GOOD NEWS from SOUTH FULTON
South Fulton Begins Demolishing Blighted Properties
Monday, March 15 — After an eighteen-month delay, the City of South Fulton finally demolished its first blighted property. The campaign to demolish blighted & abandoned properties has been a passion project for Old National Councilman khalid, who discovered shortly after taking office that no money had ever been specifically set aside in Fulton County or the City of South Fulton's budgets to address the issue.
In November of 2019, South Fulton's City Council unanimously approved an Ordinance authored by Councilman khalid to create a restricted, annual fund to support the "seizing... repairing... and/or demolishing" of blighted or abandoned properties. Much of the delay in getting started with demolition was due to Fulton County Courts closing for nearly a year during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over 60 blighted homes an other structures remain on the South Fulton's blighted property list. The cost of seizing and demolishing all of them is over $500,000. Voice your support for the continued, annual funding of Blighted Property demolition using the links below.
In November of 2019, South Fulton's City Council unanimously approved an Ordinance authored by Councilman khalid to create a restricted, annual fund to support the "seizing... repairing... and/or demolishing" of blighted or abandoned properties. Much of the delay in getting started with demolition was due to Fulton County Courts closing for nearly a year during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over 60 blighted homes an other structures remain on the South Fulton's blighted property list. The cost of seizing and demolishing all of them is over $500,000. Voice your support for the continued, annual funding of Blighted Property demolition using the links below.
Councilman khalid Promotes South Fulton at Facebook's NYC HQ
1 July 2019 — City of South Fulton, GA Councilman khalid tours Facebook/Instagram’s New York Headquarters with the company's Northeast Public Policy Director. khalid discussed how to build the City's brand and increase South Fulton's visibility on social media.
South Fulton's 2021 City Council Meeting Schedule (click to enlarge)
COVID-19 Coronavirus Testing
Please Note: Due to a shortage COVID-19 tests, many locations require Pre-Screening by phone or internet. Call or click the links below to get pre-screened before you show up so you are not turned away.
OLD NATIONAL TESTING
A Vision for Hope (No Insurance Required)
Mon-Fri • 10AM-4PM
$60 Without Insurance
5332 Old National Hwy, #100-B, 30349
Call: (678) 706-3814
Essential Medical Care (Dr. Vickie James, Insurance Required)
Mon-Thurs • 9AM-12PM
5100 Old Bill Cook Rd, 30349
Prescreening Required. Call: (470) 225-1345
A Vision for Hope (No Insurance Required)
Mon-Fri • 10AM-4PM
$60 Without Insurance
5332 Old National Hwy, #100-B, 30349
Call: (678) 706-3814
Essential Medical Care (Dr. Vickie James, Insurance Required)
Mon-Thurs • 9AM-12PM
5100 Old Bill Cook Rd, 30349
Prescreening Required. Call: (470) 225-1345
WellStar South (formally South Fulton Medical Center)
1170 Cleveland Ave, 30344
Prescreening Required. Call: (770) 956-7827
CVS Georgia Tech (Midtown Atlanta)
842 Peachtree St, 30308
Pre-Screening Required. Click the link below to be Pre-Screened.
1170 Cleveland Ave, 30344
Prescreening Required. Call: (770) 956-7827
CVS Georgia Tech (Midtown Atlanta)
842 Peachtree St, 30308
Pre-Screening Required. Click the link below to be Pre-Screened.
Councilman khalid Calls Out 20-Year Incumbent Bill Edwards on Record as Mayor
Jewel Johnson & Dr. Sonia Rolle
Endorse khalid for Mayor
South Fulton Councilman khalid has been endorsed by every candidate who ran against incumbent Mayor William "Bill" Edwards in the November 2 Election. Edwards has overseen South Fulton for 20 years. Councilman khalid, who has served on City Council since the City of South Fulton's inception, is proposing bold new ideas for reform and economic development.
"khalid kamau is about the People," said Dr. Sonia Francis Rolle in her endorsement video. "He's about making sure, when a developer comes to this city, that the citizens are respected." Longtime community activist Jewel Johnson said in her endorsement video that khalid committed to her campaign platform of ensuring Homeowner Associations had more input in the legislative process. Both women spoke to Channel 2 Action News. Their interviews will air this week.
"khalid kamau is about the People," said Dr. Sonia Francis Rolle in her endorsement video. "He's about making sure, when a developer comes to this city, that the citizens are respected." Longtime community activist Jewel Johnson said in her endorsement video that khalid committed to her campaign platform of ensuring Homeowner Associations had more input in the legislative process. Both women spoke to Channel 2 Action News. Their interviews will air this week.
Full NACCP Mayoral Forum
Councilman khalid Speaks Out About
50 Yard Line Restaurant Raid
South Fulton Councilman khalid visited 50 Yard Line after the October 7 police raid and posted a statement on his social media.
Thursday, October 7 — South Fulton Police joined with over 70 officers from multiple police agencies in raiding popular Old National Sportsbar, the 50 Yard Line. Some are calling the raid, conducted just days before South Fulton's Mayoral election, a political stunt. Old National Councilman khalid released a statement about the raid and liquor license suspension.
Working Families Party & Committee for New GA Endorse khalid for Mayor
The Working Families Party (WFP) and Committee for a New Georgia — the political action fund of Stacey Abram's New Georgia Project — have endorsed Old National Councilman khalid for South Fulton Mayor. WFP also endorsed Buffalo mayoral candidate India Walton, who ousted a 15-year incumbent in that city's Mayor's race this Summer.
The REAL khalid: No Holds Barred Q&A
You have heard Next Door gossip or read criticisms of Councilman khalid by his political opponents. Now, hear directly from the candidate yourself. khalid kamau hosts a live, one-hour, "No Holds Barred," anything goes Question & Answer session with South Fulton citizens.
KHALIDcares — FIGHTING for YOU
7 Bills for Better Government
In August 2017, just 4 months into the creation of the city, Councilman khalid published an article in his khalidCares Newsletter addressing the city government's corruption and mismanagement. Though bemoaned by Council at the time, most of the legislation he proposed 4 years ago has since become city law. Read his 2017 proposals at the link below.
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First City Manager Resigns Amid Budget Scandal
Many of Councilman khalid's 2017 Seven Bills for Good Government called for Transparency in the City Budget, which is created by the City Manager. Just two months after khalid's legislation was proposed, Interim City Manager Ruth Jones resigned when $1 million was found hidden in budget lines whose details were not shared with City Council. Video of this Council Meeting (and several others) have been removed from the City's YouTube page.
Edwards took advantage of this moment by appointing himself as City Manager (and Mayor) for the next 6 months. |
khalid Fights Pandemic Tax Hike Proposed in 2020
In 2020, Mayor Edwards and other members of City Council proposed raising property taxes on residents to finance the purchase of Wolf Creek Amphitheater and the expansion of City offices, including spending $5 million to renovate a shopping center owned by one of his campaign contributors — who would then rent it back to the City back to the city for nearly $19,000 per month!
khalid rallied concerned citizens and pressured City Council to cut the tax hike by half. Read his newsletter exposing that scheme, which also explains how property taxes are calculated. |
khalid Convenes Local Officials to Discuss Crime in Creel Park
In 2018, when 22 year-old Herman Roberts dead boy found at Creel Park, Councilman khalid convened a meeting with County leaders, Police Chiefs of South Fulton, College Park and Union City, and community leaders to discuss security at Creel Park.
He then moved his City Council offices into the park and began locking the gates of the park at night himself. Mayor Bill Edwards had Councilman khalid & his offices removed from that park. Read the original newsletter at the link below. |
National Town Hall with Councilman khalid
& new Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb
Our Revolution's National Town Hall Monday will feature South Councilman khalid and Cleveland's new Mayor-elect Justin Bibb. After clearing a crowded field of candidates in a September primary, the 34-year-old Cleveland native won his runoff election, succeeding a 16-year incumbent. Thewill oversee a city of 385,000 citizens with a $1.8 billion budget.
CITY COUNCIL
City Council Meeting
Tuesday, September 28 • 4PM
South Fulton City Council (l to r): Catherine Rowell (District 1, Cascade) ● Carmalitha Gumbs (District 2, Cliftondale) ● Helen Z. Willis (District 3, Welcome All) ● Mayor William "Bill" Edwards ● Naeema Gilyard (District 4, Cedar Grove) ● Corey Reeves (District 5, Flat Shoals) ● Councilman khalid (District 6, Old National) ● Mark Baker (District 7, Hwy 138)
Watch LIVE or Replay Here
These meetings are usually held the 4th Tuesday of each month at 4PM. Regular meetings currently have no set end-time. Historically, Council Meetings of this nature last about 6-8 hours. They now begin with your Public Comments, followed by Voting on Alcohol Permits or Zoning Issues heard at the previous 2nd Tuesday Work Session. Read the entire 484-page agenda at the link above and make your public comments at the link below.
