Urges Candler community to be “referees for public discourse”
Mayor Kasim Reed reflected on the vital role of people of faith and the clergy in helping the city, state and nation overcome partisan differences during a moving keynote address Thursday morning at the Opening Convocation of Emory University’s Candler School of Theology.
“It is vital that thoughtful, serious people – people like you who heeded God’s calling and seek to truly solve the problems of the world – make your voices heard above the din,” Mayor Reed said. “All too often, when I turn on the television or listen to the radio or pick up the newspaper, I do not believe you are being heard enough. I do not see or read about what I know about God or Jesus or about being a Christian. I hear a lot of noise – loud noise, shrill noise – and more often than not, it conveys one, short-sighted notion of God. The noise drowns out those who recognize a bigger and more inclusive vision of God.”
During the hour-long program in Cannon Chapel on the Emory University campus, Reed welcomed Candler’s diverse incoming class of 197 theology students, recognized the school’s commitment to community engagement, and urged students and faculty to continue their tradition of robust civic participation, especially educating, mentoring and nurturing children and young people.
Seventy percent of Candler’s graduates serve as pastors in churches; others minister in colleges, hospitals, the military and social service organizations. Candler is one of 13 United Methodist Church seminaries and has a total enrollment of 500 students representing 50 denominations.
Mayor Reed is an active United Methodist layperson and a member of the Cascade United Methodist Church. His maternal grandfather, Esau Anderson, was a United Methodist preacher in South Carolina. During his remarks, Mayor Reed acknowledged the importance of his grandparents; father, June Reed; and mother, Sylvia Reed, in the development of his faith.
“When God took clay and made Adam… He got dirty. When Jesus walked among the “great unwashed” and as a carpenter… He got dirty. When John Wesley in the 1730s visited Georgia and its infamous red clay and secured the vision of what would become the Methodist movement… he got dirty,” Mayor Reed said.
“…I challenge each and every one of you to take your studies and good works to another level. May you have the highest blessings for the new school year and the greatest of luck as you get your hands dirty.”
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Mayor Kasim Reed, Wal-Mart and Sustainable Atlanta Announce Urban Farm Design Competition
$35k Wal-Mart investment to transform vacant lot across City Hall into a working farm
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Wal-Mart representatives and officials from the Office of Sustainability and Sustainable Atlanta announced today a competition to design an urban farm on a vacant lot across from City Hall. The Trinity Avenue Urban Farm Design Competition was launched to support the city’s effort in establishing an effective and inspirational model for urban agriculture and furthering the city’s pursuit of becoming a Top 10 sustainable city. In addition, as part of Wal-Mart’s initial funding, there is a $25,000 award to the winning submission.
“We are very excited about the opportunity to create a sustainable and accessible greenspace in the heart of downtown that will serve as a model and educational tool for similar projects in the future,” said Mayor Reed. “I want to thank our partners at Wal-Mart for their generous support of the urban farm and their commitment to bringing fresh produce to inner-city neighborhoods.”
Supported by Wal-Mart, the design competition will transform the site of the old traffic court building – vacant for several years – into a thriving demonstration farm. “We are honored to support this project which will ultimately promote local foods, create jobs and build community,” said Wal-Mart Regional General Manager Karen Brewer-Edwards.
With the ultimate goal of showcasing how fresh food can be grown locally and sustainably, the competition will promote creativity and innovation in the design of the farm, as well raise awareness of the farm itself. The Office of Sustainability is consulting on this multidisciplinary project with Sustainable Atlanta, the Atlanta City Council, the University of Georgia School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Georgia Organics and Truly Living Well.
“By engaging a consortium of city leaders and experts from outside organizations, this cutting-edge demonstration project has the potential to inform a wide range of stakeholders on the benefits of local food programs,” said Sustainable Atlanta Director Suzanne Burnes.
The contest is open to students, educators and professionals across Georgia in fields related to urban agriculture and landscape architecture. Interested competitors must register online at http://www.trinityavenuefarm.org by October 15 and submit proposals by November 1. Once the winning design is chosen, the preparation of the land and design installation will begin immediately, with the farm scheduled to open to the public by the spring of 2012. There will be a $25,000 grand prize awarded to the winning submission.
The demonstration project will support the City of Atlanta’s “Power to Change” sustainability plan and its commitment to bring local food within 10 minutes of 75 percent of all residents by 2020. “The Trinity Avenue farm will be a living visual of the city’s dedication to sustainability,” said Office of Sustainability Communications Manager Aaron Bastian.
“Local, sustainable and organic food practices have numerous health and environmental benefits,” said UGA’s Director of Environmental Sciences Susan Varlamoff. “Local food is often fresher, eliminates negative externalities, such as carbon emissions, and supports our local economy. We applaud Mayor Reed and the city for joining the local food movement by showcasing urban agriculture right in the heart of downtown.”
About the Trinity Avenue Urban Farm
The City of Atlanta intends for the Trinity Avenue Urban Farm to be a productive, crop-producing plot of land and a designated space for innovative projects. Visible to anyone who visits City Hall, the project aims to inspire community awareness and interest in local, sustainable food systems and to encourage citizens to take these practices home. Through this demonstration project, urban agriculture initiatives in local communities can become more widespread, effectively working to support and maintain healthier lifestyles in every neighborhood while saving money on families’ grocery bills. For more information and to enter the design competition, please visit www.trinityavenuefarm.org.
About the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Sustainability
The Mayor’s Office of Sustainability is focused on instituting environmental protection practices into Atlanta city government. It aims to do so by improving the city’s environmental programs and policies such as water and energy conservation, solid waste and emissions reduction and recycling. To fully expand its commitment to sustainability, Mayor Kasim Reed has pledged that the City of Atlanta will become one of the Top 10 most sustainable cities in the United States. To that end, the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability utilizes Recovery Act funding across 16 different programs. These programs are designed to motivate and support community efforts that aim to enhance environmental quality, while supporting jobs and long-term economic growth. For more information about Atlanta’s efforts to create a more sustainable city, please visit the Office of Sustainability’s page within the Mayor’s Office tab at www.atlantaga.gov (www.atlantaga.gov/mayor/sustainability.aspx).
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Wal-Mart representatives and officials from the Office of Sustainability and Sustainable Atlanta announced today a competition to design an urban farm on a vacant lot across from City Hall. The Trinity Avenue Urban Farm Design Competition was launched to support the city’s effort in establishing an effective and inspirational model for urban agriculture and furthering the city’s pursuit of becoming a Top 10 sustainable city. In addition, as part of Wal-Mart’s initial funding, there is a $25,000 award to the winning submission.
“We are very excited about the opportunity to create a sustainable and accessible greenspace in the heart of downtown that will serve as a model and educational tool for similar projects in the future,” said Mayor Reed. “I want to thank our partners at Wal-Mart for their generous support of the urban farm and their commitment to bringing fresh produce to inner-city neighborhoods.”
Supported by Wal-Mart, the design competition will transform the site of the old traffic court building – vacant for several years – into a thriving demonstration farm. “We are honored to support this project which will ultimately promote local foods, create jobs and build community,” said Wal-Mart Regional General Manager Karen Brewer-Edwards.
With the ultimate goal of showcasing how fresh food can be grown locally and sustainably, the competition will promote creativity and innovation in the design of the farm, as well raise awareness of the farm itself. The Office of Sustainability is consulting on this multidisciplinary project with Sustainable Atlanta, the Atlanta City Council, the University of Georgia School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Georgia Organics and Truly Living Well.
“By engaging a consortium of city leaders and experts from outside organizations, this cutting-edge demonstration project has the potential to inform a wide range of stakeholders on the benefits of local food programs,” said Sustainable Atlanta Director Suzanne Burnes.
The contest is open to students, educators and professionals across Georgia in fields related to urban agriculture and landscape architecture. Interested competitors must register online at http://www.trinityavenuefarm.org by October 15 and submit proposals by November 1. Once the winning design is chosen, the preparation of the land and design installation will begin immediately, with the farm scheduled to open to the public by the spring of 2012. There will be a $25,000 grand prize awarded to the winning submission.
The demonstration project will support the City of Atlanta’s “Power to Change” sustainability plan and its commitment to bring local food within 10 minutes of 75 percent of all residents by 2020. “The Trinity Avenue farm will be a living visual of the city’s dedication to sustainability,” said Office of Sustainability Communications Manager Aaron Bastian.
“Local, sustainable and organic food practices have numerous health and environmental benefits,” said UGA’s Director of Environmental Sciences Susan Varlamoff. “Local food is often fresher, eliminates negative externalities, such as carbon emissions, and supports our local economy. We applaud Mayor Reed and the city for joining the local food movement by showcasing urban agriculture right in the heart of downtown.”
About the Trinity Avenue Urban Farm
The City of Atlanta intends for the Trinity Avenue Urban Farm to be a productive, crop-producing plot of land and a designated space for innovative projects. Visible to anyone who visits City Hall, the project aims to inspire community awareness and interest in local, sustainable food systems and to encourage citizens to take these practices home. Through this demonstration project, urban agriculture initiatives in local communities can become more widespread, effectively working to support and maintain healthier lifestyles in every neighborhood while saving money on families’ grocery bills. For more information and to enter the design competition, please visit www.trinityavenuefarm.org.
About the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Sustainability
The Mayor’s Office of Sustainability is focused on instituting environmental protection practices into Atlanta city government. It aims to do so by improving the city’s environmental programs and policies such as water and energy conservation, solid waste and emissions reduction and recycling. To fully expand its commitment to sustainability, Mayor Kasim Reed has pledged that the City of Atlanta will become one of the Top 10 most sustainable cities in the United States. To that end, the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability utilizes Recovery Act funding across 16 different programs. These programs are designed to motivate and support community efforts that aim to enhance environmental quality, while supporting jobs and long-term economic growth. For more information about Atlanta’s efforts to create a more sustainable city, please visit the Office of Sustainability’s page within the Mayor’s Office tab at www.atlantaga.gov (www.atlantaga.gov/mayor/sustainability.aspx).
Monday, August 15, 2011
Metro Atlanta UASI Region Completes First Test of Atlanta Regional Evacuation Coordination Plan
State, city and county leaders undergo critical response training for terrorism, catastrophes
More than 100 public safety and health workers on Thursday completed the first test of a major evacuation plan for metropolitan Atlanta in the event the region faces a major natural catastrophe or act of terrorism.
The test, administered by the Metro Atlanta Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) and conducted at the Atlanta Regional Commission, focused on emergency operations, communications, traffic management, mass care and shelter and involved plans of evacuation for each of the participating jurisdictions.
“A catastrophe might initially and immediately affect a single locality. But in due course, it often affects a broader range of people and thus requires a regional…sometimes national… response,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “I am pleased that everyone involved in this endeavor has joined with the spirit of cooperation and collaboration, with the recognition that it requires many different hands at many different levels of government and across the public-private spectra.”
Mayor Reed serves as the chairman of Metro Atlanta UASI’s Senior Policy Group. The Metro Atlanta UASI region includes the City of Atlanta, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties. For this test, the region members also worked with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and Cherokee, Douglas, Fayette, Henry and Rockdale counties.
“We appreciate all of the hard work and collaboration that all the partners have contributed to the success of this table top exercise,” said Rodney Rancifer, Director of Public Safety Compliance for Metro Atlanta UASI. “However, there is still much to do. We will have a functional exercise in November 2011 that will involve the simulated activation of 10 emergency operation centers. We are planning tabletop exercises for our elected leadership, more exercises, and we are developing a citizen evacuation information packet.”
UASI was developed in 2003 as a result of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2002. The program was established to provide grants to assist high-risk urban areas in preventing, protecting, responding and recovering from acts of terrorism.
Since then, the Metro Atlanta UASI has been actively engaged in strategic planning efforts with local, state and federal partners to ensure effective communications within the region in the event of an incident. In 2006, the program also began to concentrate on more regional collaborative efforts in the areas of fire, police, medical and citizen preparedness. In June, the program completed a draft of its Regional Evacuation Coordinating Plan.
Mayor Kasim Reed, who addressed the participants Thursday, said Hurricane Katrina, which struck New Orleans and Louisiana in 2005, proved that “emergency efforts take more than a village. It takes a lot of villages, hundreds of villages.”
For more information about Metro Atlanta UASI, visit http://www.atlantauasi.com.
More than 100 public safety and health workers on Thursday completed the first test of a major evacuation plan for metropolitan Atlanta in the event the region faces a major natural catastrophe or act of terrorism.
The test, administered by the Metro Atlanta Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) and conducted at the Atlanta Regional Commission, focused on emergency operations, communications, traffic management, mass care and shelter and involved plans of evacuation for each of the participating jurisdictions.
