have recognized public safety employees, senior citizens, and City Council staffers.  This year the holiday celebration focused on Atlanta Public Schools students and their parents, for overcoming the obstacles of 2011.  Enjoy the few photos that are posted on the page.  The full album can be viewed on my Facebook page.

                                                                                              

Highlights from the Atlanta City Council meeting for Monday, December 05, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Council Communications

Atlanta City Hall

55 Trinity Ave. S.W.

Atlanta, GA 30303

Contact:

Dexter M. Chambers

Council Communications Director

(404) 330-6309/392-0159

dchambers@atlantaga.gov

December 5, 2011

Highlights from the Atlanta City Council meeting for Monday, December 05, 2011

ATLANTA – The Atlanta City Council approved the following legislative items on Monday, December 5, 2011:

· A communication by Mayor Kasim Reed appointing Ms. Jo Ann J. Macrina, PE, to serve as Commissioner of the Department of Watershed Management for the City of Atlanta. This appointment is effective upon Council confirmation. Legislative Reference No. 11-C-0668

· A resolution by Councilmembers Kwanza Hall, Natalyn M. Archibong and C. T. Martin as substituted and amended by City Utilities Committee requesting that the City of Atlanta increase the funding allocation for People TV for the operation of public access; and requesting that People TV present a Strategic Plan to City Council. Legislative Reference No. 11-R-1510

· An ordinance by Councilmembers Kwanza Hall, Natalyn M. Archibong and C. T. Martin as substituted and amended by Finance/Executive Committee authorizing the Chief Financial Officer to amend the FY 2012 Budget by transferring Appropriations in the total amount of $180,000 from Non Departmental Budget for Public Access Operations and Support; to authorize the Mayor to enter into a new agreement with a public access provider when the current agreement with People TV, Inc. terminates. Legislative Reference No. 11-O-1511

· A substitute ordinance as amended by Finance/Executive Committee authorizing the Mayor, on behalf of the City of Atlanta, to participate with the Buckhead Community Improvement District and Liveable Buckhead by providing an amount not to exceed $200,000 for the performance of certain design and planning work for the Georgia 400 Trail. Legislative Reference No. 11-O-1656

· A resolution by Finance/Executive Committee authorizing the Mayor, on behalf of the City of Atlanta, to enter into an Amendment No. 2 Agreement, with American Golf Corporation, for the Operation and the Management of the City of Atlanta 18-hole Golf Courses; on behalf of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. Legislative Reference No. 11-R-1705 

A complete list of items on the City Council’s agenda can be viewed in their entirety on the Web at: http://citycouncil.atlantaga.gov/2011/fca1205.htm

All adopted legislative items and any amendments to those items or substitute papers can be viewed at: http://citycouncil.atlantaga.gov/Captions/default.asp

City Council minutes can be viewed at: http://citycouncil.atlantaga.gov/Minutes2.htm

Archived video of Atlanta City Council meetings can be viewed at: http://citycouncil.atlantaga.gov/Video.htm

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The deadline to submit a nomination for Atlanta Intown's "20 Under 20" has been extended to November 15, 2011!  If you know a young person that has demonstrated a commitment to excellence please follow the nomination procedures.  

                                                                                           

Public invited to give input on changes to Atlanta's housing code on vacant properties

By Jeremiah McWilliams
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The community development and human resources committee of Atlanta's City Council has scheduled a public hearing to consider amendments to the city's housing code. The changes would require the registration of certain vacant property and the payment of annual registration or renewal fees. The public hearing will be held at 12:30 on Tuesday, Nov. 15 in committee room 2. City Hall is located at 55 Trinity Avenue SW.

                                                                                                       

Atlanta City Councilman H. Lamar Willis to host 3rd Annual
Southwest Atlanta Fall Festival

Saturday, October 22, 2011 from 12 PM-4PM

Atlanta City Councilman H. Lamar Willis invites you and your family to join him for the 3^rd Annual Southwest Atlanta Fall Festival on Saturday, October 22, 2011 from 12 until 4 p.m. The festival will be held at the Zion Hill Baptist church lot, located at 815 Lynhurst Drive (across from Jean Childs Young Middle School).

The festival will feature FREE games, prizes and entertainment for children of all ages.  A new addition for this year’s festival is a dunking booth that will allow both children and adults to compete to raise funds for their respective schools by making a donation at the “Dunk Tank” and “Money Chamber.”

“Each year, I strive to make this event special for each child that participates.  I want the children of Atlanta to know that the City encourages and supports them” said Councilman Willis.

For more information about the 3^rd Annual Southwest Atlanta Fall Festival contact 404-330-6041.

                                                                                                      

Atlanta City Council schedules Public Hearings on Council Redistricting

ATLANTA – The Atlanta City Council will hold two public hearings to afford citizens an opportunity to have their voices heard in the City of Atlanta 2011 Council Redistricting process.

The public hearings will be held at 6 p.m. in the Council Chamber, Atlanta City Hall (Second Floor), 55 Trinity Avenue, S.W. on the following dates:

· Thursday, October 20, 2011
· Thursday November 17, 2011

Every 10 years, based on U.S. Census results, the City of Atlanta and cities across America re-draw representative district boundary lines to preserve the constitutional right of one person/ one vote of its citizens. Based on the 2010 Census results the Atlanta City Council is seeking to maintain a balance of populations by creating 12 Council districts of 35,000 persons each (+ - 5%).