Consent Agenda. After hearing Public Comments, City Council votes on the approval of a Consent Agenda — a list of multiple items voted on at the beginning of a meeting without any further discussion. Items on Tuesday's Consent Agenda include:
Consent Agenda. After hearing Public Comments, City Council votes on the approval of a Consent Agenda — a list of multiple items voted on at the beginning of a meeting without any further discussion. Items on Tuesday's Consent Agenda include:
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public Comment is the only point in Council Meetings where citizens can ask questions or make comments directly to City Council about any topics on the meeting agenda.
When South Fulton's City Council met in person, citizens could arrive at the day of the meeting to make their Public Comments and ask questions of City Council and Staff. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, City Council moved to an online Public Comment Form. This form now closes at 5 p.m. the day before a Council Meeting — usually Mondays.
This change was made without a public vote of Council. Councilman khalid has called for the Public Comment Form to remain open until the start of online council meetings.
If the Public Comment Form is closed by the time you read this newsletter, you can still submit your questions to the Mayor, Council and City Staff by contacting South Fulton's City Clerk, Corey Adams at the link below.
When South Fulton's City Council met in person, citizens could arrive at the day of the meeting to make their Public Comments and ask questions of City Council and Staff. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, City Council moved to an online Public Comment Form. This form now closes at 5 p.m. the day before a Council Meeting — usually Mondays.
This change was made without a public vote of Council. Councilman khalid has called for the Public Comment Form to remain open until the start of online council meetings.
If the Public Comment Form is closed by the time you read this newsletter, you can still submit your questions to the Mayor, Council and City Staff by contacting South Fulton's City Clerk, Corey Adams at the link below.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
The Consent Agenda is followed by the Regular Meeting Agenda. These items will be discussed individually.
The next items on the Regular Agenda are Public Hearings on Alcohol Licenses and Zoning Permits for local businesses and developments. Three important hearings to be heard at the next City Council Meeting are:
The permanent revocation of the liquor license for the 50 Yard Line Sports Bar (pg.30).
A Public Hearing to Allow Child Daycares in certain areas to operate 24 hours(pg. 40). Old National Councilman khalid is proposing this amendment to the city's Zoning Code to allow special use permits, granted by City Council, for the operation of 24-hour daycares in commercial areas.
Also on tomorrow's agenda is a Public Hearing for a Special Use Permit to allow for a new Hair Salon Suite at 5610 Old National Highway (pg. 43). There are currently 15 registered hair salons on Old National Highway in South Fulton, 10 of which are within one mile of the proposed location.
The next items on the Regular Agenda are Public Hearings on Alcohol Licenses and Zoning Permits for local businesses and developments. Three important hearings to be heard at the next City Council Meeting are:
The permanent revocation of the liquor license for the 50 Yard Line Sports Bar (pg.30).
A Public Hearing to Allow Child Daycares in certain areas to operate 24 hours(pg. 40). Old National Councilman khalid is proposing this amendment to the city's Zoning Code to allow special use permits, granted by City Council, for the operation of 24-hour daycares in commercial areas.
Also on tomorrow's agenda is a Public Hearing for a Special Use Permit to allow for a new Hair Salon Suite at 5610 Old National Highway (pg. 43). There are currently 15 registered hair salons on Old National Highway in South Fulton, 10 of which are within one mile of the proposed location.
OTHER TOPICS
- An Emergency Ordinance by Mayor Edwards to continue Virtual City Council Meetings (pg. 370).
- An Ordinance fining citizens $250-$500 for overgrown vegetation and/or uncut grass (pg 472).
Total Raised From Speed Cameras
Thursday, October 7 -- All three challenges for South Fulton Mayor questioned Bill Edwards effectiveness as a consensus-building leader during Georgia Standup's Mayoral Forum this week, hosted by Rashad Richey. Watch the full forum at the link above.
CITY COUNCIL
Next City Council Meeting
South Fulton City Council (l to r): Catherine Rowell (District 1, Cascade) ● Carmalitha Gumbs (District 2, Cliftondale) ● Helen Z. Willis (District 3, Welcome All) ● Mayor William "Bill" Edwards ● Naeema Gilyard (District 4, Cedar Grove) ● Corey Reeves (District 5, Flat Shoals) ● Councilman khalid (District 6, Old National) ● Mark Baker (District 7, Hwy 138)
Next City Council Meeting
Tuesday, September 14 • 4PM
Watch LIVE or Replay Here
Zoning Case
CITY COUNCIL
Councilman khalid Continues Fight for
Sidewalks & Speedbumps
South Fulton City Council (l to r): Catherine Rowell (District 1, Cascade) ● Carmalitha Gumbs (District 2, Cliftondale) ● Helen Z. Willis (District 3, Welcome All) ● Mayor William "Bill" Edwards ● Naeema Gilyard (District 4, Cedar Grove) ● Corey Reeves (District 5, Flat Shoals) ● Councilman khalid (District 6, Old National) ● Mark Baker (District 7, Hwy 138)
Next City Council Meeting
Tuesday, September 14 • 4PM
Watch LIVE or Replay Here
City Council to Decide on Spending of Nearly
$4 Million in Speed Camera Ticket Money
Monday, July 27, 2021 — The City of South Fulton's School Zone Speed Cameras have raked in nearly $4 million in nine months. This week, City Council will vote on how to spend the money. NOT on the list of spending priorities is installing more speed bumps or crosswalks throughout the city.
South Fulton's speed camera program was named in honor of Ren'gia Majors, an 11 year-old South Fulton elementary school student killed in a 2018 school zone crash. The amount of the tickets ($150) is set by state law (GA HB 978, 2017-18) and cannot be changed by City Council. South Fulton signed away its ability to waive fines or offer amnesty when it entered into a contract with the for-profit company Blue Line, which administers the program. That contract ends December 31 this year.
After the City spent $377,000 on a S.W.A.T. tank South Fulton Councilman khalid drafted legislation to create a Pedestrian Safety Fund to ensure that the money raised from speed cameras would go to Pedestrian Safety Projects like speed bumps and crosswalks. The fund was named for Travon Wilkens, a Creekside High School Senior killed while attempting to cross Old National Hwy in 2017 (left below).
South Fulton's speed camera program was named in honor of Ren'gia Majors, an 11 year-old South Fulton elementary school student killed in a 2018 school zone crash. The amount of the tickets ($150) is set by state law (GA HB 978, 2017-18) and cannot be changed by City Council. South Fulton signed away its ability to waive fines or offer amnesty when it entered into a contract with the for-profit company Blue Line, which administers the program. That contract ends December 31 this year.
After the City spent $377,000 on a S.W.A.T. tank South Fulton Councilman khalid drafted legislation to create a Pedestrian Safety Fund to ensure that the money raised from speed cameras would go to Pedestrian Safety Projects like speed bumps and crosswalks. The fund was named for Travon Wilkens, a Creekside High School Senior killed while attempting to cross Old National Hwy in 2017 (left below).
Councilman khalid is calling for the creation of a Pedestrian Safety Improvement Fund named for Travon Wilkens, a Creekside student killed his Senior Year while attempting to cross Old National Hwy.
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State Attorneys say money generated by School Speed Zone Cameras does NOT have to be spent exclusively on Police.
Click to Read
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South Fulton City Attorney, Vincent Hyman told City Council that the law which created the speed camera program mandates the money made from tickets must be given to police. This is not true, Councilman khalid obtained a letter from the Georgia Legislature's legal department (who wrote the law) which states money from speed camera tickets can be used for Pedestrian Safety projects.
"If this were really about Public Safety, we would use the money we've collected to put speed bumps in ALL school zones like those that exist at Bethune and S.L. Lewis Elementary schools," says Councilman khalid, who has called for the money generated by speed cameras to be spent installing speed bumps in neighborhoods throughout the city. "We are using this program to make money off our citizens and expand our police department. That makes us no different than Ferguson" (referring to the city where Mike Brown was killed by police in 2015. A federal investigation revealed that Ferguson's city budget was heavily dependent on revenue generated from police fines).
"If this were really about Public Safety, we would use the money we've collected to put speed bumps in ALL school zones like those that exist at Bethune and S.L. Lewis Elementary schools," says Councilman khalid, who has called for the money generated by speed cameras to be spent installing speed bumps in neighborhoods throughout the city. "We are using this program to make money off our citizens and expand our police department. That makes us no different than Ferguson" (referring to the city where Mike Brown was killed by police in 2015. A federal investigation revealed that Ferguson's city budget was heavily dependent on revenue generated from police fines).
South Fulton's City Council voted to use $377,000 of the millions in Speed Camera ticket money up on armored SWAT vehicle.
Note: Due to a change of rules NOT voted on by City Council, the Public Comment link on the City's website closes at 5PM the day before Council Meetings. However, you can always submit comments to the entire City Council on by emailing our City Clerk, Corey Adams.
In April 2016, the Fulton County Commission approved a Transportation Enhancement (TE) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Georgia Department Of Transportation (GDOT) and Fulton County for Phase II of a sidewalk project, which would extend 5 to 10-foot wide sidewalks approximately 0.9 miles south along Old National Highway (S.R. 279) between Flat Shoals Road and Jonesboro Road (S.R. 138).
GDOT approved $1 million for Transportation Enhancement (TE) Funds and Fulton County was required to commit 20% of the total project cost. Former South Fulton Commissioner Emma Darnell made completion of Old National sidewalks a top priority. However, when the City of South Fulton was incorporated May 1, 2017, the project came to a halt.