“A catastrophe might initially and immediately affect a single locality. But in due course, it often affects a broader range of people and thus requires a regional…sometimes national… response,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “I am pleased that everyone involved in this endeavor has joined with the spirit of cooperation and collaboration, with the recognition that it requires many different hands at many different levels of government and across the public-private spectra.”
Mayor Reed serves as the chairman of Metro Atlanta UASI’s Senior Policy Group. The Metro Atlanta UASI region includes the City of Atlanta, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties. For this test, the region members also worked with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and Cherokee, Douglas, Fayette, Henry and Rockdale counties.
“We appreciate all of the hard work and collaboration that all the partners have contributed to the success of this table top exercise,” said Rodney Rancifer, Director of Public Safety Compliance for Metro Atlanta UASI. “However, there is still much to do. We will have a functional exercise in November 2011 that will involve the simulated activation of 10 emergency operation centers. We are planning tabletop exercises for our elected leadership, more exercises, and we are developing a citizen evacuation information packet.”
UASI was developed in 2003 as a result of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2002. The program was established to provide grants to assist high-risk urban areas in preventing, protecting, responding and recovering from acts of terrorism.
Since then, the Metro Atlanta UASI has been actively engaged in strategic planning efforts with local, state and federal partners to ensure effective communications within the region in the event of an incident. In 2006, the program also began to concentrate on more regional collaborative efforts in the areas of fire, police, medical and citizen preparedness. In June, the program completed a draft of its Regional Evacuation Coordinating Plan.
Mayor Kasim Reed, who addressed the participants Thursday, said Hurricane Katrina, which struck New Orleans and Louisiana in 2005, proved that “emergency efforts take more than a village. It takes a lot of villages, hundreds of villages.”
For more information about Metro Atlanta UASI, visit http://www.atlantauasi.com.
Mayor Kasim Reed Announces Atlanta’s Participation in Fashion’s Night Out
Retailers around the city to host events from Sept. 8 to 12 for the second year in a row
Surrounded by local retailers, hoteliers and creative talent, Mayor Kasim Reed announced today that Atlanta will once again participate in Fashion’s Night Out on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2011, an unprecedented global initiative originally created in 2009 to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence and boost the industry’s economy during the recession.
“I am proud that Atlanta once again is participating in this event for it not only showcases the thriving fashion industry within our own city, it also celebrates the entrepreneurial, creative and artistic talents that make Atlanta an exciting place to live, visit and shop,” Mayor Reed said. “Last year, I hit the shops, and I plan to again this year. Those who know me know that I appreciate fashion, and I am thrilled that Atlanta is a fashion-conscious city.”
Fashion’s Night Out debuted in Atlanta last fall. This year’s Fashion’s Night Out committee, co-chaired by Judy Mauldin and Don Purcell, includes leaders from the fashion and retail community including Jeffrey, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Atlantic Station, Midtown Alliance, AmericasMart and Deka, as well as the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau.
From Sept. 8 to 12, the city will celebrate fashion and design and welcome special guests through unique events, exclusive pop-up shops and the “FNO Freeway” that will take visitors there. Shuttles will take shoppers between Midtown, Westside and Atlantic Station, and hotels are offering special packages and gifts to consumers.
The week kicks off when Tyson Beckford, Kenny Lattimore and Judy Mauldin launch Fashion’s Night Out Atlanta with A Night to Remember on Tuesday, Sept. 6. To honor those who paved the way for African Americans on the catwalk and in the ateliers, they will welcome and recognize the legendary Bethann Hardison as well as celebrate the late fashion designer Willi Smith. Nationally renowned designer (and soon-to-be HGTV star of Design Wars) Michael Habachy is lending his considerable talent to transform the Atlantic Station venue into a luxurious space filled with celebrities and trendsetters. Tickets are available at www.antrfashion.org.
Following the event, the space, along with other locales in Midtown, will turn into pop-up stores for the weekend. Designers include Frank Tell, Bowens Bergeron, Lisa Jill, Pieces of Me, Olive and Streetala, as well as an exclusive shop designed by Modern Luxury that will include Striver's Row, The Clique, Emerlyn & Ester, Lola Rose Boutique, Gallerie Boutique, Emly Benham and Urban Active/Under Armour.
As of today, participating retailers include (in alphabetical order) Anne Fontaine, Anne Taylor, Bare Escentuals, BCBG Max Azria, Bebe, Belk, Betsey Johnson, Beth-Ann Boutique, Bottega Veneta, Cole Haan, Crocs, Deka, Dominique Nicole Designs, Ed Hardy, Ellie Tahari, Fab’rik, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Guess, Herve Leger, Intimacy, Intermix, Italia Furniture, Jedal Italian Fashion, Jeffrey, Juicy Couture, Just the Thing!, Karen Millen, Kate Spade, Lacoste, L’Occitane, L.K. Bennett, Michael Stars, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Oakley, Palas Jewelers, Pella, Perimeter Mall, Phipps Plaza, Poor Little Rich Girl, Potpourri, Rangoni Shoes, Razzle Dazzle, ReMixx, Sage, Sabot, Salle Opticians, Sandpiper, Saks Fifth Avenue, Swarovski, Tory Burch, True Religion Brand Jeans, The Bilthouse, The Avenue Forsyth/Peachtree City/East Cobb/West Cobb, Tootsies, Tulipano, Vera Bradley, Vince, White House Black Market, Woo Skincare and Cosmetics, Wolford.
For more information, event details and hotel information, click on fashionsnightoutatlanta.com and follow facebook.com/fnoatlanta.com and @FNOatl on Twitter.
About Fashion’s Night Out
Fashion’s Night Out (FNO) is an unprecedented global initiative originally created in 2009 to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, and boost the industry’s economy during the recession. On Sept. 8, 2011, in response to overwhelming demand, Fashion’s Night Out will return to New York City and over 100 cities nationwide to highlight fashion and support retail with exciting events that include designer appearances, celebrity guests, fashion shows and musical performances. In the United States, the program is a collaboration among American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company, and the City of New York. For more information visit www.fashionsnightout.com, or join us on Facebook and Twitter (@fnonyc, #FNO).
Surrounded by local retailers, hoteliers and creative talent, Mayor Kasim Reed announced today that Atlanta will once again participate in Fashion’s Night Out on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2011, an unprecedented global initiative originally created in 2009 to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence and boost the industry’s economy during the recession.
“I am proud that Atlanta once again is participating in this event for it not only showcases the thriving fashion industry within our own city, it also celebrates the entrepreneurial, creative and artistic talents that make Atlanta an exciting place to live, visit and shop,” Mayor Reed said. “Last year, I hit the shops, and I plan to again this year. Those who know me know that I appreciate fashion, and I am thrilled that Atlanta is a fashion-conscious city.”
Fashion’s Night Out debuted in Atlanta last fall. This year’s Fashion’s Night Out committee, co-chaired by Judy Mauldin and Don Purcell, includes leaders from the fashion and retail community including Jeffrey, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Atlantic Station, Midtown Alliance, AmericasMart and Deka, as well as the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau.
From Sept. 8 to 12, the city will celebrate fashion and design and welcome special guests through unique events, exclusive pop-up shops and the “FNO Freeway” that will take visitors there. Shuttles will take shoppers between Midtown, Westside and Atlantic Station, and hotels are offering special packages and gifts to consumers.
The week kicks off when Tyson Beckford, Kenny Lattimore and Judy Mauldin launch Fashion’s Night Out Atlanta with A Night to Remember on Tuesday, Sept. 6. To honor those who paved the way for African Americans on the catwalk and in the ateliers, they will welcome and recognize the legendary Bethann Hardison as well as celebrate the late fashion designer Willi Smith. Nationally renowned designer (and soon-to-be HGTV star of Design Wars) Michael Habachy is lending his considerable talent to transform the Atlantic Station venue into a luxurious space filled with celebrities and trendsetters. Tickets are available at www.antrfashion.org.
Following the event, the space, along with other locales in Midtown, will turn into pop-up stores for the weekend. Designers include Frank Tell, Bowens Bergeron, Lisa Jill, Pieces of Me, Olive and Streetala, as well as an exclusive shop designed by Modern Luxury that will include Striver's Row, The Clique, Emerlyn & Ester, Lola Rose Boutique, Gallerie Boutique, Emly Benham and Urban Active/Under Armour.
As of today, participating retailers include (in alphabetical order) Anne Fontaine, Anne Taylor, Bare Escentuals, BCBG Max Azria, Bebe, Belk, Betsey Johnson, Beth-Ann Boutique, Bottega Veneta, Cole Haan, Crocs, Deka, Dominique Nicole Designs, Ed Hardy, Ellie Tahari, Fab’rik, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Guess, Herve Leger, Intimacy, Intermix, Italia Furniture, Jedal Italian Fashion, Jeffrey, Juicy Couture, Just the Thing!, Karen Millen, Kate Spade, Lacoste, L’Occitane, L.K. Bennett, Michael Stars, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Oakley, Palas Jewelers, Pella, Perimeter Mall, Phipps Plaza, Poor Little Rich Girl, Potpourri, Rangoni Shoes, Razzle Dazzle, ReMixx, Sage, Sabot, Salle Opticians, Sandpiper, Saks Fifth Avenue, Swarovski, Tory Burch, True Religion Brand Jeans, The Bilthouse, The Avenue Forsyth/Peachtree City/East Cobb/West Cobb, Tootsies, Tulipano, Vera Bradley, Vince, White House Black Market, Woo Skincare and Cosmetics, Wolford.
For more information, event details and hotel information, click on fashionsnightoutatlanta.com and follow facebook.com/fnoatlanta.com and @FNOatl on Twitter.
About Fashion’s Night Out
Fashion’s Night Out (FNO) is an unprecedented global initiative originally created in 2009 to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, and boost the industry’s economy during the recession. On Sept. 8, 2011, in response to overwhelming demand, Fashion’s Night Out will return to New York City and over 100 cities nationwide to highlight fashion and support retail with exciting events that include designer appearances, celebrity guests, fashion shows and musical performances. In the United States, the program is a collaboration among American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company, and the City of New York. For more information visit www.fashionsnightout.com, or join us on Facebook and Twitter (@fnonyc, #FNO).
Monday, August 8, 2011
Mayor Kasim Reed, Governor Nathan Deal, Congressman John Lewis and Comcast Unveil Ambitious and Comprehensive Broadband Adoption Experiment
‘Internet Essentials’ to Provide Families with Children Eligible for a Free Lunch Under the National School Lunch Program with Low-Cost Internet Service, Affordable Computers and Digital Literacy Training
Mayor Kasim Reed, Governor Nathan Deal, Congressman John Lewis, and Comcast executives today launched Internet Essentials, an ambitious and comprehensive broadband adoption program. This program is available to 317,000 low-income families who have children eligible to receive free lunch under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) in 28 metro-Atlanta area school districts. The goal of Internet Essentials is to help close the digital divide among Americans.
“While America has increasingly become a digital nation, many metro-Atlanta families are at a disadvantage because they can’t afford Internet service at home. Comcast is leading the charge in making broadband adoption a reality for more families,” said Mayor Reed. “The city of Atlanta is proud to pledge our support, but we can’t do this alone. We need parents, educators, community leaders and other government officials to join in this effort, spread the word and help increase broadband adoption in our community.”
“The state of Georgia remains committed to supporting our educational system in every way possible, and this new program is an excellent example of such an effort,” said Governor Deal. “The Internet is no longer a dispensable item – it’s ‘essential’ in almost every aspect of our lives from our education to our careers. It’s imperative that Georgia businesses follow in the footsteps of Comcast and continue to find new and creative ways to enhance the learning experience for our state’s future leaders.”
According to David L. Cohen, Comcast Corporation Executive Vice President, “The Internet has the potential to be a great equalizer and a life-changing technology. Internet Essentials will help level the playing field for low-income families by connecting students online with their teachers and their school’s educational resources as well as enabling parents to receive digital literacy training so they can do things like apply for jobs online or use the Internet to learn more about healthcare and government services available where they live.”
Service Details:
Internet Essentials participants will receive:
Residential Internet service for $9.95 a month plus applicable taxes;
No price increases, no activation fees, or equipment rental fees;
A voucher to purchase a low-cost computer for $149.99 + tax;
Access to free digital literacy training in print, online and in-person.
Additional benefits include the Norton™ Security Suite ($160 value), which provides comprehensive online security protection at no additional charge.
Eligibility:
A household is eligible to participate in the Internet Essentials program if it meets all of the following criteria:
Is located where Comcast offers Internet service;
Has at least one child who is eligible to receive a free school lunch under the NSLP;
(As an example, according to the Department of Agriculture, a household of three would have to make less than $25,000 a year in income);
Has not subscribed to Comcast Internet service within the last 90 days;
Does not have an overdue Comcast bill or unreturned equipment.