To achieve this goal, the Atlanta City Council will create and review a variety of maps and will ultimately select a single map which will ensure that Atlanta’s citizens have fair and balanced representation. This map will be presented as a part of City Charter amending legislation that will outline the new district boundaries.

Below is a detailed calendar of the redistricting process:
Thursday, October 13, 2011 -- 1st Council Redistricting Work Session – 10:00 A.M.; Committee Room #2, Atlanta City Hall, 55 Trinity Avenue, S.W.; Proposed plan(s)/map(s) to be presented and discussed
Friday, October 14, 2011 -- Proposed plan(s)/map(s) placed on display for public review via redistricting websitehttp://citycouncil.atlantaga.gov/REDISTRICTING.htm and in the City Council Lobby, Suite 2900, Atlanta City Hall, 55 Trinity Avenue, S.W.
Thursday, October 20, 2011 -- 1st Redistricting Public Hearing - 6:00 P.M.; Council Chamber, Atlanta City Hall, 55 Trinity Avenue, S.W.
Thursday, November 3, 2011 -- 2nd Council Redistricting Work Session – 10:00 A.M.; Committee Room #2; Further discussions of proposed plan(s)/map(s)
Friday, November 4, 2011 – Current revision of plan(s)/map(s) placed on display for public review via redistricting website http://citycouncil.atlantaga.gov/REDISTRICTING.htm and in the City Council Lobby, Suite 2900, Atlanta City Hall, 55 Trinity Avenue, S.W.
Thursday November 17, 2011 -- 2nd Redistricting Public Hearing – 6:00 P.M.; Council Chamber, Atlanta City Hall, 55 Trinity Avenue, S.W.
Monday, December 5, 2011 -- Charter Amending Boundary Line Change Ordinance moves forward from the Committee on Council to the Full Council for adoption.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011 -- City Attorney submits adopted and approved redistricting legislation to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Georgia Secretary of State, and Georgia State Legislative Reapportionment Office
Saturday, February 18, 2012 – Projected date of DOJ response to new council district boundaries
Saturday, August 25, 2012 -- Date of required residency for 2013 General Election Candidates
Monday – Friday
August 26 – August 30, 2013 -- Qualifying period for 2013 Municipal General Election Candidates
Tuesdy November 5, 2012 -- 2013 Municipal General Election
                                                                                  

Do You Want AFRD to win a Liberty Mutual $10,000 Pledge Award?

                                                

The Liberty Mutual Fire Safety Pledge program is your chance to give back to the brave men and women of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department who tirelessly work to protect your community. Each fall, ten $10,000 awards are given to fire departments where community members demonstrate their commitment to fire safety.

Remember-the Fire Safety Pledge Quiz is only open through October 31st, so please take the quiz today to give AFRD some points!! Spread the word and forward this link to your family and friends!!!

http://www.befiresmart.com/protect-your-community/fire-safety-pledge/default.aspx
                                                                           

"Thor" to be shown at West Manor Park Saturday Night

By Jeremiah McWilliams
Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta City Council member H. Lamar Willis has teamed up with the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs for Movies in the Park on Saturday at West Manor Park, 3240 W. Manor Circle. The community is invited to bring folding chairs, blankets and snacks to watch "Thor." The movie starts at 8:00 p.m. All park rules apply. "Movies in the Park is a great way for families to come together and share a fun, free event that takes advantage of the great weather that we get in Atlanta early in the fall," Willis said.

                                                                                                     

Councilman H. Lamar Willis to participate in Project Interchange trip to Israel

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Council Communications
Atlanta City Hall
55 Trinity Ave. SW
Atlanta, GA 30303

Contact:
Dexter M. Chambers
Council Communications Director
(404) 330-6309/392-0159

September 14, 2011

Councilman H. Lamar Willis to participate in Project Interchange trip to Israel

ATLANTA – Atlanta City Councilman H. Lamar Willis has been selected to participate in the American Jewish Council’s Project Interchange (PI). The program brings leaders from multiple ethnicities, including elected officials, senior policy makers, university presidents, print and broadcast journalists, clergy, energy and water experts, senior medical officials, Rhodes scholars, student body presidents and campus editors together.

During the trip, scheduled for September 18-26, PI seminars will incorporate the topics of immigrations and integration into Israeli society, human and civil rights, and the art of bridging cultures within a politically and ethnically diverse society. Participants will meet with both Jewish and Arab Israelis, as well as Palestinians for the presentation of differing viewpoints on informative and controversial issues.

“It is an honor to participate in the PI trip to Israel. I expect to share my perspective on policy making and what has worked well for the City of Atlanta at the seminars and meetings with various Israeli officials,” stated Willis.

Councilman Willis plans to keep citizens up to date on the activities of his visit using social media. For information and photos of the trip’s activities visit hlwillis.blogspot.com or follow HLWillisPost3 on Twitter.

About the American Jewish Council

The AJC's mission is to safeguard the welfare and security of Jewish people worldwide by defending and promoting pluralism as the best defense against anti-Semitism and other forms of ignorance bigotry and hatred.

About PI

Project Interchange, an educational institute of the AJC, brings opinion leaders and policy makers to Israel for a week of intensive travel and learning. Participants experience Israeli society, connect with their Israeli counterparts and learn about Israel’s extensive contributions in their fields.

Founded in 1982, Project Interchange maintains an alumni network of over 5,000 influential voices spanning more than 60 countries.

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