South Fulton Mayor William "Bill" Edwards negotiated with Fulton County for the GDOT funding and matching county funds but failed to secure them. Old National Councilmembers Rosie Jackson (District 5), khalid (District 6) and Mark Baker (District 7) requested funding from Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), Transportation Sales Tax (TSPLOST) and other funding programs, but were repeatedly told by city staff that funding for Old National sidewalks was included in some other list, including a Local Maintenance & Improvement Grant (LMIG) and Capital Improvement Project (CIP) list.
This month South Fulton City Council approved $103 million in new public works projects, funded through an extension of the Transportation Sales Tax (TSPLOST II), which includes new sidewalk projects in other areas of the city. In a memo to City Council sent July 16 (after the TSPLOST II list was finalized), South Fulton Public Works Director revealed the funding to finish Old National's sidewalks had not been secured and their construction would not begin until 2023.
GDOT approved $1 million for Transportation Enhancement (TE) Funds and Fulton County was required to commit 20% of the total project cost. Former South Fulton Commissioner Emma Darnell made completion of Old National sidewalks a top priority. However, when the City of South Fulton was incorporated May 1, 2017, the project came to a halt.
South Fulton Mayor William "Bill" Edwards negotiated with Fulton County for the GDOT funding and matching county funds but failed to secure them. Old National Councilmembers Rosie Jackson (District 5), khalid (District 6) and Mark Baker (District 7) requested funding from Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), Transportation Sales Tax (TSPLOST) and other funding programs, but were repeatedly told by city staff that funding for Old National sidewalks was included in some other list, including a Local Maintenance & Improvement Grant (LMIG) and Capital Improvement Project (CIP) list.
This month South Fulton City Council approved $103 million in new public works projects, funded through an extension of the Transportation Sales Tax (TSPLOST II), which includes new sidewalk projects in other areas of the city. In a memo to City Council sent July 16 (after the TSPLOST II list was finalized), South Fulton Public Works Director revealed the funding to finish Old National's sidewalks had not been secured and their construction would not begin until 2023.
On July 12, frustrated with the lack of transparency around Old National sidewalk funding, Councilman khalid attempted to hold off committing $103 million to new public works projects until funding to finish Old National's sidewalks was clearly identified. But Mayor Edwards and Councilwoman Helen Z. Williams (District 3, Welcome All) moved to block any discussion of Old National's unfunded sidewalks.
"We were promised these sidewalks would be finished for over 5 years, yet there has been no perceivable progress" says Councilman khalid, who is running to replace Edwards as Mayor in City Council elections this November 2. "As South Fulton's next Mayor, these sidewalks will be finished by the end of my first term if I have to go out there and pour the pavement myself."
"We were promised these sidewalks would be finished for over 5 years, yet there has been no perceivable progress" says Councilman khalid, who is running to replace Edwards as Mayor in City Council elections this November 2. "As South Fulton's next Mayor, these sidewalks will be finished by the end of my first term if I have to go out there and pour the pavement myself."
CDC Eviction Moratorium Extended to October 31
Working Families Party Congresswoman Cori Bush slept on the Capitol Steps all weekend protesting for a continuation of the Eviction Moratorium.
In 2020, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control ordered an unprecedented national moratorium on evictions. That moratorium has been extended through October 31, 2021. To be eligible for this program, individuals must provide documentation that:
- You made your best effort to obtain government assistance for rent.
- You expect to earn no more than $99,000 in annual income for 2020 (or $198,000 for couples filing jointly); or that they were not required to report income in 2019/2020 to the Internal Revenue Service; or that they received a CARES Act stimulus check.
- You cannot make a full rent payment because of a loss of income, lay-off, loss of work hours or extraordinary medical expenses.
- You are making your best effort to make timely partial payments as close to the full payment as possible.
- If evicted, you would become homeless, need to live in a shelter or need to move into a shared residence where people would be living in close quarters.
- You affirm that, if evicted, you may be required to provide full payments for all months missed when the moratorium ends.
To be protected by the CDC’s moratorium renters must complete the form. It is recommended that copy of the form be filed with the Fulton County Magistrate Court (which handles most residential evictions) in addition to their landlord. The form is considered sworn testimony — so if a person is found to have lied about any of the above they could face prosecution, jail time and/or a fine.
CITY COUNCIL
South Fulton City Council (l to r): Catherine Rowell (District 1, Cascade) ● Carmalitha Gumbs (District 2, Cliftondale) ● Helen Z. Willis (District 3, Welcome All) ● Mayor William "Bill" Edwards ● Naeema Gilyard (District 4, Cedar Grove) ● Corey Reeves (District 5, Flat Shoals) ● Councilman khalid (District 6, Old National) ● Mark Baker (District 7, Hwy 138)
Tuesday, July 27 • 4PM
Watch LIVE or Replay Here
City Council to Decide on Spending of Nearly
$4 Million in Speed Camera Ticket Money
Monday, July 27, 2021 — The City of South Fulton's School Zone Speed Cameras have raked in nearly $4 million in nine months. This week, City Council will vote on how to spend the money. NOT on the list of spending priorities is installing more speed bumps or crosswalks throughout the city.
South Fulton's speed camera program was named in honor of Ren'gia Majors, an 11 year-old South Fulton elementary school student killed in a 2018 school zone crash. The amount of the tickets ($150) is set by state law (GA HB 978, 2017-18) and cannot be changed by City Council. South Fulton signed away its ability to waive fines or offer amnesty when it entered into a contract with the for-profit company Blue Line, which administers the program. That contract ends December 31 this year.
After the City spent $377,000 on a S.W.A.T. tank South Fulton Councilman khalid drafted legislation to create a Pedestrian Safety Fund to ensure that the money raised from speed cameras would go to Pedestrian Safety Projects like speed bumps and crosswalks. The fund was named for Travon Wilkens, a Creekside High School Senior killed while attempting to cross Old National Hwy in 2017 (left below).
South Fulton's speed camera program was named in honor of Ren'gia Majors, an 11 year-old South Fulton elementary school student killed in a 2018 school zone crash. The amount of the tickets ($150) is set by state law (GA HB 978, 2017-18) and cannot be changed by City Council. South Fulton signed away its ability to waive fines or offer amnesty when it entered into a contract with the for-profit company Blue Line, which administers the program. That contract ends December 31 this year.
After the City spent $377,000 on a S.W.A.T. tank South Fulton Councilman khalid drafted legislation to create a Pedestrian Safety Fund to ensure that the money raised from speed cameras would go to Pedestrian Safety Projects like speed bumps and crosswalks. The fund was named for Travon Wilkens, a Creekside High School Senior killed while attempting to cross Old National Hwy in 2017 (left below).
Councilman khalid is calling for the creation of a Pedestrian Safety Improvement Fund named for Travon Wilkens, a Creekside student killed his Senior Year while attempting to cross Old National Hwy.
|
State Attorneys say money generated by School Speed Zone Cameras does NOT have to be spent exclusively on Police.
Click to Read
|
South Fulton City Attorney, Vincent Hyman told City Council that the law which created the speed camera program mandates the money made from tickets must be given to police. This is not true, Councilman khalid obtained a letter from the Georgia Legislature's legal department (who wrote the law) which states money from speed camera tickets can be used for Pedestrian Safety projects.
"If this were really about Public Safety, we would use the money we've collected to put speed bumps in ALL school zones like those that exist at Bethune and S.L. Lewis Elementary schools," says Councilman khalid, who has called for the money generated by speed cameras to be spent installing speed bumps in neighborhoods throughout the city. "We are using this program to make money off our citizens and expand our police department. That makes us no different than Ferguson" (referring to the city where Mike Brown was killed by police in 2015. A federal investigation revealed that Ferguson's city budget was heavily dependent on revenue generated from police fines).
"If this were really about Public Safety, we would use the money we've collected to put speed bumps in ALL school zones like those that exist at Bethune and S.L. Lewis Elementary schools," says Councilman khalid, who has called for the money generated by speed cameras to be spent installing speed bumps in neighborhoods throughout the city. "We are using this program to make money off our citizens and expand our police department. That makes us no different than Ferguson" (referring to the city where Mike Brown was killed by police in 2015. A federal investigation revealed that Ferguson's city budget was heavily dependent on revenue generated from police fines).
South Fulton's City Council voted to use $377,000 of the millions in Speed Camera ticket money up on armored SWAT vehicle.
Note: Due to a change of rules NOT voted on by City Council, the Public Comment link on the City's website closes at 5PM the day before Council Meetings. However, you can always submit comments to the entire City Council on by emailing our City Clerk, Corey Adams.
In April 2016, the Fulton County Commission approved a Transportation Enhancement (TE) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Georgia Department Of Transportation (GDOT) and Fulton County for Phase II of a sidewalk project, which would extend 5 to 10-foot wide sidewalks approximately 0.9 miles south along Old National Highway (S.R. 279) between Flat Shoals Road and Jonesboro Road (S.R. 138).