Eligible families can sign up for the program up until the end of the 2013-2014 school year. Any household that qualifies during this three-year period will remain eligible for Internet Essentials provided they continue to meet the original qualifications.
For general information about Internet Essentials, please visit www.internetessentials.com for English and visit www.internetbasico.com for Spanish. Educators or third-parties interested in helping to spread the word can find more information at www.internetessentials.com/partner. Parents looking to enroll in the program can call 1-855-846-8376, or for Spanish, 1-855-765-6995.
The Internet Essentials program addresses three primary barriers to broadband adoption that research has identified – 1) a lack of understanding of how the Internet is relevant and useful; 2) the cost of a home computer, and 3) the cost of Internet service.
About Comcast Corporation:
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) (www.comcast.com) is one of the nation's leading providers of entertainment, information and communications products and services. Comcast is principally involved in the operation of cable systems through Comcast Cable and in the development, production and distribution of entertainment, news, sports and other content for global audiences through NBCUniversal. Comcast Cable is one of the nation's largest video, high-speed Internet and phone providers to residential and business customers. Comcast is the majority owner and manager of NBCUniversal, which owns and operates entertainment and news cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, local television station groups, television production operations, a major motion picture company and theme parks.
Mayor Kasim Reed, Governor Nathan Deal, Congressman John Lewis, and Comcast executives today launched Internet Essentials, an ambitious and comprehensive broadband adoption program. This program is available to 317,000 low-income families who have children eligible to receive free lunch under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) in 28 metro-Atlanta area school districts. The goal of Internet Essentials is to help close the digital divide among Americans.
“While America has increasingly become a digital nation, many metro-Atlanta families are at a disadvantage because they can’t afford Internet service at home. Comcast is leading the charge in making broadband adoption a reality for more families,” said Mayor Reed. “The city of Atlanta is proud to pledge our support, but we can’t do this alone. We need parents, educators, community leaders and other government officials to join in this effort, spread the word and help increase broadband adoption in our community.”
“The state of Georgia remains committed to supporting our educational system in every way possible, and this new program is an excellent example of such an effort,” said Governor Deal. “The Internet is no longer a dispensable item – it’s ‘essential’ in almost every aspect of our lives from our education to our careers. It’s imperative that Georgia businesses follow in the footsteps of Comcast and continue to find new and creative ways to enhance the learning experience for our state’s future leaders.”
According to David L. Cohen, Comcast Corporation Executive Vice President, “The Internet has the potential to be a great equalizer and a life-changing technology. Internet Essentials will help level the playing field for low-income families by connecting students online with their teachers and their school’s educational resources as well as enabling parents to receive digital literacy training so they can do things like apply for jobs online or use the Internet to learn more about healthcare and government services available where they live.”
Service Details:
Internet Essentials participants will receive:
Residential Internet service for $9.95 a month plus applicable taxes;
No price increases, no activation fees, or equipment rental fees;
A voucher to purchase a low-cost computer for $149.99 + tax;
Access to free digital literacy training in print, online and in-person.
Additional benefits include the Norton™ Security Suite ($160 value), which provides comprehensive online security protection at no additional charge.
Eligibility:
A household is eligible to participate in the Internet Essentials program if it meets all of the following criteria:
Is located where Comcast offers Internet service;
Has at least one child who is eligible to receive a free school lunch under the NSLP;
(As an example, according to the Department of Agriculture, a household of three would have to make less than $25,000 a year in income);
Has not subscribed to Comcast Internet service within the last 90 days;
Does not have an overdue Comcast bill or unreturned equipment.
Eligible families can sign up for the program up until the end of the 2013-2014 school year. Any household that qualifies during this three-year period will remain eligible for Internet Essentials provided they continue to meet the original qualifications.
For general information about Internet Essentials, please visit www.internetessentials.com for English and visit www.internetbasico.com for Spanish. Educators or third-parties interested in helping to spread the word can find more information at www.internetessentials.com/partner. Parents looking to enroll in the program can call 1-855-846-8376, or for Spanish, 1-855-765-6995.
The Internet Essentials program addresses three primary barriers to broadband adoption that research has identified – 1) a lack of understanding of how the Internet is relevant and useful; 2) the cost of a home computer, and 3) the cost of Internet service.
About Comcast Corporation:
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) (www.comcast.com) is one of the nation's leading providers of entertainment, information and communications products and services. Comcast is principally involved in the operation of cable systems through Comcast Cable and in the development, production and distribution of entertainment, news, sports and other content for global audiences through NBCUniversal. Comcast Cable is one of the nation's largest video, high-speed Internet and phone providers to residential and business customers. Comcast is the majority owner and manager of NBCUniversal, which owns and operates entertainment and news cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, local television station groups, television production operations, a major motion picture company and theme parks.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Mayor Reed Continues to Urge Atlanta Residents to Remain Indoors, plus Update on Roads, Conditions, Airport
Mayor Kasim Reed continues to urge Atlantans to stay off the roads; cautions drivers who must go outside to use extreme caution and slow down
Mayor Kasim Reed on Monday continued to urge Atlanta residents and business owners to put their safety first and remain at home due to snow and icy road conditions, which are likely to remain for the next several days due to below freezing temperatures. City of Atlanta crews, including Public Works, Watershed Management, and Parks will be working around the clock to make all city streets accessible as soon as possible.
“Last night, the City of Atlanta experienced a significant snowstorm with rapid accumulation and freezing rain, and we continue to experience below-freezing temperatures,” Mayor Reed said. “This is a very dangerous combination, and I ask that Atlanta residents to stay off the roads, or at least drive at reduced speeds if they must go outside.”
On Sunday evening, Mayor Reed joined Governor Sonny Perdue in calling for a state of emergency in the City of Atlanta. Throughout the night, Mayor Reed and his senior staff monitored weather, traffic and police, fire-rescue and public works operations at the City of Atlanta’s Joint Operations Command Center, which opened at 7 p.m. Sunday and will remain in service for 24-hours per day through the duration of this weather event.
The Command Center allows city personnel to work together in one central location and coordinate emergency response activities across all city departments and other municipal agencies. The City of Atlanta also is open for business today.
The City of Atlanta’s Department of Public Works is working on road safety and accessibility as its number one priority. The city’s goal is to maintain access in the immediate vicinity of emergency facilities such as hospitals, police and fire stations and emergency shelters; maintain a network of key, pre-selected and prioritized routes that provide reasonable access to most areas of the city; and make all city streets accessible as quickly as possible. Atlanta’s priority mission covers 200 centerline miles of roadways including 40 bridges, 6 hospitals, and 16 Police Precincts.
As of 12 noon Monday, the Department of Public Works reports the following:
· One road closure (Cascade Rd at Danforth) – A crew has been dispatched.
· De-icing material has been applied to approximately 55 bridges
· Approximately 59 miles of roadway have been treated
· Received 97 de-icing requests logged into WebEOC Master Log∙
Due to the inclement weather, solid waste collections are delayed. The Department of Public Works will begin collection of routes as road conditions improve. All garbage, recycling, and yard trimmings routes are expected to be collected throughout the City by Friday, January 14, 2010.
The City of Atlanta is asking residents, if possible, to not park on the following main thoroughfares to assist with plowing operations: 14th Street, 17thStreet, International Boulevard, Marietta Boulevard, Marietta Street, Martin Luther King Drive, Northside Drive, Moreland Avenue, Peachtree Road, Peters Street, Piedmont Road, Roswell Road, Spring Street, West Peachtree Street, Whitehall Street and Williams Street.
Public Works departmental resources will be used first and then the full capabilities of the entire City of Atlanta will be deployed as needed by using assets from other departments or governments in a staged fashion, depending upon the severity of the conditions.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is open, although more than 60 percent of flights have been canceled by the airlines due to the weather. All passengers should check with airlines prior to coming to the airport. The airport is coordinating all of our efforts in cooperation with the FAA Air Traffic Control Group.
Overnight, the airfield experienced surface snow accumulation between 3-4 inches. Runway 8L/26R, Runway 8R/26L, Runway 9L/27R and Runway 9R/27L have been plowed, swept and treated with E-36 de-ice chemical and open with braking conditions reported as good. Runway 10/28 is closed due to ice conditions on the runway and taxiway bridges.
The roads leading to the airport have been plowed, treated and are accessible. Parking is available in all lots; however, the upper decks closed. There is limited taxi and hotel shuttle service due to off airport roadway conditions.
At the terminal, the automated trains --- Plane Train and ATL Sky Train --- are running on a normal schedule without any operational impact due to weather. Airline ticket counters are open and customer service agents are assisting passengers with rebooking. Food and beverages are available on all concourses.
City of Atlanta Storm and Ice Resources
As part of the updated snow/ice plan, the City of Atlanta is deploying the following resources:
Public Works
· 11 plow trucks
· 8 sand trucks
· 7 chase vehicles
· 500 tons of sand mixture
Parks and Recreation
· Two Tandems with Operators
· Pickups as needed to address park and recreation center (shelters) drives and walks
· Tree crews with dump and bucket trucks to address fallen trees
Watershed Management
· Five Tandem Dump Trucks with Operators
· Two Flatbed Trucks with Operators
State of Georgia
· Multiple sand spreaders and other resources as needed and available (for state routes)
· Priority routes are consistent with the functional street classification hierarchy, which is based on the volume of traffic served and the connectivity provided:
· First priority routes reflect major arterial streets; (e.g. Peachtree Street, Northside Drive, and Mitchell Street)
· Second priority routes include minor arterials and collectors; (e.g. Howell Mill Road, Campbellton Road, and Monroe Drive)
· Third priority routes are comprised of minor collectors and major local streets (e.g. West Wesley, Avon Avenue, and Beecher Road)
In parallel with completing priority routes, crews will continue to canvass designated areas and respond to dispatched calls received from Police and other emergency personnel as well as reports from citizens. For reporting of ice or hazardous roadway conditions, please call 404-853-3200.
When the city is significantly impacted by weather conditions, Public Works operations will work around the clock to ensure roadways are clear and safe.
City of Atlanta Department of Parks, Recreations and Cultural Affairs
The city’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs has prepared 100 beds for families in need of shelter due to power outages. At 12 noon today, the Old Adamsville Recreation Center (located at 3404 Delmar Lane SW) will open with the city's emergency shelter plan in effect and remain operational until further notice. In the event of further need for assistance, the Office of Recreation will provide limited sheltering at Rosel Fann Recreation Center (located at 365 Cleveland Avenue SE).
Power Outages
According to Georgia Power, there have been no reported major power outages in the City of Atlanta. However, if residents experience a loss of power, they are encouraged to do the following:
· Anyone with a life-threatening medical emergency should dial 9-1-1.
· Always avoid downed power lines. Any downed line should be considered energized and therefore dangerous. Report downed lines immediately to local public safety authorities and stay out of the immediate area.
· Avoid debris on the ground that may conceal downed power lines and make sure there are no downed lines before allowing children out to play. Do not attempt to make repairs to Georgia Power's electrical system or pull limbs off lines.
· Watch out for falling trees, tree limbs and power lines.
· Steer clear of Georgia Power crew work areas. Equipment and energized lines may be in the area that could create a safety hazard.
· When driving, watch for crews working along the roadways, and obey all traffic signs and directions around work areas.
· When leaving your home and power is off, turn off the main breaker as a precaution to avoid a power surge once the power is restored.
· Be patient. When major outages occur, Georgia Power crews must first restore power to transmission lines and distribution circuits before working on distribution lines that feed directly to homes and businesses. However, be assured that Georgia Power crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power to customers.
· Customers are reminded to be careful when using portable heaters or other supplemental heating. Never place heaters near flammable materials or where they might tip over. Use fire screens to prevent sparks and embers from causing problems.
· Customers should exercise extreme caution if using candles during a power outage. Always keep candles away from flammable objects and never leave them burning unattended. Make sure flashlights have fresh batteries.
· Keep the damper close in your fireplace when not using it.
· Dress in layers.· Keep refrigerators and freezer doors closed to keep cold air inside.
Mayor Kasim Reed on Monday continued to urge Atlanta residents and business owners to put their safety first and remain at home due to snow and icy road conditions, which are likely to remain for the next several days due to below freezing temperatures. City of Atlanta crews, including Public Works, Watershed Management, and Parks will be working around the clock to make all city streets accessible as soon as possible.
“Last night, the City of Atlanta experienced a significant snowstorm with rapid accumulation and freezing rain, and we continue to experience below-freezing temperatures,” Mayor Reed said. “This is a very dangerous combination, and I ask that Atlanta residents to stay off the roads, or at least drive at reduced speeds if they must go outside.”