GDOT approved $1 million for Transportation Enhancement (TE) Funds and Fulton County was required to commit 20% of the total project cost. Former South Fulton Commissioner Emma Darnell made completion of Old National sidewalks a top priority. However, when the City of South Fulton was incorporated May 1, 2017, the project came to a halt.
South Fulton Mayor William "Bill" Edwards negotiated with Fulton County for the GDOT funding and matching county funds but failed to secure them. Old National Councilmembers Rosie Jackson (District 5), khalid (District 6) and Mark Baker (District 7) requested funding from Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), Transportation Sales Tax (TSPLOST) and other funding programs, but were repeatedly told by city staff that funding for Old National sidewalks was included in some other list, including a Local Maintenance & Improvement Grant (LMIG) and Capital Improvement Project (CIP) list.
This month South Fulton City Council approved $103 million in new public works projects, funded through an extension of the Transportation Sales Tax (TSPLOST II), which includes new sidewalk projects in other areas of the city. In a memo to City Council sent July 16 (after the TSPLOST II list was finalized), South Fulton Public Works Director revealed the funding to finish Old National's sidewalks had not been secured and their construction would not begin until 2023.
GDOT approved $1 million for Transportation Enhancement (TE) Funds and Fulton County was required to commit 20% of the total project cost. Former South Fulton Commissioner Emma Darnell made completion of Old National sidewalks a top priority. However, when the City of South Fulton was incorporated May 1, 2017, the project came to a halt.
South Fulton Mayor William "Bill" Edwards negotiated with Fulton County for the GDOT funding and matching county funds but failed to secure them. Old National Councilmembers Rosie Jackson (District 5), khalid (District 6) and Mark Baker (District 7) requested funding from Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), Transportation Sales Tax (TSPLOST) and other funding programs, but were repeatedly told by city staff that funding for Old National sidewalks was included in some other list, including a Local Maintenance & Improvement Grant (LMIG) and Capital Improvement Project (CIP) list.
This month South Fulton City Council approved $103 million in new public works projects, funded through an extension of the Transportation Sales Tax (TSPLOST II), which includes new sidewalk projects in other areas of the city. In a memo to City Council sent July 16 (after the TSPLOST II list was finalized), South Fulton Public Works Director revealed the funding to finish Old National's sidewalks had not been secured and their construction would not begin until 2023.
On July 12, frustrated with the lack of transparency around Old National sidewalk funding, Councilman khalid attempted to hold off committing $103 million to new public works projects until funding to finish Old National's sidewalks was clearly identified. But Mayor Edwards and Councilwoman Helen Z. Williams (District 3, Welcome All) moved to block any discussion of Old National's unfunded sidewalks.
"We were promised these sidewalks would be finished for over 5 years, yet there has been no perceivable progress" says Councilman khalid, who is running to replace Edwards as Mayor in City Council elections this November 2. "As South Fulton's next Mayor, these sidewalks will be finished by the end of my first term if I have to go out there and pour the pavement myself."
"We were promised these sidewalks would be finished for over 5 years, yet there has been no perceivable progress" says Councilman khalid, who is running to replace Edwards as Mayor in City Council elections this November 2. "As South Fulton's next Mayor, these sidewalks will be finished by the end of my first term if I have to go out there and pour the pavement myself."
CITY COUNCIL
South Fulton City Council (l to r): Catherine Rowell (District 1, Cascade) ● Carmalitha Gumbs (District 2, Cliftondale) ● Helen Z. Willis (District 3, Welcome All) ● Mayor William "Bill" Edwards ● Naeema Gilyard (District 4, Cedar Grove) ● Corey Reeves (District 5, Flat Shoals) ● Councilman khalid (District 6, Old National) ● Mark Baker (District 7, Hwy 138)
Wednesday, July 14 • 4PM
Watch LIVE or Replay Here
Work Sessions usually occur the 2nd Tuesday of each month (see 2021 schedule above). Work Sessions will not run longer than two hours, from 4PM to 6PM. City Council does not vote in Work Sessions, but uses them to discuss complex issues in deep detail.
Items to be discussed in this month's Work Session include the findings of the FY2020 Audit and monthly reports from the City Manager, City Attorney and Finance Department. In a July 8 letter to City Council, independent auditing firm Mauldin & Jenkins found "differences between what was provided during the audit and what was presented to and approved by the Mayor and Council."
Items to be discussed in this month's Work Session include the findings of the FY2020 Audit and monthly reports from the City Manager, City Attorney and Finance Department. In a July 8 letter to City Council, independent auditing firm Mauldin & Jenkins found "differences between what was provided during the audit and what was presented to and approved by the Mayor and Council."
Zoning Hearings now follow City Council's 2nd Tuesday Work Sessions (they were previously held before 4th Tuesday's Regular Meetings). They usually begin at 6PM. Zoning Hearing is where City Council hears requests from developers to rezone land for buildings or apply for liquor licenses or other Special Use permits.
In 2019, Councilman khalid worked with the Planning & Zoning Department (CDRA) to author the Moratorium Against Like Uses, which halted permits businesses already over-represented in our communities (beauty shops, dollar stores, tires shops, etc.) to come before City Council for a vote. Though Councilman khalid's desire was to make these restrictions permanent, they incorporated into our new Zoning Code as Special Use Permits, meaning that these business can still apply for and receive permits — but only by a vote of a majority of City Council.
The general public is allowed to weigh in on each and every individual Zoning. Click the link below to learn about pending Zoning requests and contact Councilman khalid with your questions or comments.
In 2019, Councilman khalid worked with the Planning & Zoning Department (CDRA) to author the Moratorium Against Like Uses, which halted permits businesses already over-represented in our communities (beauty shops, dollar stores, tires shops, etc.) to come before City Council for a vote. Though Councilman khalid's desire was to make these restrictions permanent, they incorporated into our new Zoning Code as Special Use Permits, meaning that these business can still apply for and receive permits — but only by a vote of a majority of City Council.
The general public is allowed to weigh in on each and every individual Zoning. Click the link below to learn about pending Zoning requests and contact Councilman khalid with your questions or comments.
ZONING HEARINGS
- Z21002: Rezoning at Campbell Drive for a Warehouse (DISTRICT 3) (Case DEFERRED from May 11, 2021 Zoning Public Hearing)
City Council is considering expansion of an East Point warehouse in Campbell Drive.
- Z21004 and CV21005: Rezoning and concurrent variance at 0 Yates Rd for the purpose of building a Mixed Used Apartment Complex (DISTRICT 3)
- U21001: Permit at 3395 Roosevelt Highway for a Barber & Beauty Salon (DISTRICT 3) (Case DEFERRED from March 9, 2021 Zoning Public Hearing.
- M21005: Modification at Rivertown Road for Subdivision (DISTRICT 4)
City Council is considering zoning at 7850 Rivertown Road for "estate" homes.
- M21001: Modification at 3850 Flat Shoals Rd for a Barber, Beauty & Nail Salon (DISTRICT 5) (Case DEFERRED from March 9, 2021 Zoning Public Hearing)
- Z21007: Rezoning at 5275 Old National Heaven yeahy for a Tire Repair Shop (DISTRICT 5)
- Z21011: Rezoning at Estes Rd for Townhomes (DISTRICT 5)
- M21006 and CV 21006: Modification and variances at 0 Senoia Rd for the purpose a Mixed-Use Apartment Complex (DISTRICT 7)
- U21004: Permit at 2220 Jonesboro Rd for a Beauty Salon (DISTRICT 7)
View the entire 228-page Work Session agenda and the 760-page Zoning Packet at the links above and leave your questions or comments for City Council at the links below.
Note: Due to a change of rules NOT voted on by City Council, the Public Comment link on the City's website closes at 5PM the day before Council Meetings. However, you can always submit comments to the entire City Council on by emailing our City Clerk, Corey Adams.
7 Young Leaders Call on County Commission to Fully Fund 2021 Elections
Monday, July 12 at 10AM — Last week, Fulton Elections Director Richard Barron sent a memo to Fulton cities warning the Elections Board did not have adequate staffing to conduct 2021 municipal elections. Fulton’s Board of Elections oversees elections for the majority of Fulton cities, including its two largest — Atlanta and South Fulton — which have Mayoral races this year.
Councilmen-turned-Mayoral candidates Antonio Brown (Atlanta) and khalid kamau (South Fulton) are joining Atlanta City Council Candidates (l. to r.) Rogelio Arcila, Larry Carter II, Antonio Lewis, Jereme Sharpe and Devin Barrington Ward to demand 2021 municipal elections are adequately staffed. Councilman khalid helped organize the coalition of millennial male candidates in the region as part of an effort to increase political engagement amongst black and brown men, who nationwide have the lowest rates of voter turnout.
The seven young men are also calling for the County Commission to spend the bulk of American Rescue Plan funds on rent and mortgage assistance and bailouts for minority-owned businesses disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “This $206 million came from the pockets of the People of Fulton County, and they need that money back to pay their rent and mortgages,” says Atlanta City Council candidate Devin Barrington Ward, who stopped the Fulton Commission from spending $23 million in CARES Act funds on expansion of the County Jail in 2020.
The Fulton County Commission will vote on Election Staffing and American Rescue Plan funding this Wednesday, July 14 at 10AM. There are several ways for citizens to participate.
Councilmen-turned-Mayoral candidates Antonio Brown (Atlanta) and khalid kamau (South Fulton) are joining Atlanta City Council Candidates (l. to r.) Rogelio Arcila, Larry Carter II, Antonio Lewis, Jereme Sharpe and Devin Barrington Ward to demand 2021 municipal elections are adequately staffed. Councilman khalid helped organize the coalition of millennial male candidates in the region as part of an effort to increase political engagement amongst black and brown men, who nationwide have the lowest rates of voter turnout.
The seven young men are also calling for the County Commission to spend the bulk of American Rescue Plan funds on rent and mortgage assistance and bailouts for minority-owned businesses disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “This $206 million came from the pockets of the People of Fulton County, and they need that money back to pay their rent and mortgages,” says Atlanta City Council candidate Devin Barrington Ward, who stopped the Fulton Commission from spending $23 million in CARES Act funds on expansion of the County Jail in 2020.
The Fulton County Commission will vote on Election Staffing and American Rescue Plan funding this Wednesday, July 14 at 10AM. There are several ways for citizens to participate.
Arrive in Person by 9AM to Sign Up for In-Person Public Comment
-OR-
Submit Your Questions/Comments Online at the link below.
-OR-
Submit Your Questions/Comments Online at the link below.
GOOD NEWS from SOUTH FULTON
South Fulton Celebrates Juneteenth
South Fulton Begins Demolishing Blighted Properties
Monday, March 15 — After an eighteen-month delay, the City of South Fulton finally demolished its first blighted property. The campaign to demolish blighted & abandoned properties has been a passion project for Old National Councilman khalid, who discovered shortly after taking office that no money had ever been specifically set aside in Fulton County or the City of South Fulton's budgets to address the issue.
UPCOMING BLIGHTED PROPERTY DEMOLITIONS
- Monday, March 22-35: 2591 Old Jonesboro Rd, 30213 (District 7)
- Monday, March 29-31: 5630 Old Bill Cook Rd, 30349 (District 5)
- Thursday, April 1: 4365 Jailette Rd SW, 30349 (District 3)
- Tuesday, April 6: 4885 Campbellton Rd SW, 30331 (District 1)
- Monday, April 12: 6926 Campbellton Rd SW, 30331 (District 2)
- Monday, April 19: 7072 Bells Way, 30213 (District 4)
In November of 2019, South Fulton's City Council unanimously approved an Ordinance authored by Councilman khalid to create a restricted, annual fund to support the "seizing... repairing... and/or demolishing" of blighted or abandoned properties. Much of the delay in getting started with demolition was due to Fulton County Courts closing for nearly a year during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over 60 blighted homes an other structures remain on the South Fulton's blighted property list. The cost of seizing and demolishing all of them is over $500,000. Voice your support for the continued, annual funding of Blighted Property demolition using the links below.
Councilman khalid Calls for the Creation of Pedestrian Safety Fund
Councilman khalid is calling for the creation of a Pedestrian Safety Improvement Fund named for Travon Wilkens, a Creekside student killed his Senior Year while attempting to cross Old National Hwy.
The City of South Fulton's School Zone Speed Cameras have raked in over $2 million in six months. South Fulton Police have reported sending as many as 22,000 citations, at $150 each, in a single week. Councilman khalid and many of his constituents were angered to learn that the first purchase to be made by South Fulton Police with that money was a $360,000 S.W.A.T. tank. Councilman khalid has written a resolution to create a Pedestrian Safety Fund to ensure that the money raised in Ren'gia Majors' name is spent keeping others safe from speeding.
Councilman khalid Promotes South Fulton at Facebook's NYC HQ
1 July 2019 — City of South Fulton, GA Councilman khalid tours Facebook/Instagram’s New York Headquarters with the company's Northeast Public Policy Director. khalid discussed how to build the City's brand and increase South Fulton's visibility on social media.
CITY COUNCIL
City Council Retreats to Lake Lanier to Make Major Decisions on South Fulton's Future
South Fulton City Council (l to r): Catherine Rowell (District 1, Cascade) ● Carmalitha Gumbs (District 2, Cliftondale) ● Helen Z. Willis (District 3, Welcome All) ● Mayor William "Bill" Edwards ● Naeema Gilyard (District 4, Cedar Grove) ● Corey Reeves (District 5, Flat Shoals) ● Councilman khalid (District 6, Old National) ● Mark Baker (District 7, Hwy 138)
Tuesday, May 25 • 7PM
Watch LIVE or Replay Here
Regular Meetings area where South Fulton's City Council votes on new laws and policies. These meetings are usually held on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 4PM. Historically, Council Meetings of this nature last about 6-8 hours. They begin with Approval of the Agenda, including the Consent Agenda (a list of multiple items voted on at the beginning of a meeting without any further discussion).
Items on this Consent Agenda include the approval of several new Subdivision Plats (the separation of one large parcel of land into smaller lots for residential or commercial development). The Plats that will be voted on this meeting include Wyncreek Estates (District 1, Camp Creek at Reynolds), Phase 2 Anatole, Le Jardin Tapestry - Queen Anne and Sierra Estates (District 2, Wolf Creek), Phase 3 of Camden Manor and Oakhurst Glen (District 3, Welcome All) and Jackson Estate on Ono Road (District 4, Cedar Grove) and a Wendy's at Old National and Highway 138 in District 7. View all these plats at the white button below.
Items on this Consent Agenda include the approval of several new Subdivision Plats (the separation of one large parcel of land into smaller lots for residential or commercial development). The Plats that will be voted on this meeting include Wyncreek Estates (District 1, Camp Creek at Reynolds), Phase 2 Anatole, Le Jardin Tapestry - Queen Anne and Sierra Estates (District 2, Wolf Creek), Phase 3 of Camden Manor and Oakhurst Glen (District 3, Welcome All) and Jackson Estate on Ono Road (District 4, Cedar Grove) and a Wendy's at Old National and Highway 138 in District 7. View all these plats at the white button below.
OTHER CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
Other Consent Agenda items include:
- Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the City of Fairburn for the full depth reclamation of Oakley Industrial Blvd, SR 74 to SR 92, within the City of South Fulton, in an amount not to exceed $504,019.45 (Public Works)
- Lease for Old National Marketplace – Phase II (the “Shopping Center”), 6385 Old National Highway, South Fulton, Ga 30349 for the Main Street Office $614,841 (Destination South Fulton)
ZONING ITEMS
The next items on the Agenda will be votes on Zoning Issues discussed at previous Work Sessions. Some zoning issues to be voted on in this meeting include:
- Rezoning 7195 Butner Rd & 3315 W Stubbs Rd (District 2) from AG1 (Agricultural) to CUP (Community Unit Plan) & SH (Senior Housing) to build a Subdivision & Senior Housing (pgs 93-237).
City Council is considering Senior Apartments at Westlake Pkwy & Reynolds Rd.
- Building beyond the Sandtown Overlay height limit and allow a retention pond for Senior Apartments at Westlake Parkway & Reynolds Road (District 1, pgs 239-302).
OTHER TOPICS
Other issues to be discussed in this month's Council Meeting include:
- Approval to Amend the Fiscal Year 2020 Final Budget (pg. 479)
- Resident-Initiated Parking Zones Ordinance (pg. 487) which allows residents to create Parking or No Parking zones using any one (or all) of four methods:
- Colored Curbs;
- Striped Parking Spaces;
- Signs indicating where Parking/No Parking Zones begin and end;
- Signs at all entrances to the subdivisions
Councilman khalid's Resident-Initiated Parking Zones would allow communities to create their own Parking & No Parking Zones.
- 90 Day Zoning and Development Moratorium for Overlays of Cedar Grove (pg. 505)
- Resolution Limiting Employment of Outside Counsel (like former City Attorney Emilia Walker) (pg. 512)
- Resolution Recognizing the Injustice Committed Against the Exonerated Five; Creating A Code for Interrogation of Youth (pg. 534).
- Resolution to Make Eliminating Racial & Income Disparities a Public Policy Priority (pg. 541)
- A Travon Wilkens Memorial Pedestrian Safety Fund requiring Speed Camera revenues to be spent on Pedestrian Safety Projects (pg. 557)
View the entire 569-page agenda at the black button above and comment on any of the Agenda items, or any topic you choose, at the black button below.
You can have your comments read by our City Clerk, or read them yourself. Use the grey button below to learn how to deliver your comments on camera. South Fulton's City Council will return to in-person meetings this July 2021.
You can have your comments read by our City Clerk, or read them yourself. Use the grey button below to learn how to deliver your comments on camera. South Fulton's City Council will return to in-person meetings this July 2021.
Note: the link above expires at 5PM Monday, May 24. However, you can continue to contact City Council on these matters by emailing our City Clerk, Corey Adams.
South Fulton Overhauls Its
Comprehensive Masterplan
The City of South Fulton is overhauling its Comprehensive Masterplan, commonly referred to as a "Comp Plan." The purpose of a Comp Plan is to envision the next 10-20 years of development of a city. The City's 2021 Comp Plan is being written by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), which held a Citywide Town Hall Tuesday, May 18.