On Sunday evening, Mayor Reed joined Governor Sonny Perdue in calling for a state of emergency in the City of Atlanta. Throughout the night, Mayor Reed and his senior staff monitored weather, traffic and police, fire-rescue and public works operations at the City of Atlanta’s Joint Operations Command Center, which opened at 7 p.m. Sunday and will remain in service for 24-hours per day through the duration of this weather event.
The Command Center allows city personnel to work together in one central location and coordinate emergency response activities across all city departments and other municipal agencies. The City of Atlanta also is open for business today.
The City of Atlanta’s Department of Public Works is working on road safety and accessibility as its number one priority. The city’s goal is to maintain access in the immediate vicinity of emergency facilities such as hospitals, police and fire stations and emergency shelters; maintain a network of key, pre-selected and prioritized routes that provide reasonable access to most areas of the city; and make all city streets accessible as quickly as possible. Atlanta’s priority mission covers 200 centerline miles of roadways including 40 bridges, 6 hospitals, and 16 Police Precincts.
As of 12 noon Monday, the Department of Public Works reports the following:
· One road closure (Cascade Rd at Danforth) – A crew has been dispatched.
· De-icing material has been applied to approximately 55 bridges
· Approximately 59 miles of roadway have been treated
· Received 97 de-icing requests logged into WebEOC Master Log∙
Due to the inclement weather, solid waste collections are delayed. The Department of Public Works will begin collection of routes as road conditions improve. All garbage, recycling, and yard trimmings routes are expected to be collected throughout the City by Friday, January 14, 2010.
The City of Atlanta is asking residents, if possible, to not park on the following main thoroughfares to assist with plowing operations: 14th Street, 17thStreet, International Boulevard, Marietta Boulevard, Marietta Street, Martin Luther King Drive, Northside Drive, Moreland Avenue, Peachtree Road, Peters Street, Piedmont Road, Roswell Road, Spring Street, West Peachtree Street, Whitehall Street and Williams Street.
Public Works departmental resources will be used first and then the full capabilities of the entire City of Atlanta will be deployed as needed by using assets from other departments or governments in a staged fashion, depending upon the severity of the conditions.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is open, although more than 60 percent of flights have been canceled by the airlines due to the weather. All passengers should check with airlines prior to coming to the airport. The airport is coordinating all of our efforts in cooperation with the FAA Air Traffic Control Group.
Overnight, the airfield experienced surface snow accumulation between 3-4 inches. Runway 8L/26R, Runway 8R/26L, Runway 9L/27R and Runway 9R/27L have been plowed, swept and treated with E-36 de-ice chemical and open with braking conditions reported as good. Runway 10/28 is closed due to ice conditions on the runway and taxiway bridges.
The roads leading to the airport have been plowed, treated and are accessible. Parking is available in all lots; however, the upper decks closed. There is limited taxi and hotel shuttle service due to off airport roadway conditions.
At the terminal, the automated trains --- Plane Train and ATL Sky Train --- are running on a normal schedule without any operational impact due to weather. Airline ticket counters are open and customer service agents are assisting passengers with rebooking. Food and beverages are available on all concourses.
City of Atlanta Storm and Ice Resources
As part of the updated snow/ice plan, the City of Atlanta is deploying the following resources:
Public Works
· 11 plow trucks
· 8 sand trucks
· 7 chase vehicles
· 500 tons of sand mixture
Parks and Recreation
· Two Tandems with Operators
· Pickups as needed to address park and recreation center (shelters) drives and walks
· Tree crews with dump and bucket trucks to address fallen trees
Watershed Management
· Five Tandem Dump Trucks with Operators
· Two Flatbed Trucks with Operators
State of Georgia
· Multiple sand spreaders and other resources as needed and available (for state routes)
· Priority routes are consistent with the functional street classification hierarchy, which is based on the volume of traffic served and the connectivity provided:
· First priority routes reflect major arterial streets; (e.g. Peachtree Street, Northside Drive, and Mitchell Street)
· Second priority routes include minor arterials and collectors; (e.g. Howell Mill Road, Campbellton Road, and Monroe Drive)
· Third priority routes are comprised of minor collectors and major local streets (e.g. West Wesley, Avon Avenue, and Beecher Road)
In parallel with completing priority routes, crews will continue to canvass designated areas and respond to dispatched calls received from Police and other emergency personnel as well as reports from citizens. For reporting of ice or hazardous roadway conditions, please call 404-853-3200.
When the city is significantly impacted by weather conditions, Public Works operations will work around the clock to ensure roadways are clear and safe.
City of Atlanta Department of Parks, Recreations and Cultural Affairs
The city’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs has prepared 100 beds for families in need of shelter due to power outages. At 12 noon today, the Old Adamsville Recreation Center (located at 3404 Delmar Lane SW) will open with the city's emergency shelter plan in effect and remain operational until further notice. In the event of further need for assistance, the Office of Recreation will provide limited sheltering at Rosel Fann Recreation Center (located at 365 Cleveland Avenue SE).
Power Outages
According to Georgia Power, there have been no reported major power outages in the City of Atlanta. However, if residents experience a loss of power, they are encouraged to do the following:
· Anyone with a life-threatening medical emergency should dial 9-1-1.
· Always avoid downed power lines. Any downed line should be considered energized and therefore dangerous. Report downed lines immediately to local public safety authorities and stay out of the immediate area.
· Avoid debris on the ground that may conceal downed power lines and make sure there are no downed lines before allowing children out to play. Do not attempt to make repairs to Georgia Power's electrical system or pull limbs off lines.
· Watch out for falling trees, tree limbs and power lines.
· Steer clear of Georgia Power crew work areas. Equipment and energized lines may be in the area that could create a safety hazard.
· When driving, watch for crews working along the roadways, and obey all traffic signs and directions around work areas.
· When leaving your home and power is off, turn off the main breaker as a precaution to avoid a power surge once the power is restored.
· Be patient. When major outages occur, Georgia Power crews must first restore power to transmission lines and distribution circuits before working on distribution lines that feed directly to homes and businesses. However, be assured that Georgia Power crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power to customers.
· Customers are reminded to be careful when using portable heaters or other supplemental heating. Never place heaters near flammable materials or where they might tip over. Use fire screens to prevent sparks and embers from causing problems.
· Customers should exercise extreme caution if using candles during a power outage. Always keep candles away from flammable objects and never leave them burning unattended. Make sure flashlights have fresh batteries.
· Keep the damper close in your fireplace when not using it.
· Dress in layers.· Keep refrigerators and freezer doors closed to keep cold air inside.
12:30 a.m. - Mayor Kasim Reed Joins Governor Sonny Perdue in Declaring a State of Emergency Due to 2011 Winter Storm
Mayor Reed urges all Atlantans to stay in doors and off the roads
Mayor Reed on Sunday joined Governor Sonny Perdue in calling for a state of emergency in the city of Atlanta and urged all Atlantans to stay indoors and off the roads.
“We are facing a serious storm, which will have a critical impact on the City of Atlanta and the state of Georgia,” said Mayor Reed. “I am asking Atlanta residents to exercise extreme caution, place their safety first and stay off the roads, if possible. Throughout the duration of this storm, my Administration will be working diligently to ensure that city operations are functioning as efficiently as possible.”
To be better prepared for inclement weather conditions, the City of Atlanta has created and implemented an improved and more robust snow and ice response plan.
For the inclement weather, the city is utilizing the Joint Operations Command center, located at the City of Atlanta Public Safety Headquarters. Open and fully-staffed, the Command Center will be open and staffed 24-7 through the duration of the storm. The Command Center allows city personnel to work together, in one central location, and coordinate emergency response activities across all city departments and other municipal agencies.
The city’s Office of Recreation has prepared 100 beds for families in need of shelter due to power outages. At noon on Monday, January 10, 2011, the Old Adamsville Recreation Center (located at 3404 Delmar Lane SW) will open with the city's emergency shelter plan in effect and remain operational until further notice. In the event of further need for assistance, the Office of Recreation will provide limited sheltering at Rosel Fann Recreation Center (located at 365 Cleveland Avenue SE).
Road safety and accessibility are key factors in ensuring the safety and drivability of the roadways. The city’s goal is to maintain access in the immediate vicinity of emergency facilities such as hospitals, police and fire stations and emergency shelters; maintain a network of key, pre-selected and prioritized routes that provide reasonable access to most areas of the city; and make all city streets accessible as quickly as possible. Atlanta’s priority mission covers 200 centerline miles of roadways including 40 bridges, 6 hospitals, and 16 Police Precincts.
The City of Atlanta is asking residents, if possible, to not park on the following main thoroughfares to assist with plowing operations: 14th Street, 17th Street, International Boulevard, Marietta Boulevard, Marietta Street, Martin Luther King Drive, Northside Drive, Moreland Avenue, Peachtree Road, Peters Street, Piedmont Road, Roswell Road, Spring Street, West Peachtree Street, Whitehall Street and Williams Street.
The Department of Aviation is fully-staffed and prepared for the winter weather event. The snow desk opened Sunday night at 7pm and will remain open throughout the duration of the event. All airport operations and maintenance employees are working 12-hour shifts to make ensure that runways, taxiways, airport road ways and terminal buildings are kept in operational order.
We have been in constant communication with the airlines, which thinned their operations starting Sunday evening. Collectively, the airlines have cancelled 60 percent of their flights through Tuesday morning. They are anticipating recovering and being back to normal by midday Tuesday. All passengers should check with airlines prior to coming to the airport. The airport is coordinating all of our efforts in cooperation with the FAA Air Traffic Control Group.
Public Works departmental resources will be used first and then the full capabilities of the entire City of Atlanta will be deployed as needed by using assets from other departments or governments in a staged fashion, depending upon the severity of the conditions.
As part of the updated snow/ice plan, the City of Atlanta is deploying the following resources:
Public Works
• Eight sand trucks
• Seven chase vehicles
• 500 tons of sand mixture
Parks and Recreation
• Two Tandems with Operators
• Pickups as needed to address park and recreation center (shelters) drives and walks
• Tree crews with dump and bucket trucks to address fallen trees
Watershed Management
• Five Tandem Dump Trucks with Operators
• Two Flatbed Trucks with Operators
Airport
• Resources as allowed in case of emergency and not to impact airport operations in any way
State of Georgia
• Multiple sand spreaders and other resources as needed and available (for state routes)
• Priority routes are consistent with the functional street classification hierarchy, which is based on the volume of traffic served and the connectivity provided:
• First priority routes reflect major arterial streets; (e.g. Peachtree Street, Northside Drive, and Mitchell Street)
• Second priority routes include minor arterials and collectors; (e.g. Howell Mill Road, Campbellton Road, and Monroe Drive)
• Third priority routes are comprised of minor collectors and major local streets (e.g. West Wesley, Avon Avenue, and Beecher Road)
In parallel with completing priority routes, crews will continue to canvass designated areas and respond to dispatched calls received from Police and other emergency personnel as well as reports from citizens. For reporting of ice or hazardous roadway conditions, please call 404-853-3200. When the city is significantly impacted by weather conditions, Public Works operations will work around the clock to ensure roadways are clear and safe.
Mayor Reed on Sunday joined Governor Sonny Perdue in calling for a state of emergency in the city of Atlanta and urged all Atlantans to stay indoors and off the roads.
“We are facing a serious storm, which will have a critical impact on the City of Atlanta and the state of Georgia,” said Mayor Reed. “I am asking Atlanta residents to exercise extreme caution, place their safety first and stay off the roads, if possible. Throughout the duration of this storm, my Administration will be working diligently to ensure that city operations are functioning as efficiently as possible.”
To be better prepared for inclement weather conditions, the City of Atlanta has created and implemented an improved and more robust snow and ice response plan.
For the inclement weather, the city is utilizing the Joint Operations Command center, located at the City of Atlanta Public Safety Headquarters. Open and fully-staffed, the Command Center will be open and staffed 24-7 through the duration of the storm. The Command Center allows city personnel to work together, in one central location, and coordinate emergency response activities across all city departments and other municipal agencies.
The city’s Office of Recreation has prepared 100 beds for families in need of shelter due to power outages. At noon on Monday, January 10, 2011, the Old Adamsville Recreation Center (located at 3404 Delmar Lane SW) will open with the city's emergency shelter plan in effect and remain operational until further notice. In the event of further need for assistance, the Office of Recreation will provide limited sheltering at Rosel Fann Recreation Center (located at 365 Cleveland Avenue SE).
Road safety and accessibility are key factors in ensuring the safety and drivability of the roadways. The city’s goal is to maintain access in the immediate vicinity of emergency facilities such as hospitals, police and fire stations and emergency shelters; maintain a network of key, pre-selected and prioritized routes that provide reasonable access to most areas of the city; and make all city streets accessible as quickly as possible. Atlanta’s priority mission covers 200 centerline miles of roadways including 40 bridges, 6 hospitals, and 16 Police Precincts.