Councilman khalid has organized a second Town Hall, dubbed "South Fulton 2040," to help further educate residents on what goes into writing a Comprehensive Plan. A panel of experts in government, housing, education and healthcare will also address how a Comp Plan can provide a blueprint for tackling systemic inequities. This Town Hall, hosted by CNN's Olivia Laborde, will take place in-person and online Thursday, May 27 at 7PM.
Councilman khalid has organized a second Town Hall, dubbed "South Fulton 2040," to help further educate residents on what goes into writing a Comprehensive Plan. A panel of experts in government, housing, education and healthcare will also address how a Comp Plan can provide a blueprint for tackling systemic inequities. This Town Hall, hosted by CNN's Olivia Laborde, will take place in-person and online Thursday, May 27 at 7PM.
MORE CITY COUNCIL NEWS
Councilman khalid Helps Save Black Restaurant's Liquor License
Full The City of South Fulton voted to let Burn Lounge keep its liquor license this month. Some city officials were calling to revoke the restaurant's liquor license after a shooting earlier this year — only its second shooting in seven years.
Councilman khalid stood with club owners and community members to call out South Fulton for targeting Black-owned restaurants and lounges with young, Black clientele; crashing a press conference designed to the night spot weeks ahead of the City Council vote on its liquor license. Residents came out 50-to-4 in support of the establishment, and Council voted to allow the restaurant to reopen with a new security plan.
Watch the Full Hearing below.
Councilman khalid stood with club owners and community members to call out South Fulton for targeting Black-owned restaurants and lounges with young, Black clientele; crashing a press conference designed to the night spot weeks ahead of the City Council vote on its liquor license. Residents came out 50-to-4 in support of the establishment, and Council voted to allow the restaurant to reopen with a new security plan.
Watch the Full Hearing below.
FREE Tax Prep
Saturdays • 10AM-2PM
United Way's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) can help you file your taxes securely for free.
Pinetree Park Baptist Church
2855 Bethsaida Road, 30296
The Deadline to file most taxes has been extended to May 17, 2021. United Way's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers FREE Tax Preparation Assistance to those making $66,000 or less. City of South Fulton residents can drop off their tax information at Pinetree Park Baptist Church from 10AM-2PM, Saturdays from April 3 to May 15 to have their taxes prepared by certified professionals.
CITY COUNCIL
City Council Retreats to Lake Lanier to Make Major Decisions on South Fulton's Future
South Fulton City Council (l to r): Catherine Rowell (District 1, Cascade) ● Carmalitha Gumbs (District 2, Cliftondale) ● Helen Z. Willis (District 3, Welcome All) ● Mayor William "Bill" Edwards ● Naeema Gilyard (District 4, Cedar Grove) ● Corey Reeves (District 5, Flat Shoals) ● Councilman khalid (District 6, Old National) ● Mark Baker (District 7, Hwy 138)
Friday & Saturday, April 30 & May 1
Legacy Lodge at Lake Lanier
7000 Lake Lanier Islands Pkwy, 30518
The proposed Retreat Agenda is packed with the most divisive decisions South Fulton has ever faced, including the City Budget, Sanitation, new City Attorney and an estimated $31 million of new, federal funds from President Biden's American Rescue Plan Act. Though the Retreat is a Public Meeting that anyone can attend in theory, it is being held at Lake Lanier — over 60 miles and an hour away from the City.
South Fulton Overhauls Its
Comprehensive Masterplan
The City of South Fulton is overhauling its Comprehensive Masterplan, commonly referred to as a "Comp Plan." The purpose of a Comp Plan is to envision the next 10-20 years of development of a city. Watch the video below to learn more.
The Comp Plan rewrite is being overseen by the Atlanta Regional Commission. A Feedback Session will be held Tuesday, May 4. Attendees will be able to ask questions and share their vision for South Fulton. Lean more at the link below.
The Comp Plan rewrite is being overseen by the Atlanta Regional Commission. A Feedback Session will be held Tuesday, May 4. Attendees will be able to ask questions and share their vision for South Fulton. Lean more at the link below.
CITY COUNCIL
Next City Council Meeting
Wednesday, April 14 • 3PM (YouTube)
South Fulton City Council (l to r): Catherine Rowell (District 1, Cascade) ● Carmalitha Gumbs (District 2, Cliftondale) ● Helen Z. Willis (District 3, Welcome All) ● Mayor William "Bill" Edwards ● Naeema Gilyard (District 4, Cedar Grove) ● Corey Reeves (District 5, Flat Shoals) ● Councilman khalid (District 6, Old National) ● Mark Baker (District 7, Hwy 138)
City Council Votes Wednesday to Revoke Another Black Liquor License
Watch Work Session LIVE or Replay here
The City of South Fulton will vote this Wednesday, April 14 on whether to permanently revoke the liquor license of the third Black restaurant-lounge in as many months. Councilman khalid stood with club owners and community members to call out America's Blackest City for targeting Black-owned restaurants and lounges with young, Black clientele. The Old National Councilman crashed a press conference designed to smear local club, Burn Lounge ahead of the City Council vote on its liquor license.
Watch Burn Lounge Hearing LIVE or Replay here
City Council will hold its regular, monthly Work Session following the Hearing.
Work Sessions usually occur the 2nd Tuesday of each month (see 2021 schedule above). Work Sessions will not run longer than two hours, from 4PM to 6PM. City Council does not vote in Work Sessions, but uses them to discuss complex issues in deep detail.
Topics to be discussed this Wednesday include the development of a Citywide Comprehensive Masterplan, commonly referred to as a "Comp Plan." The purpose of a Comp Plan is to envision the next 10-20 years of development of a city. For a city the size of South Fulton (89 square miles, nearly as large as Atlanta), with urban, suburban and rural areas, this will takes months of public discussion. Watch the video below to learn more.
Councilman khalid is calling for any Steering Committee created to oversee the Comprehensive Plan to reflect South Fulton's current demographics.
Work Sessions usually occur the 2nd Tuesday of each month (see 2021 schedule above). Work Sessions will not run longer than two hours, from 4PM to 6PM. City Council does not vote in Work Sessions, but uses them to discuss complex issues in deep detail.
Topics to be discussed this Wednesday include the development of a Citywide Comprehensive Masterplan, commonly referred to as a "Comp Plan." The purpose of a Comp Plan is to envision the next 10-20 years of development of a city. For a city the size of South Fulton (89 square miles, nearly as large as Atlanta), with urban, suburban and rural areas, this will takes months of public discussion. Watch the video below to learn more.
Councilman khalid is calling for any Steering Committee created to oversee the Comprehensive Plan to reflect South Fulton's current demographics.
View the agenda & documents for the entire Work Session at the link below.
City Rakes in More Than $1 Million on Speed Camera Tickets, Buys SWAT Tank
South Fulton's City Council voted to use $360,000 of $1.3 million in Speed Camera ticket money up on armored SWAT vehicle.
The City of South Fulton's School Zone Speed Cameras have raked in $1.3 million in six months. Original projections estimated the program would collect around $300,000 for the entire year. South Fulton Police have reported sending as many as 22,000 citations in a single week.
Last month, City Council voted 5-to-2 to spend $360,000 of the $1.3 million collected in tickets to purchase armored S.W.A.T. vehicle known as a Bearcat (pictured above). Old National Councilman khalid objected, citing concerns over growing police budgets and activities. "We are not Ferguson," he said. "We cannot police our way to prosperity."
Last month, City Council voted 5-to-2 to spend $360,000 of the $1.3 million collected in tickets to purchase armored S.W.A.T. vehicle known as a Bearcat (pictured above). Old National Councilman khalid objected, citing concerns over growing police budgets and activities. "We are not Ferguson," he said. "We cannot police our way to prosperity."
The balance of Speed Camera funds left after the purchase of the armored vehicle is $1 million — and growing (tickets are still be issued day and night at $150 or more). Councilman khalid is calling for the remaining funds to be spent on pedestrian safety projects such as crosswalks and speed bumps. "If the goal of the speed cameras was to improve pedestrian safety — the money generated from all these tickets should be spent on pedestrian safety."
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South Fulton Police Chief Meadows and some members of Council ague that all of the millions being generated by speed cameras must be given to Police. However, a legal opinion recently issued by lawyers for the State Legislature — who drafted the law authorizing School Zone Speed Cameras — have stated this is not the case. Councilman khalid is calling on citizens who support using traffic camera money for pedestrian safety to contact City Council using the link below.
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State Attorneys say money generated by School Speed Zone Cameras does NOT have to be spent exclusively on Police.
Click to Read
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Zoning Hearings now follow City Council's 2nd Tuesday Work Sessions (they were previously held before 4th Tuesday's Regular Meetings). They usually begin at 6PM. Zoning Hearing is where City Council hears requests from developers to rezone land for buildings or apply for liquor licenses or other Special Use permits.