The City of Atlanta is asking residents, if possible, to not park on the following main thoroughfares to assist with plowing operations: 14th Street, 17th Street, International Boulevard, Marietta Boulevard, Marietta Street, Martin Luther King Drive, Northside Drive, Moreland Avenue, Peachtree Road, Peters Street, Piedmont Road, Roswell Road, Spring Street, West Peachtree Street, Whitehall Street and Williams Street.
The Department of Aviation is fully-staffed and prepared for the winter weather event. The snow desk opened Sunday night at 7pm and will remain open throughout the duration of the event. All airport operations and maintenance employees are working 12-hour shifts to make ensure that runways, taxiways, airport road ways and terminal buildings are kept in operational order.
We have been in constant communication with the airlines, which thinned their operations starting Sunday evening. Collectively, the airlines have cancelled 60 percent of their flights through Tuesday morning. They are anticipating recovering and being back to normal by midday Tuesday. All passengers should check with airlines prior to coming to the airport. The airport is coordinating all of our efforts in cooperation with the FAA Air Traffic Control Group.
Public Works departmental resources will be used first and then the full capabilities of the entire City of Atlanta will be deployed as needed by using assets from other departments or governments in a staged fashion, depending upon the severity of the conditions.
As part of the updated snow/ice plan, the City of Atlanta is deploying the following resources:
Public Works
• Eight sand trucks
• Seven chase vehicles
• 500 tons of sand mixture
Parks and Recreation
• Two Tandems with Operators
• Pickups as needed to address park and recreation center (shelters) drives and walks
• Tree crews with dump and bucket trucks to address fallen trees
Watershed Management
• Five Tandem Dump Trucks with Operators
• Two Flatbed Trucks with Operators
Airport
• Resources as allowed in case of emergency and not to impact airport operations in any way
State of Georgia
• Multiple sand spreaders and other resources as needed and available (for state routes)
• Priority routes are consistent with the functional street classification hierarchy, which is based on the volume of traffic served and the connectivity provided:
• First priority routes reflect major arterial streets; (e.g. Peachtree Street, Northside Drive, and Mitchell Street)
• Second priority routes include minor arterials and collectors; (e.g. Howell Mill Road, Campbellton Road, and Monroe Drive)
• Third priority routes are comprised of minor collectors and major local streets (e.g. West Wesley, Avon Avenue, and Beecher Road)
In parallel with completing priority routes, crews will continue to canvass designated areas and respond to dispatched calls received from Police and other emergency personnel as well as reports from citizens. For reporting of ice or hazardous roadway conditions, please call 404-853-3200. When the city is significantly impacted by weather conditions, Public Works operations will work around the clock to ensure roadways are clear and safe.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Department of Public Works Winter Storm Preparation
Road safety and accessibility are key factors for the Department of Public Works in ensuring the safety and drivability of our roadways. We seek to maintain access in the immediate vicinity of emergency facilities such as hospitals, police and fire stations and emergency shelters; maintain a network of key, pre-selected and prioritized routes that provide reasonable access to most areas of the city; and make all city streets accessible as quickly as possible.
In the event of snow/ice inclement weather with precipitation or other conditions that warrant emergency response, Public Works has six (6) sand trucks available for use with approximately 300 tons of sand mixture for the city’s 200 centerline miles of priority route roadways including 40 bridges, 6 hospitals, and 16 Police Precincts. We also have access to additional resources from other city/governmental agencies if needed.
In parallel with completing our priority routes, our crews will continue to canvass designated areas and respond to dispatched calls received from Police and other emergency personnel as well as reports from citizens. For reporting of ice or hazardous roadway conditions, please call 404-853-3200. When the City is significantly impacted by weather conditions, Public Works operations will work continuously to ensure roadways are clear and passable.
In the event of snow/ice inclement weather with precipitation or other conditions that warrant emergency response, Public Works has six (6) sand trucks available for use with approximately 300 tons of sand mixture for the city’s 200 centerline miles of priority route roadways including 40 bridges, 6 hospitals, and 16 Police Precincts. We also have access to additional resources from other city/governmental agencies if needed.
- Priority routes are consistent with the functional street classification hierarchy which is based on the volume of traffic served and the connectivity provided:
- first priority routes reflect major arterial streets; (e.g. Peachtree Street, Northside Drive, and Mitchell Street)
- second priority routes include minor arterials and collectors; (e.g. Howell Mill Road, Campbellton Road, and Monroe Drive)
- third priority routes are comprised of minor collectors and major local streets (e.g. West Wesley, Avon Avenue, and Beecher Road)
In parallel with completing our priority routes, our crews will continue to canvass designated areas and respond to dispatched calls received from Police and other emergency personnel as well as reports from citizens. For reporting of ice or hazardous roadway conditions, please call 404-853-3200. When the City is significantly impacted by weather conditions, Public Works operations will work continuously to ensure roadways are clear and passable.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
City of Atlanta Urges Motorists to Stay off the Roads
The City of Atlanta is urging motorists to stay off the roads this evening due to the dropping temperature and icy conditions. If driving is unavoidable, use extreme caution.
The E-911 Center is busier than usual due to an increase in calls for assistance. Please exercise judgment when calling 911 and do so only for urgent situations or emergencies.
Residents should call (404) 853-3200 to report icy road conditions, downed trees/debris.
Drivers can call 511 for road updates and check conditions of interstates and state highways. This information is also available online at http://www.georgia-navigator.com/
On Sunday evening, City maintenance began spreading a mixture of sand and salt over all bridges and overpasses and segments of street with steep gradients using a priority route system based on traffic volumes and locations of employment centers and hospitals.
All eight of the City’s sand trucks are operational. Public Works maintenance staff are working rotational 24 hour shifts. GDOT is currently spreading a salt mixture on the interstates.
The roadways have been divided into four categories:
First Priority - 100 centerline miles of roadway that must be kept open for the health and safety of citizens.
Second Priority - 83 miles of roadway to give each household a road within 2 miles that would be passable for public or private transit.
Third Priority - All other arterial and collector streets
Fourth Priority - Residential streets In addition to completing priority routes, crews will canvass designated areas and respond to dispatched calls received from Police and other emergency personnel as well as reports from citizens. Motorists are reminded to exercise extreme caution as icy conditions can still be dangerous despite sanding.
The E-911 Center is busier than usual due to an increase in calls for assistance. Please exercise judgment when calling 911 and do so only for urgent situations or emergencies.
Residents should call (404) 853-3200 to report icy road conditions, downed trees/debris.
Drivers can call 511 for road updates and check conditions of interstates and state highways. This information is also available online at http://www.georgia-navigator.com/
On Sunday evening, City maintenance began spreading a mixture of sand and salt over all bridges and overpasses and segments of street with steep gradients using a priority route system based on traffic volumes and locations of employment centers and hospitals.
All eight of the City’s sand trucks are operational. Public Works maintenance staff are working rotational 24 hour shifts. GDOT is currently spreading a salt mixture on the interstates.
The roadways have been divided into four categories:
First Priority - 100 centerline miles of roadway that must be kept open for the health and safety of citizens.
Second Priority - 83 miles of roadway to give each household a road within 2 miles that would be passable for public or private transit.
Third Priority - All other arterial and collector streets
Fourth Priority - Residential streets In addition to completing priority routes, crews will canvass designated areas and respond to dispatched calls received from Police and other emergency personnel as well as reports from citizens. Motorists are reminded to exercise extreme caution as icy conditions can still be dangerous despite sanding.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
City of Atlanta Re-opens Rosel Fann Recreation Center Tonight for Residents
The City of Atlanta announced today that Rosel Fann Recreation Center will re-open from 8 p.m. tonight to 7 a.m. Wednesday for residents who may be adversely affected by tonight's frigid weather.
Atlanta Police Department, Atlanta Fire & Rescue and EMS personnel will be at the recreation center. The AFRD will have an Advance Life Support Unit assigned to the facility during the operational hours on a rotational basis and a First-Aid station also will be on-site.
City staff will provide blankets, cots and water to residents who come to the center which is located at 365 Cleveland Ave. SE, Atlanta, GA 30354. The City strongly encourages all residents who lack adequate shelter or heat to seek assistance this evening. For more information, please call the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services at (404) 330-6023.
If icy conditions develop overnight, the City of Atlanta encourages residents to stay off the roads. If driving is unavoidable, use extra care.
On Sunday evening, City maintenance began spreading a mixture of sand and salt over all bridges and overpasses and segments of street with steep gradients using a priority route system based on traffic volumes and locations of employment centers and hospitals.
Please call (404) 853-3227 to report icy road conditions, downed trees/debris.
Atlanta Police Department, Atlanta Fire & Rescue and EMS personnel will be at the recreation center. The AFRD will have an Advance Life Support Unit assigned to the facility during the operational hours on a rotational basis and a First-Aid station also will be on-site.
City staff will provide blankets, cots and water to residents who come to the center which is located at 365 Cleveland Ave. SE, Atlanta, GA 30354. The City strongly encourages all residents who lack adequate shelter or heat to seek assistance this evening. For more information, please call the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services at (404) 330-6023.
If icy conditions develop overnight, the City of Atlanta encourages residents to stay off the roads. If driving is unavoidable, use extra care.
On Sunday evening, City maintenance began spreading a mixture of sand and salt over all bridges and overpasses and segments of street with steep gradients using a priority route system based on traffic volumes and locations of employment centers and hospitals.
Please call (404) 853-3227 to report icy road conditions, downed trees/debris.
Monday, December 13, 2010
City of Atlanta Re-opens Rosel Fann Recreation Center Tonight for Residents
Salt spreaders in operation and continue to prepare for icy road conditions
The City of Atlanta announced today that Rosel Fann Recreation Center will re-open from 8 p.m. tonight to 7 a.m. Tuesday for residents who may be adversely affected by tonight's frigid weather.
Atlanta Police Department, Atlanta Fire & Rescue and EMS personnel will be at the recreation center. The AFRD will have an Advance Life Support Unit assigned to the facility during the operational hours on a rotational basis and a First-Aid station also will be on-site.
City staff will provide blankets, cots and water to residents who come to the center which is located at 365 Cleveland Ave. SE, Atlanta, GA 30354. The City strongly encourages all residents who lack adequate shelter or heat to seek assistance this evening. For more information, please call the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services at (404) 330-6023.
If icy conditions develop overnight, the City of Atlanta encourages residents to stay off the roads. If driving is unavoidable, use extra care.
On Sunday evening, City maintenance began spreading a mixture of sand and salt over all bridges and overpasses and segments of street with steep gradients using a priority route system based on traffic volumes and locations of employment centers and hospitals.
Since beginning operations on Sunday, the Department of Public Works has responded to a total of six ice-related calls utilizing one sand truck spreader. Thirty-seven tons of the sand mixture have been dispersed along 14 bridges and 11 priority routes surrounding emergency facilities such as hospitals, fire stations and police stations.
All eight of the City’s sand trucks are operational. Public Works maintenance staff are working rotational 24 hour shifts as needed. GDOT and Fulton County are on standby should their assistance be needed.
The roadways have been divided into four categories:
First Priority - 100 centerline miles of roadway that must be kept open for the health and safety of citizens.
Second Priority - 83 miles of roadway to give each household a road within 2 miles that would be passable for public or private transit.
Third Priority - All other arterial and collector streets
Fourth Priority - Residential streets
In addition to completing priority routes, crews will canvass designated areas and respond to dispatched calls received from Police and other emergency personnel as well as reports from citizens. Motorists are reminded to exercise extreme caution as icy conditions can still be dangerous despite sanding.
Please call (404) 853-3227 to report icy road conditions, downed trees/debris.
Should the City be significantly impacted by the inclement weather conditions, all operations will be reflective of a “holiday” schedule which means that all solid waste pickups (household garbage, recycling, and yard trimmings) may be delayed by 1 day. Customers should continue to place their waste items out on the regularly scheduled pick up day. Work efforts on closed or blocked streets will be handled once streets are re-opened to vehicular traffic.
The City of Atlanta announced today that Rosel Fann Recreation Center will re-open from 8 p.m. tonight to 7 a.m. Tuesday for residents who may be adversely affected by tonight's frigid weather.
Atlanta Police Department, Atlanta Fire & Rescue and EMS personnel will be at the recreation center. The AFRD will have an Advance Life Support Unit assigned to the facility during the operational hours on a rotational basis and a First-Aid station also will be on-site.
City staff will provide blankets, cots and water to residents who come to the center which is located at 365 Cleveland Ave. SE, Atlanta, GA 30354. The City strongly encourages all residents who lack adequate shelter or heat to seek assistance this evening. For more information, please call the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services at (404) 330-6023.
If icy conditions develop overnight, the City of Atlanta encourages residents to stay off the roads. If driving is unavoidable, use extra care.
On Sunday evening, City maintenance began spreading a mixture of sand and salt over all bridges and overpasses and segments of street with steep gradients using a priority route system based on traffic volumes and locations of employment centers and hospitals.
Since beginning operations on Sunday, the Department of Public Works has responded to a total of six ice-related calls utilizing one sand truck spreader. Thirty-seven tons of the sand mixture have been dispersed along 14 bridges and 11 priority routes surrounding emergency facilities such as hospitals, fire stations and police stations.
All eight of the City’s sand trucks are operational. Public Works maintenance staff are working rotational 24 hour shifts as needed. GDOT and Fulton County are on standby should their assistance be needed.
The roadways have been divided into four categories:
First Priority - 100 centerline miles of roadway that must be kept open for the health and safety of citizens.
Second Priority - 83 miles of roadway to give each household a road within 2 miles that would be passable for public or private transit.
Third Priority - All other arterial and collector streets
Fourth Priority - Residential streets
In addition to completing priority routes, crews will canvass designated areas and respond to dispatched calls received from Police and other emergency personnel as well as reports from citizens. Motorists are reminded to exercise extreme caution as icy conditions can still be dangerous despite sanding.
Please call (404) 853-3227 to report icy road conditions, downed trees/debris.
Should the City be significantly impacted by the inclement weather conditions, all operations will be reflective of a “holiday” schedule which means that all solid waste pickups (household garbage, recycling, and yard trimmings) may be delayed by 1 day. Customers should continue to place their waste items out on the regularly scheduled pick up day. Work efforts on closed or blocked streets will be handled once streets are re-opened to vehicular traffic.
Historic Westside Community on Road to Revitalization
Russell New Urban Development in talks with national retailer to bring low prices and savings to Atlanta University Center communities of Vine City and English Avenue
Russell New Urban Development LLC, the development arm of H.J. Russell and Company headed by H. Jerome Russell, in partnership with the Atlanta Development Authority (ADA) is furthering its revitalization of the Historic Westside Community by entering into discussions with Walmart with the goal of opening a new store in the neighborhood. This is a triumph for the City of Atlanta, which has made significant investments in rebuilding the Atlanta University Center communities of Vine City and English Avenue.
"Walmart is bringing more than jobs, goods and services to the residents of the community and the 12,000 students of the Atlanta University Center," said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. "The company is providing the spark this community needs to continue its transformation and become a healthy, thriving place where people want to live and study."
“In line with our reputation for pioneering the development of underserved communities, Russell New Urban Development has been aggressively seeking a new anchor tenant that would improve the quality of life for residents of this community,” said H. Jerome Russell, president. “With Walmart’s everyday low prices in general merchandise and groceries, the company is the ideal fit for the residents of this community and the broader Westside community, and we’re thrilled about the partnership with the company.”
While the details of the proposed site are being finalized, plans for the Walmart store feature in-store services like a money center and a pharmacy and an exterior that blends with the design of the surrounding businesses. The company’s most up-to-date environmentally sustainable elements, such as natural lighting and recycling programs, would be in place as well. The store will bring well-paying jobs with benefits to the community.
“We continue to seek ways we can serve our customers and communities so that people can save money and live better,” said Greg Sullivan, senior vice president for South East Division Walmart stores. “We recognize an opportunity to make an impact in Vine City and metro Atlanta by bringing jobs, convenience, fresh options and everyday low prices to the community.”
"I am elated that Walmart has chosen to locate one of its stores at 825 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive in Historic Westside Village," said Ivory Young, Atlanta city councilman for District 3. "The revitalization of this corridor remains a priority for the city and the surrounding neighborhoods."
Since 1990, the city, through its economic development agency, the Atlanta Development Authority, has provided significant capital to the area, including $36 million in loans for major residential multifamily projects, $15 million in grants to redevelopment projects, $14.1 million in homeownership loans, $2.3 million in grants for homeless housing construction, a $1.7 million grant for the MLK/Ashby revitalization and $1.6 million in small-business loans.
“Walmart is the anchor we’ve been hoping for at this transit-oriented development site,” said Ernestine Garey, interim president of the Atlanta Development Authority. “Walmart is a pioneer with vision and commitment to sustainability to the communities they serve. This announcement will stabilize the investments we’ve already made on the site and in the surrounding community.”
Russell New Urban Development LLC, the development arm of H.J. Russell and Company headed by H. Jerome Russell, in partnership with the Atlanta Development Authority (ADA) is furthering its revitalization of the Historic Westside Community by entering into discussions with Walmart with the goal of opening a new store in the neighborhood. This is a triumph for the City of Atlanta, which has made significant investments in rebuilding the Atlanta University Center communities of Vine City and English Avenue.
"Walmart is bringing more than jobs, goods and services to the residents of the community and the 12,000 students of the Atlanta University Center," said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. "The company is providing the spark this community needs to continue its transformation and become a healthy, thriving place where people want to live and study."
“In line with our reputation for pioneering the development of underserved communities, Russell New Urban Development has been aggressively seeking a new anchor tenant that would improve the quality of life for residents of this community,” said H. Jerome Russell, president. “With Walmart’s everyday low prices in general merchandise and groceries, the company is the ideal fit for the residents of this community and the broader Westside community, and we’re thrilled about the partnership with the company.”
While the details of the proposed site are being finalized, plans for the Walmart store feature in-store services like a money center and a pharmacy and an exterior that blends with the design of the surrounding businesses. The company’s most up-to-date environmentally sustainable elements, such as natural lighting and recycling programs, would be in place as well. The store will bring well-paying jobs with benefits to the community.
“We continue to seek ways we can serve our customers and communities so that people can save money and live better,” said Greg Sullivan, senior vice president for South East Division Walmart stores. “We recognize an opportunity to make an impact in Vine City and metro Atlanta by bringing jobs, convenience, fresh options and everyday low prices to the community.”
"I am elated that Walmart has chosen to locate one of its stores at 825 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive in Historic Westside Village," said Ivory Young, Atlanta city councilman for District 3. "The revitalization of this corridor remains a priority for the city and the surrounding neighborhoods."
Since 1990, the city, through its economic development agency, the Atlanta Development Authority, has provided significant capital to the area, including $36 million in loans for major residential multifamily projects, $15 million in grants to redevelopment projects, $14.1 million in homeownership loans, $2.3 million in grants for homeless housing construction, a $1.7 million grant for the MLK/Ashby revitalization and $1.6 million in small-business loans.
“Walmart is the anchor we’ve been hoping for at this transit-oriented development site,” said Ernestine Garey, interim president of the Atlanta Development Authority. “Walmart is a pioneer with vision and commitment to sustainability to the communities they serve. This announcement will stabilize the investments we’ve already made on the site and in the surrounding community.”
Sunday, December 12, 2010
City of Atlanta Prepares for Frigid Temperatures and Possible Icy Conditions
Rosel Fann Recreation Center open for residents; Salt spreaders in operation
To aid residents who may be adversely affected by tonight's frigid weather, the City of Atlanta is opening the Rosel Fann Recreation Center from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday.
Atlanta Police Department, Atlanta Fire & Rescue and EMS personnel will be at the recreation center. The AFRD will have an Advance Life Support Unit assigned to the facility during the operational hours on a rotational basis and a First-Aid station also will be on-site.
City staff will provide blankets, cots and water to residents who come to the center which is located at 365 Cleveland Ave. SE, Atlanta, GA 30354. The City strongly encourages all residents who lack adequate shelter or heat to seek assistance this evening. For more information, please call the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services at (404) 330-6023.
If icy conditions develop overnight, the City of Atlanta encourages residents to stay off the roads. If driving is unavoidable, use extra care.
To prepare for possible inclement weather, city maintenance crews will spread a mixture of sand and salt over all bridges, overpasses and streets with steep gradients using a priority route system based on traffic volumes and locations of employment centers and hospitals.
Approximately 1200 tons of sand and salt materials are presently on hand and will be dispersed throughout the city as necessary. Fifteen crews utilizing six sand trucks and 10 tandem dump trucks will participate in this activity. Crews will work through the night to ensure roads are passable and are available to respond 24 hours daily as needed. GDOT and Fulton County are on standby should their assistance be needed.
The roadways have been divided into four categories:
First Priority - 100 centerline miles of roadway that must be kept open for the health and safety of citizens.
Second Priority - 83 miles of roadway to give each household a road within 2 miles that would be passable for public or private transit.
Third Priority - All other arterial and collector streets
Fourth Priority - Residential streets
In addition to completing priority routes, crews will canvass designated areas and respond to dispatched calls received from Police and other emergency personnel as well as reports from citizens. Motorists are reminded to exercise extreme caution as icy conditions can still be dangerous despite sanding.
Please call (404) 853-3227 to report icy road conditions, downed trees/debris.
Should the City be significantly impacted by the inclement weather conditions, all operations will be reflective of a “holiday” schedule which means that all solid waste pickups (household garbage, recycling, and yard trimmings) may be delayed by 1 day. Customers should continue to place their waste items out on the regularly scheduled pick up day. Work efforts on closed or blocked streets will be handled once streets are re-opened to vehicular traffic.
To aid residents who may be adversely affected by tonight's frigid weather, the City of Atlanta is opening the Rosel Fann Recreation Center from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday.
Atlanta Police Department, Atlanta Fire & Rescue and EMS personnel will be at the recreation center. The AFRD will have an Advance Life Support Unit assigned to the facility during the operational hours on a rotational basis and a First-Aid station also will be on-site.
City staff will provide blankets, cots and water to residents who come to the center which is located at 365 Cleveland Ave. SE, Atlanta, GA 30354. The City strongly encourages all residents who lack adequate shelter or heat to seek assistance this evening. For more information, please call the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services at (404) 330-6023.
If icy conditions develop overnight, the City of Atlanta encourages residents to stay off the roads. If driving is unavoidable, use extra care.
To prepare for possible inclement weather, city maintenance crews will spread a mixture of sand and salt over all bridges, overpasses and streets with steep gradients using a priority route system based on traffic volumes and locations of employment centers and hospitals.
Approximately 1200 tons of sand and salt materials are presently on hand and will be dispersed throughout the city as necessary. Fifteen crews utilizing six sand trucks and 10 tandem dump trucks will participate in this activity. Crews will work through the night to ensure roads are passable and are available to respond 24 hours daily as needed. GDOT and Fulton County are on standby should their assistance be needed.
The roadways have been divided into four categories:
First Priority - 100 centerline miles of roadway that must be kept open for the health and safety of citizens.
Second Priority - 83 miles of roadway to give each household a road within 2 miles that would be passable for public or private transit.
Third Priority - All other arterial and collector streets
Fourth Priority - Residential streets
In addition to completing priority routes, crews will canvass designated areas and respond to dispatched calls received from Police and other emergency personnel as well as reports from citizens. Motorists are reminded to exercise extreme caution as icy conditions can still be dangerous despite sanding.
Please call (404) 853-3227 to report icy road conditions, downed trees/debris.
Should the City be significantly impacted by the inclement weather conditions, all operations will be reflective of a “holiday” schedule which means that all solid waste pickups (household garbage, recycling, and yard trimmings) may be delayed by 1 day. Customers should continue to place their waste items out on the regularly scheduled pick up day. Work efforts on closed or blocked streets will be handled once streets are re-opened to vehicular traffic.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Statement of Mayor Kasim Reed on Calhoun Settlement
On behalf of the City of Atlanta, the Atlanta City Council, and the Atlanta Police Department, I am pleased to announce that our settlement with the Plaintiffs in the Atlanta Eagle lawsuit has been approved by the Federal Court.
The allegations made by the Plaintiffs, that certain Atlanta Police officers engaged in inappropriate conduct at the Atlanta Eagle on September 10, 2009, have been a matter of serious concern to me for some time.
I believe that what occurred that evening should not have happened and should not happen again. As Mayor of Atlanta, I feel pain for anyone mistreated in our city and apologize to each Plaintiff in the Calhoun case.
This week’s settlement agreement is a step forward, and I hope, the beginning of a healing process, part of a number of steps I’ve taken since becoming Mayor of the City of Atlanta. The Plaintiffs and the City of Atlanta, as part of the settlement agreement, have agreed upon clear steps which will strengthen and improve our law enforcement capabilities and help ensure that an incident such as this will not happen again in our city. These reforms include training, education, and revising applicable policies and procedures.
I believe that the lessons learned here, and the resulting reforms, will have a positive impact on future relations between the Atlanta Police Department, the LGBT community and the residents of the City of Atlanta, and that the rights of all of our citizens will be better safeguarded as a result.