Topics to be discussed this Wednesday include:
- Z20-007: A new subdivision of 59 homes at the west end of the Cliftondale community near Stonewall Tell and Butner roads (pg. 5)
- Z20-008-09: A new subdivision of up to 132 homes at 70 senior cottages at 7195 Butner Road on the east end of the Cliftondale community near Stonewall Tell and Butner roads (pg. 5)
- M21-003 & C21-001 for up to 230 senior apartments along Reynolds Road & Westlake Parkway in the Sandtown community (pg. 275)
Review all the Zoning documents at the link above and send City Council your questions or comments or on any of these cases using the links below.
Note: the link above expires at 5PM Tuesday, April 13. However, you can continue to contact City Council on these matters by using the second link below to email the City Clerk.
Homegrown Businessman Gives Back to South Fulton School
CITY COUNCIL
City Rakes in More Than $1 Million in 6 Months on Speed Camera Tickets
South Fulton's City Council voted to use $360,000 of $1.3 million in Speed Camera ticket money up on armored SWAT vehicle.
The City of South Fulton's School Zone Speed Cameras have raked in $1.3 million in six months. Original projections estimated the program would collect around $300,000 for the entire year. South Fulton Police have reported sending as many as 22,000 citations in a single week.
Last month, City Council voted to spend $360,000 of the $1.3 million collected in tickets to purchase armored S.W.A.T. vehicle known as a Bearcat (pictured above). Old National Councilman khalid objected, citing his continued concern both about the militarization of police as well as the producing city revenues from fines & fees to residents. "We are not Ferguson," he protested at last month's meeting.
Last month, City Council voted to spend $360,000 of the $1.3 million collected in tickets to purchase armored S.W.A.T. vehicle known as a Bearcat (pictured above). Old National Councilman khalid objected, citing his continued concern both about the militarization of police as well as the producing city revenues from fines & fees to residents. "We are not Ferguson," he protested at last month's meeting.
khalid has been working with several communities on procuring speed bumps, crosswalks and additional street parking, is proposing the majority of money from Speed Camera tickets go to traffic calming and pedestrian improvements. "If the goal of the speed cameras was to improve pedestrian safety — the money generated from all these tickets should be spent on pedestrian safety."
He is calling on those in support of using traffic camera money for pedestrian safety to contact City Council using the link below.
He is calling on those in support of using traffic camera money for pedestrian safety to contact City Council using the link below.
Next City Council Meeting
Wednesday, April 14 • 3PM (YouTube)
South Fulton City Council (l to r): Catherine Rowell (District 1, Cascade) ● Carmalitha Gumbs (District 2, Cliftondale) ● Helen Z. Willis (District 3, Welcome All) ● Mayor William "Bill" Edwards ● Naeema Gilyard (District 4, Cedar Grove) ● Corey Reeves (District 5, Flat Shoals) ● Councilman khalid (District 6, Old National) ● Mark Baker (District 7, Hwy 138)
Watch Work Session LIVE or Replay here
Work Sessions usually occur the 2nd Tuesday of each month (see 2021 schedule above). Work Sessions will not run longer than two hours, from 4PM to 6PM. City Council does not vote in Work Sessions, but uses them to discuss complex issues in deep detail.
Zoning Hearings now follow City Council's 2nd Tuesday Work Sessions (they were previously held before 4th Tuesday's Regular Meetings). They usually begin at 6PM. Zoning Hearing is where City Council hears requests from developers to rezone land for buildings or apply for liquor licenses or other Special Use permits.
Zoning Hearings now follow City Council's 2nd Tuesday Work Sessions (they were previously held before 4th Tuesday's Regular Meetings). They usually begin at 6PM. Zoning Hearing is where City Council hears requests from developers to rezone land for buildings or apply for liquor licenses or other Special Use permits.
Citizens may weigh in on both of these matters.
- A new Moratorium on Rezoning Applications and Construction Permits for Subdivisions and Industrial Developments, and Nail Salons, Barber Shops and other discount businesses (pg. 209)
- An amendment to the City Code regarding procedures for denial, suspension and revocation of Occupational Tax Certificates for businesses (pg. 230) Note: Business Taxes were due March 15.
- Recording Subdivision Development Plats for Queen Anne Le Jardin Tapestry (pg. 86), Camp Creek Village Phade 3 (pg. 89), Riggens Ridge Phase 3B (pg. 92), Jackson Estate at Ono Road (pg. 95)
- A Right of Way Agreement between the City and the Georgia Dept. of Transportation (GDOT) to receive up to $504,000 for Old National Sidewalks (pg. 135)
Note: the link above expires at 5PM Monday, March 22. However, you can continue to contact City Council on these matters by using the second link below to email the City Clerk.
South Fulton Spring Clean-Up Day
Saturday, April 10 • 8AM-2PM
South Fulton Spring Clean-Up Day
Saturday, April 10 • 8AM-2PM
Click Flyer for full details.
Creel Park
2775 Creel Rd, 30349
Merk Miles
3225 Merk Rd, 30349
Seniors & Disabled: Call (470) 552-4311 no later than Monday, April 5, 2021
to RSVP for Trash Pickup.
to RSVP for Trash Pickup.
The City of South Fulton’s Spring Clean-Up event Saturday, April 10, 2021 from 8AM-2PM. This bi-annual event allows City of South Fulton residents to dispose of household bulky trash items (click flyer above for more info).
The event will be held at Creel Park and the Merk Miles Transfer Station located at 3225 Merk Road, South Fulton, Georgia 30349.
Curbside trash pickup is also available to City of South Fulton residents who are at least 65 years of age or legally disabled.
The event will be held at Creel Park and the Merk Miles Transfer Station located at 3225 Merk Road, South Fulton, Georgia 30349.
Curbside trash pickup is also available to City of South Fulton residents who are at least 65 years of age or legally disabled.
CITY COUNCIL
Next City Council Meeting
Tuesday, March 23 • 4PM (YouTube)
South Fulton City Council (l to r): Catherine Rowell (District 1, Cascade) ● Carmalitha Gumbs (District 2, Cliftondale) ● Helen Z. Willis (District 3, Welcome All) ● Mayor William "Bill" Edwards ● Naeema Gilyard (District 4, Cedar Grove) ● Corey Reeves (District 5, Flat Shoals) ● Councilman khalid (District 6, Old National) ● Mark Baker (District 7, Hwy 138)
Watch Work Session LIVE or Replay here
Liquor License Hearings. This week's City Council meeting will begin with hearings to revoke and approve liquor licenses.
This month, South Futon Police temporarily suspended the liquor licenses of two popular nightlife venues: Club South Beach and Burn Lounge. Both have been the site of recent shootings, which occurred after the venues were closed or outside the venues in the parking lot.
City Council is scheduled to vote on revoking South Beach's license this Tuesday.
This month, South Futon Police temporarily suspended the liquor licenses of two popular nightlife venues: Club South Beach and Burn Lounge. Both have been the site of recent shootings, which occurred after the venues were closed or outside the venues in the parking lot.
City Council is scheduled to vote on revoking South Beach's license this Tuesday.
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City Council will also vote on the approval of a license for malt beverages and wine at Sam's (formerly Young's) convenience store at 3840 Stonewall Tell Road (at the corner of Stonewall Tell & Butner Roads.
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Citizens may weigh in on both of these matters, individually, using the black link below.
If you would like to deliver your comments yourself, on camera, during the meeting, follow the instructions at the white link below.
If you would like to deliver your comments yourself, on camera, during the meeting, follow the instructions at the white link below.
Note: the link above expires at 5PM Monday, March 22. However, you can continue to contact City Council on these matters by using the second link below to email the City Clerk.
City Rakes in More Than $1 Million on Speed Camera Tickets
South Fulton's City Council will vote to use some of the $1 million of money generated from School Speed Zone tickets to purchase an armored SWAT vehicle.
Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Nina Robinson stunned City Council and constituents at South Fulton's March 9 Work Session when she reported the city has collected more than $1 million in School Speed Zone tickets in less than 6 months. Original financial projections estimated the program would collect around $300,000 for the entire year. South Fulton Police have reported sending as many as 22,000 citations in a single week.
Item 19 on this month's agenda is an amendment to the 2021 Fiscal Year (FY21) City Budget (pg. 184, Item D) which calls for $360,000 of the $1.3 million collected in Speed Camera tickets to be used for the purchase of an armored S.W.A.T. vehicle known as a Bearcat (pictured above). Old National Councilman khalid has long expressed great concern both about the militarization of police as well as the producing city revenues from fines & fees to residents.
Item 19 on this month's agenda is an amendment to the 2021 Fiscal Year (FY21) City Budget (pg. 184, Item D) which calls for $360,000 of the $1.3 million collected in Speed Camera tickets to be used for the purchase of an armored S.W.A.T. vehicle known as a Bearcat (pictured above). Old National Councilman khalid has long expressed great concern both about the militarization of police as well as the producing city revenues from fines & fees to residents.
South Fulton's Interim CFO reports School Speed Zone Cameras have made $1.3 Million in tickets in just six months (Click to play video).
Councilman khalid, who has been working with several communities on procuring speed bumps, crosswalks and additional street parking, is proposing the majority of money from Speed Camera tickets go to traffic calming and pedestrian improvements. "If the goal of the speed cameras was to improve pedestrian safety — the money generated from all these tickets should be spent on pedestrian safety."
Other topics to be discussed at this month's Council Meeting include:
Other topics to be discussed at this month's Council Meeting include:
Topics discussed in this month's Zoning Hearing include:
- A new Moratorium on Rezoning Applications and Construction Permits for Subdivisions and Industrial Developments, and Nail Salons, Barber Shops and other discount businesses (pg. 209)
- An amendment to the City Code regarding procedures for denial, suspension and revocation of Occupational Tax Certificates for businesses (pg. 230) Note: Business Taxes were due March 15.
- Recording Subdivision Development Plats for Queen Anne Le Jardin Tapestry (pg. 86), Camp Creek Village Phade 3 (pg. 89), Riggens Ridge Phase 3B (pg. 92), Jackson Estate at Ono Road (pg. 95)
- A Right of Way Agreement between the City and the Georgia Dept. of Transportation (GDOT) to receive up to $504,000 for Old National Sidewalks (pg. 135)
Read the entire 254-page agenda here or at the blue link above. Citizens may offer their opinion on anything on the agenda — or any other matters they wish to discuss, using the black link below.
If you would like to deliver your comments yourself, on camera, during the meeting, follow the instructions at the Gray link below.
If you would like to deliver your comments yourself, on camera, during the meeting, follow the instructions at the Gray link below.
Note: the link above expires at 5PM Monday, March 22. However, you can continue to contact City Council on these matters by using the second link below to email the City Clerk.
Councilman khalid's proposed revision, limiting the funding cut to FY2021 only.
CITY COUNCIL
Next City Council Meeting
Tuesday, February 23 • 4PM
South Fulton City Council (l to r): Catherine Rowell (District 1, Cascade) ● Carmalitha Gumbs (District 2, Cliftondale) ● Helen Z. Willis (District 3, Welcome All) ● Mayor William "Bill" Edwards ● Naeema Gilyard (District 4, Cedar Grove) ● Corey Reeves (District 5, Flat Shoals) ● Councilman khalid (District 6, Old National) ● Mark Baker (District 7, Hwy 138)
Watch City Council Meeting here LIVE
Tuesday, February 23 at 4PM
Tuesday, February 23 at 4PM
Regular Meetings is where South Fulton's City Council votes on new laws and policies. These meetings are usually held the 4th Tuesday of each month at 4PM. As is the case with many traditional government bodies, the current Mayor often places the most contentious topics at the end of the agenda. Regular meetings currently have no set end-time. Historically, Council Meetings of this nature last about 6-8 hours. They begin with Proclamations, and Public Comment.
Topics discussed in this month's Council meeting include:
Topics discussed in this month's Council meeting include:
- Adoption of an agreement between the Cities of South Fulton and Chattahoochee Hills of the Campbellton Crossroads mixed-use development project at Cascade-Palmetto Hwy (Hwy S.R. 70 & 154) and Campbellton-Fairburn Rd. (S.R. 92) (pg. 142).
- Amendments to the City's $125 million budget (pg. 154)
- Creating Dedicated parking spaces for Veterans on City properties (pg. 176)
View the entire, 180-page Zoning Hearing agenda & documents watch the entire Zoning meeting at the links above.
CITY COUNCIL
Next City Council Meeting
Tuesday, February 9 • 4PM
South Fulton City Council (l to r): Catherine Rowell (District 1, Cascade) ● Carmalitha Gumbs (District 2, Cliftondale) ● Helen Z. Willis (District 3, Welcome All) ● Mayor William "Bill" Edwards ● Naeema Gilyard (District 4, Cedar Grove) ● Corey Reeves (District 5, Flat Shoals) ● Councilman khalid (District 6, Old National) ● Mark Baker (District 7, Hwy 138)
Watch City Council Meeting here LIVE
Tuesday, February 9 at 4PM
Tuesday, February 9 at 4PM
Last month, South Fulton's City Council voted to move all of its meetings back to 4PM. Now Work Sessions will normally occur on second Tuesdays, followed by Zoning Hearings.
Work Sessions will not run longer than two hours, from 4PM to 6PM. City Council does not vote in Work Sessions, but uses them to discuss complex issues and new proposals in deep detail.
Topics discussed in this month's Work Session include a plan to install benches, public trash & recycling receptacles throughout the city which would be supported by advertising (pg. 8); a Financial Update by Interim Chief Financial Officer Nina Robinson (pg. 46); and City Manager Tammi Saddler-Jones (pg. 56)
View the entire, 211-page Work Session agenda & documents and watch the entire meeting at the video links above.
Zoning Hearings now follow City Council's 2nd Tuesday Work Sessions. This is where City Council hears requests from developers to rezone land for building, or apply for liquor licenses or other Special Use permits. The general public is allowed to weigh in on each and every individual Zoning.
Topics discussed in this month's Zoning hearing include:
Work Sessions will not run longer than two hours, from 4PM to 6PM. City Council does not vote in Work Sessions, but uses them to discuss complex issues and new proposals in deep detail.
Topics discussed in this month's Work Session include a plan to install benches, public trash & recycling receptacles throughout the city which would be supported by advertising (pg. 8); a Financial Update by Interim Chief Financial Officer Nina Robinson (pg. 46); and City Manager Tammi Saddler-Jones (pg. 56)
View the entire, 211-page Work Session agenda & documents and watch the entire meeting at the video links above.
Zoning Hearings now follow City Council's 2nd Tuesday Work Sessions. This is where City Council hears requests from developers to rezone land for building, or apply for liquor licenses or other Special Use permits. The general public is allowed to weigh in on each and every individual Zoning.
Topics discussed in this month's Zoning hearing include:
- AN21-001 & Z21-001 Requests to annex parcels at the corner of Waycross and Riverside Drive, 30336 into the City of South Fulton from unincorporated Fulton County, on which developers would build 210 housing units (150 of them dedicated to Seniors, pgs. 3-87). The parcels are currently split between Fulton County and the City of South Fulton. These items were deferred to the next Zoning Hearing, March 9.
- Z20-008 Request by a developer to build a new subdivision at 7195 Butner & 3315 W Stubbs, 30349 Roads (pg. 88), Z20-009 to rezone the area for Senior Housing, and a concurrent (simultaneous) variance CV20-001 to lower the age for senior living from 62 to 55 (pg. 168). These items were deferred for 60 days until the next Zoning Hearing, April 13.
- U20-003 A request to for a nail salon to move from its current location to the next Publix Shopping Center across the street at 5829 Campbellton Road, 30331. Because of a change in the Zoning Code championed by Councilman khalid — first as part of a Zoning Moratorium — permits and zoning requests for businesses over-represented in our communities will now come before City Council for a vote.
View the entire, 193-page Zoning Hearing agenda & documents watch the entire Zoning meeting at the links below.
CITY COUNCIL
Next City Council Meeting
Tuesday, January 12 • 10AM
South Fulton City Council (l to r): Catherine Rowell (District 1, Cascade) ● Carmalitha Gumbs (District 2, Cliftondale) ● Helen Z. Willis (District 3, Welcome All) ● Mayor William "Bill" Edwards ● Naeema Gilyard (District 4, Cedar Grove) ● Corey Reeves (District 5, Flat Shoals) ● Councilman khalid (District 6, Old National) ● Mark Baker (District 7, Hwy 138)
Watch City Council Meeting here LIVE
Tuesday, January 12 at 10AM
Tuesday, January 12 at 10AM
South Fulton's first City Council Meeting of 2021 begins this Tuesday at 10 AM. This month's relatively short agenda (286 pages) begins with hearings for liquor licenses and zoning requests. Topics for this meeting include a Request for a Zoning Modifications for the Bedford Estates off Camp Creek Parkway (pg. 131).
Other topics to be discussed in this meeting include a discussion about South Fulton's TSPLOST — the Transportation Local Option Sales Tax. In 2016 the Georgia State Legislature passed a bill authorizing counties to levy the tax. Fulton County residents voted to approve a 0.75-cent TSPLOST which raised South Fulton's sales tax to 7.75 cents on every dollar spent locally.
BREAKDOWN of SOUTH FULTON'S 7.75 CENT SALES TAX
4 cents - State of Georgia
3 cents - Fulton County (divided by Fulton cities based on population*)
0.75 cents - Transportation Improvement Projects
*South Fulton has the 3rd highest population of Fulton County's 15 cities, behind Atlanta and Sandy Springs.
4 cents - State of Georgia
3 cents - Fulton County (divided by Fulton cities based on population*)
0.75 cents - Transportation Improvement Projects
*South Fulton has the 3rd highest population of Fulton County's 15 cities, behind Atlanta and Sandy Springs.
Over $500 million has been generated from the TSPLOST. This money has been spent on transportation improvements, such as street repaving, bridges, sidewalks and other transportation-related purposes.
The sales tax ends March 30, 2022. Now, South Fulton's Mayors must vote on whether or not to renew the tax for more years and what projects the money generated from the tax will be spent on — including a possible Bus Rapid Transit by MARTA down South Fulton Parkway.
The sales tax ends March 30, 2022. Now, South Fulton's Mayors must vote on whether or not to renew the tax for more years and what projects the money generated from the tax will be spent on — including a possible Bus Rapid Transit by MARTA down South Fulton Parkway.