I would like to acknowledge the members of the Blue Ribbon Commission who counseled me and volunteered their time to assist with the mediation process: Lawrie Demorest, Burt Tillman, Jeremy Burnette, Lee Schreter and Lawrence Ashe. Thank you for your service and commitment to the City of Atlanta.
I also want to express my personal appreciation to our City Attorney, Cathy Hampton, whose leadership was instrumental in settling this case.
Our diversity is our strength. As Mayor, I look forward to working with our entire community to ensure we are a more caring and compassionate city.
The allegations made by the Plaintiffs, that certain Atlanta Police officers engaged in inappropriate conduct at the Atlanta Eagle on September 10, 2009, have been a matter of serious concern to me for some time.
I believe that what occurred that evening should not have happened and should not happen again. As Mayor of Atlanta, I feel pain for anyone mistreated in our city and apologize to each Plaintiff in the Calhoun case.
This week’s settlement agreement is a step forward, and I hope, the beginning of a healing process, part of a number of steps I’ve taken since becoming Mayor of the City of Atlanta. The Plaintiffs and the City of Atlanta, as part of the settlement agreement, have agreed upon clear steps which will strengthen and improve our law enforcement capabilities and help ensure that an incident such as this will not happen again in our city. These reforms include training, education, and revising applicable policies and procedures.
I believe that the lessons learned here, and the resulting reforms, will have a positive impact on future relations between the Atlanta Police Department, the LGBT community and the residents of the City of Atlanta, and that the rights of all of our citizens will be better safeguarded as a result.
I would like to acknowledge the members of the Blue Ribbon Commission who counseled me and volunteered their time to assist with the mediation process: Lawrie Demorest, Burt Tillman, Jeremy Burnette, Lee Schreter and Lawrence Ashe. Thank you for your service and commitment to the City of Atlanta.
I also want to express my personal appreciation to our City Attorney, Cathy Hampton, whose leadership was instrumental in settling this case.
Our diversity is our strength. As Mayor, I look forward to working with our entire community to ensure we are a more caring and compassionate city.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Mayor Kasim Reed and the City of Atlanta Host the 2010 Senior Citizens Ball
Mayor Reed and the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services revive beloved city tradition; more than 4,000 seniors enjoyed an evening of entertainment and dancing in honor of “Senior Citizens Day”
Mayor Kasim Reed saluted more than 4,000 Atlanta seniors at the 2010 Senior Citizens Ball on Monday evening at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Atlanta. Designating October 4, 2010 as “Senior Citizens Day” in the City of Atlanta, Mayor Reed thanked the city’s elders for being shining examples of integrity, leadership and enduring love.
“Tonight, I am honored to recognize the extraordinary individuals who built the foundation that my generation stands upon today,” Mayor Reed said. “This ball is a special time for their contributions to be recognized by the City’s leadership.”
“Atlanta is a caring city because of the people who live and work here and the way in which we respect each other, especially our elders,” Mayor Reed added. “As Mayor, I believe it is essential to continue important community traditions such as the Senior Citizens Ball.”
For many years, the Senior Citizens Ball was one of the city’s most anticipated social events. However, due to budget constraints, the City of Atlanta hosted the last ball in 2007.
Mayor Reed, in response to requests from dozens of seniors, promised to restore the ball shortly after his inauguration in January. Reflecting the spirit of Atlanta, more than two dozen business and community leaders contributed private funds for the ball. The City is especially appreciative of the AARP and Kaiser Permanente for their support.
Mrs. Sylvia Reed, Mayor Reed’s mother, co-chaired and co-hosted the ball, the theme of which was “Forever Young.” At the gala, the seniors were welcomed with a red carpet arrival and enjoyed food, music, a fashion show, prizes, and plenty of dancing throughout the evening. Radio personalities Frank Ski and Ryan Cameron of V-103 emceed the ball.
“I am delighted to reintroduce one of our City’s most beloved traditions,” Mayor Reed said. “I am especially appreciative of everyone who supported this event, especially my partners on the Atlanta City Council and the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services.”
Mayor Kasim Reed saluted more than 4,000 Atlanta seniors at the 2010 Senior Citizens Ball on Monday evening at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Atlanta. Designating October 4, 2010 as “Senior Citizens Day” in the City of Atlanta, Mayor Reed thanked the city’s elders for being shining examples of integrity, leadership and enduring love.
“Tonight, I am honored to recognize the extraordinary individuals who built the foundation that my generation stands upon today,” Mayor Reed said. “This ball is a special time for their contributions to be recognized by the City’s leadership.”
“Atlanta is a caring city because of the people who live and work here and the way in which we respect each other, especially our elders,” Mayor Reed added. “As Mayor, I believe it is essential to continue important community traditions such as the Senior Citizens Ball.”
For many years, the Senior Citizens Ball was one of the city’s most anticipated social events. However, due to budget constraints, the City of Atlanta hosted the last ball in 2007.
Mayor Reed, in response to requests from dozens of seniors, promised to restore the ball shortly after his inauguration in January. Reflecting the spirit of Atlanta, more than two dozen business and community leaders contributed private funds for the ball. The City is especially appreciative of the AARP and Kaiser Permanente for their support.
Mrs. Sylvia Reed, Mayor Reed’s mother, co-chaired and co-hosted the ball, the theme of which was “Forever Young.” At the gala, the seniors were welcomed with a red carpet arrival and enjoyed food, music, a fashion show, prizes, and plenty of dancing throughout the evening. Radio personalities Frank Ski and Ryan Cameron of V-103 emceed the ball.
“I am delighted to reintroduce one of our City’s most beloved traditions,” Mayor Reed said. “I am especially appreciative of everyone who supported this event, especially my partners on the Atlanta City Council and the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services.”
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Update Underway To Improve Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan for Fulton County, Georgia
/PRNewswire/ -Georgia's most populated county, home to just over a million residents and the state's largest city, is updating its FEMA-required hazard mitigation plan for local review and adoption in mid-December of this year and subsequent approval by FEMA. An approved hazard mitigation plan will allow cities to leverage federal hazard mitigation grant funds.
The Hazard Mitigation Plan update project is being managed by Calvin, Giordano &Associates (CGA), a consultant to the Atlanta Fulton County Emergency Management Agency, whose authority covers 14 cities as well as unincorporated Fulton County.
Nearing the halfway point, CGA planners are currently evaluating vulnerable structures and populations in Fulton County that are at risk from a variety of natural hazards known to threaten the area. Participating municipalities include Atlanta, Milton, Roswell, Mountain Park, Sandy Springs, East Point, College Park, Union City, Fairburn, Palmetto, Chattahoochee Hills and Hapeville.
CGA, according to the lead planner Beth McElroy, is conducting up to four joint planning meetings with the municipalities and the county in order to reevaluate the hazard vulnerability analysis, identify shortfalls, obtain critical information from new cities, assess any new areas that might need to be addressed in the planning process, refine/enhance the annual update committee review process and revise goals and objectives.
McElroy said as a result of growth and other recent changes since the plan was initially implemented in 2004, an assessment and reevaluation of the county's risks and vulnerabilities is necessary. This ensures that steps are taken to protect the community from the dangers posed by natural hazards and ensure that new growth takes steps to incorporate mitigative actions into future growth and infrastructure planning.
"Also since the last plan was completed, four cities have incorporated within Fulton County," McElroy added. "The task is to integrate the information from the more recent assessments with data from the planning sessions and to refine and enhance the current plan for final FEMA approval."
All documents and reports created for the county must comply with state and federal mitigation rules and requirements, federal planning requirements and project management capabilities.
CGA's Emergency Management Services Division provides local governments with multi-hazard disaster planning, response, recovery and mitigation services. The division enhances the preparedness level of clients in order to protect human lives, restore services and better manage response resources.
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The Hazard Mitigation Plan update project is being managed by Calvin, Giordano &Associates (CGA), a consultant to the Atlanta Fulton County Emergency Management Agency, whose authority covers 14 cities as well as unincorporated Fulton County.
Nearing the halfway point, CGA planners are currently evaluating vulnerable structures and populations in Fulton County that are at risk from a variety of natural hazards known to threaten the area. Participating municipalities include Atlanta, Milton, Roswell, Mountain Park, Sandy Springs, East Point, College Park, Union City, Fairburn, Palmetto, Chattahoochee Hills and Hapeville.
CGA, according to the lead planner Beth McElroy, is conducting up to four joint planning meetings with the municipalities and the county in order to reevaluate the hazard vulnerability analysis, identify shortfalls, obtain critical information from new cities, assess any new areas that might need to be addressed in the planning process, refine/enhance the annual update committee review process and revise goals and objectives.
McElroy said as a result of growth and other recent changes since the plan was initially implemented in 2004, an assessment and reevaluation of the county's risks and vulnerabilities is necessary. This ensures that steps are taken to protect the community from the dangers posed by natural hazards and ensure that new growth takes steps to incorporate mitigative actions into future growth and infrastructure planning.
"Also since the last plan was completed, four cities have incorporated within Fulton County," McElroy added. "The task is to integrate the information from the more recent assessments with data from the planning sessions and to refine and enhance the current plan for final FEMA approval."
All documents and reports created for the county must comply with state and federal mitigation rules and requirements, federal planning requirements and project management capabilities.
CGA's Emergency Management Services Division provides local governments with multi-hazard disaster planning, response, recovery and mitigation services. The division enhances the preparedness level of clients in order to protect human lives, restore services and better manage response resources.
-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
City of Atlanta Receives Municipal Forestry Accreditation from the Society of Municipal Arborists
Atlanta is first municipality in Georgia; fifth in the nation
The City of Atlanta is the latest community to join a prestigious group of municipalities to be accredited by the Society of Municipal Arborists (SMA.) SMA Accreditation is the highest honor for municipal urban forestry programs, obtained by following a professional approach to tree management.
SMA Accredited programs have a certified municipal specialist on staff, have an approved Local Forest Master Plan, are Tree City USA growth award recipients, show private contract preference for accredited tree care companies, adhere to industry standards for safety and performance, and adhere to SMA’s Code of Ethics.
“The SMA accreditation is yet another example of the City of Atlanta’s commitment to excellence,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “I commend the members of the city’s Arborist Division and the Office of Parks for their dedication and willingness to sharpen their skills and achieve the highest professional standards for the benefit of the citizens of Atlanta.”
The City of Atlanta is the first municipality to be accredited in the state of Georgia, and fifth nationwide, joining the cities of Aspen, Colorado; Glencoe, Illinois; Arlington, Texas; and Downers Grove, Illinois. The SMA accreditation is renewable every five years.
To obtain SMA accreditation, the Department of Planning and Community Development met the following requirements:
Program must have at least one ISA Certified Arborist (ISA certification requires a 4-hour comprehensive examination) on staff, with an ISA Certified Municipal Specialist preferred (a specialist is a higher level designation that requires passing an additional two-hour exam focused exclusively on municipal arboriculture).
Program must have a Forest Master Plan approved by appropriate local body.
Program must be a current Tree City USA (this criterion must be maintained annually to maintain accreditation).
Program must have a National Arbor Day Foundation Growth Award, in at least one of the past five years.
Program must show preference to Tree Care Industry Association Accredited tree care companies when private arborists are contracted.
Program must incorporate American National Safety Institute (ANSI) Z133.1 safety standards.
Program must incorporate ANSI A300 tree care performance standards.
Program must pledge adherence to the SMA Code of Ethics and to promote SMA objectives.
With a growing appreciation for the value of green infrastructure, communities across the nation are taking steps to maintain their trees, which unlike other parts of a city’s infrastructure, actually increase in value. A healthy urban forest provides many benefits for cities, including beautification, reduction of the urban heat island effect, reduction of stormwater runoff, reduction of air pollution, reduction of energy costs through increased shade over buildings, improved wildlife habitat, and mitigation of overall urban environmental impact. In addition, research has shown that city trees can improve real estate values, attract shoppers, improve worker productivity, reduce crime, reduce hospital stay, and improve children’s school performance.
“This accreditation recognizes the dedication that Mayor Kasim Reed and the city’s arborists have given to the City of Atlanta and the care of its urban forest,” said SMA President Gene Hyde. “By adhering to accreditation standards and following best management practices, your urban forest will continue to grow in value and benefit the citizens of Atlanta for generations to come.”
About the City of Atlanta’s Arboricultural Programs
The City of Atlanta Arborist Division is housed within the Department of Planning and Community Development, led by Commissioner James Shelby. The Arborist Division is responsible for trees located on private property. There are three field arborists (two permanent), conducting 3,500 – 4,000 site inspections annually. Six members of staff are International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborists. Of those, there is one ISA Municipal Specialist. He is one of five in the state of GA. One staff member is a Certified Tree Risk Assessor. The Office of Parks is housed within the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs and has two ISA Certified Arborists on staff. The Office of Parks is responsible for trees located in city parks and other public space.
About SMA
The Society of Municipal Arborists (www.urban-forestry.com) is a not-for-profit international organization of municipal arborists, urban and community foresters, members of tree boards, tree wardens, consultants, municipal officials, and students who are involved in the professional management of trees where over 114 million people live, work, and play. SMA leads the world in building the confidence, competence, and camaraderie of the family of professionals who create and sustain community forests.
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP
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The City of Atlanta is the latest community to join a prestigious group of municipalities to be accredited by the Society of Municipal Arborists (SMA.) SMA Accreditation is the highest honor for municipal urban forestry programs, obtained by following a professional approach to tree management.
SMA Accredited programs have a certified municipal specialist on staff, have an approved Local Forest Master Plan, are Tree City USA growth award recipients, show private contract preference for accredited tree care companies, adhere to industry standards for safety and performance, and adhere to SMA’s Code of Ethics.
“The SMA accreditation is yet another example of the City of Atlanta’s commitment to excellence,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “I commend the members of the city’s Arborist Division and the Office of Parks for their dedication and willingness to sharpen their skills and achieve the highest professional standards for the benefit of the citizens of Atlanta.”
The City of Atlanta is the first municipality to be accredited in the state of Georgia, and fifth nationwide, joining the cities of Aspen, Colorado; Glencoe, Illinois; Arlington, Texas; and Downers Grove, Illinois. The SMA accreditation is renewable every five years.
To obtain SMA accreditation, the Department of Planning and Community Development met the following requirements:
Program must have at least one ISA Certified Arborist (ISA certification requires a 4-hour comprehensive examination) on staff, with an ISA Certified Municipal Specialist preferred (a specialist is a higher level designation that requires passing an additional two-hour exam focused exclusively on municipal arboriculture).
Program must have a Forest Master Plan approved by appropriate local body.
Program must be a current Tree City USA (this criterion must be maintained annually to maintain accreditation).
Program must have a National Arbor Day Foundation Growth Award, in at least one of the past five years.
Program must show preference to Tree Care Industry Association Accredited tree care companies when private arborists are contracted.
Program must incorporate American National Safety Institute (ANSI) Z133.1 safety standards.
Program must incorporate ANSI A300 tree care performance standards.
Program must pledge adherence to the SMA Code of Ethics and to promote SMA objectives.
With a growing appreciation for the value of green infrastructure, communities across the nation are taking steps to maintain their trees, which unlike other parts of a city’s infrastructure, actually increase in value. A healthy urban forest provides many benefits for cities, including beautification, reduction of the urban heat island effect, reduction of stormwater runoff, reduction of air pollution, reduction of energy costs through increased shade over buildings, improved wildlife habitat, and mitigation of overall urban environmental impact. In addition, research has shown that city trees can improve real estate values, attract shoppers, improve worker productivity, reduce crime, reduce hospital stay, and improve children’s school performance.
“This accreditation recognizes the dedication that Mayor Kasim Reed and the city’s arborists have given to the City of Atlanta and the care of its urban forest,” said SMA President Gene Hyde. “By adhering to accreditation standards and following best management practices, your urban forest will continue to grow in value and benefit the citizens of Atlanta for generations to come.”
About the City of Atlanta’s Arboricultural Programs
The City of Atlanta Arborist Division is housed within the Department of Planning and Community Development, led by Commissioner James Shelby. The Arborist Division is responsible for trees located on private property. There are three field arborists (two permanent), conducting 3,500 – 4,000 site inspections annually. Six members of staff are International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborists. Of those, there is one ISA Municipal Specialist. He is one of five in the state of GA. One staff member is a Certified Tree Risk Assessor. The Office of Parks is housed within the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs and has two ISA Certified Arborists on staff. The Office of Parks is responsible for trees located in city parks and other public space.
About SMA
The Society of Municipal Arborists (www.urban-forestry.com) is a not-for-profit international organization of municipal arborists, urban and community foresters, members of tree boards, tree wardens, consultants, municipal officials, and students who are involved in the professional management of trees where over 114 million people live, work, and play. SMA leads the world in building the confidence, competence, and camaraderie of the family of professionals who create and sustain community forests.
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Thursday, September 2, 2010
City of Atlanta Completes Neighborhood Stabilization Program Obligation Ahead of National Deadline
Department of Planning and Community Development announces milestone and looks forward to possibility of receiving additional NSP grants to address abandoned foreclosures
Atlanta, GA – With several days to go before the September 5 deadline, the City of Atlanta today announced it has met its Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) goal of obligating 100 percent of federal and state grant funds ahead of schedule. The City of Atlanta NSP is being managed by the Department of Planning and Community Development’s Office of Housing. Using NSP stimulus grants, the Office of Housing has acquired 143 properties, which include single-family homes and apartment complexes in NSP targeted communities.
Earlier this month the Department of Planning and Community Development announced the Office of Housing had obligated over 90-percent of its federal NSP grant funds and nearly 95 percent of its state allocation. On Tuesday, both funding sources reached 100 percent obligation.
“Meeting the obligation deadline ahead of schedule is a tremendous success for the City of Atlanta,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “The foreclosure crisis had a devastating effect on many of our neighborhoods and this program allows Atlanta the opportunity to rebuild communities hit hardest by it. Our NSP staff will now focus on renovations so that homes and apartment units can be ready for sale or rent in the coming months.”
The Neighborhood Stabilization Program is a national recovery initiative designed to help cities address the foreclosure crisis by distributing grants to municipalities to acquire, renovate and resell housing units in areas hit hardest by the national foreclosure crisis.
“What we achieved would not be possible without the help and support of the community, our developers and the more than 250 businesses working with us,” stated Commissioner James Shelby, Department of Planning and Community Development.
The City of Atlanta is thought to be in the running for a NSP3 grant. An announcement is expected soon to identify which cities will receive NSP3 funding.
In 2009, the City of Atlanta received approximately $12 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and nearly $4 million from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for NSP. Using HUD guidelines, the City of Atlanta has targeted NSP funds to assist areas of greatest need, which include portions of zip codes: 30307, 30310, 30311, 30312, 30314, 30315, 30316, 30317, 30318, 30331 and 30354. These areas also are considered to have the highest percentage of sub-prime mortgage loans.
Interested homebuyers and renters are encouraged to visit www.atlantaga.gov and visit the Department of Planning & Community Development, then click the Office of Housing page. You can also call the Office of Housing at 404-330-6390 or send an email to OfficeofHousingNSP@AtlantaGa.Gov.
Atlanta, GA – With several days to go before the September 5 deadline, the City of Atlanta today announced it has met its Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) goal of obligating 100 percent of federal and state grant funds ahead of schedule. The City of Atlanta NSP is being managed by the Department of Planning and Community Development’s Office of Housing. Using NSP stimulus grants, the Office of Housing has acquired 143 properties, which include single-family homes and apartment complexes in NSP targeted communities.
Earlier this month the Department of Planning and Community Development announced the Office of Housing had obligated over 90-percent of its federal NSP grant funds and nearly 95 percent of its state allocation. On Tuesday, both funding sources reached 100 percent obligation.
“Meeting the obligation deadline ahead of schedule is a tremendous success for the City of Atlanta,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “The foreclosure crisis had a devastating effect on many of our neighborhoods and this program allows Atlanta the opportunity to rebuild communities hit hardest by it. Our NSP staff will now focus on renovations so that homes and apartment units can be ready for sale or rent in the coming months.”
The Neighborhood Stabilization Program is a national recovery initiative designed to help cities address the foreclosure crisis by distributing grants to municipalities to acquire, renovate and resell housing units in areas hit hardest by the national foreclosure crisis.
“What we achieved would not be possible without the help and support of the community, our developers and the more than 250 businesses working with us,” stated Commissioner James Shelby, Department of Planning and Community Development.
The City of Atlanta is thought to be in the running for a NSP3 grant. An announcement is expected soon to identify which cities will receive NSP3 funding.
In 2009, the City of Atlanta received approximately $12 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and nearly $4 million from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for NSP. Using HUD guidelines, the City of Atlanta has targeted NSP funds to assist areas of greatest need, which include portions of zip codes: 30307, 30310, 30311, 30312, 30314, 30315, 30316, 30317, 30318, 30331 and 30354. These areas also are considered to have the highest percentage of sub-prime mortgage loans.
Interested homebuyers and renters are encouraged to visit www.atlantaga.gov and visit the Department of Planning & Community Development, then click the Office of Housing page. You can also call the Office of Housing at 404-330-6390 or send an email to OfficeofHousingNSP@AtlantaGa.Gov.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed Announces that Peter Aman Will Remain Chief Operating Officer until December 2011
Key accomplishments to date include addressing the City’s pension crisis, reducing emergency response times, eliminating fire-station brown-outs, improving critical service delivery and building multi-million reserves for the City
Mayor Kasim Reed formally announced today that Peter Aman, Chief Operating Officer for the City of Atlanta, will serve in that position for an additional year. Scheduled to leave at the end of this calendar year, Aman has decided to continue until December 31, 2011.
“Peter is a transformational leader who has helped me to significantly improve the quality of City services while also streamlining inefficiencies in municipal government,” said Mayor Kasim Reed.
“His knowledge and expertise in addressing the City’s most difficult challenges have been invaluable. I consider myself and the City of Atlanta extremely fortunate to have Peter Aman serve the City for an additional year.”
Aman was confirmed as COO by the Atlanta City Council in January. Since then, he has led the executive management of the municipal operating departments: Corrections, Procurement, Information Technology, Office of Enterprise Assets Management, Aviation, Fire, Police, Human Resources, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, Planning and Community Development, Public Works, Watershed Management, Office of Contract Compliance, Emergency Management Services and the external operating agencies.
“I enjoy working with Mayor Reed and the entire Cabinet; it’s been a great experience,” Aman said. “We have a unique opportunity to remake city government, and Mayor Reed’s trust and confidence in me allow me to implement changes that will benefit the City and its residents for years to come. I believe this Administration is in the middle of making positive changes and I am delighted to continue contributing.”
In collaboration with Mayor Reed and key City leaders, Aman’s accomplishments include:
· Dramatically improving fire response times in meeting the nationally recognized standard from 42 percent in January to 70 percent in May 2010;
· Increasing the number of garbage pickups completed on the scheduled day from 85.8% in January to 98.8% in July 2010;
· Implementing $7.4 million of projected savings in the first phase of reforms to the City’s pension plan. The City’s pension liability had risen 13 percent every year over the past ten years;
· Eliminating brown-outs at fire stations within first 100 days of the Reed administration;
· Working closely with Interim CFO Roosevelt Council to control hiring and spending, thereby reducing FY10 expenses by a total of $16M at year end;
· Leading Mayor’s staff that successfully worked with City Council to pass a budget which is both fiscally conservative (about $12 million in operating reductions, pension cost reductions, efficiency gains) and moved the city forward (included $3.7 million to re-open closed recreation centers and funding for 100 new police officer positions);
· Opening seven additional outdoor pools for the summer season and refurbishing all of the 15 City recreation centers that had been closed. The first six opened in August and the remainder will open before year end;
· Improving Code Compliance through a turnaround that included restructuring of code enforcement teams, additional staffing, compliance process redesign as well as city code changes to make response times and processes more efficient;
· Driving immediate management changes in multiple departments and at multiple levels and assisting the Mayor in the recruitment and selection of Commissioners and senior management talent; and
· Reaching out and directly engaging employees at multiple levels of the City, with a special focus on the critical work performed by the front-line employees (e.g., visits to crime scenes, fires, SWAT standoffs, rope rescue, fire stations, police zone offices, pothole repairs, HR, among others).
As a partner at Bain & Company, a global business consulting firm, Aman has helped to transform and turnaround dozens of large and complex multinational media and industrial companies. He also has held several leadership roles in Bain’s Atlanta office, including those in the areas of recruiting, staff allocation and professional development, facilities and information technology operation, risk management and professional standards.
Aman’s deep involvement in the City of Atlanta began in 2002 when he led a pro bono transformation effort by Bain & Company that lasted three years, providing $7 million of donated consulting services. The work by Aman and the Bain team revealed what was then a substantial gap in the city’s operating budget and designed a series of corrective actions, including the development of a comprehensive turnaround plan, a benchmarking of city costs and employment levels versus other comparable cities, the creation of an economic development plan, and a deeper understanding of tax and fee affordability of the city.
Aman has served on the boards of The Atlanta Committee for Progress, The Atlanta Police Foundation, The Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, and The Galloway School, among others.
Aman is a graduate of Duke University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy, with honors. He earned an MBA, with distinction, from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.
Mayor Kasim Reed formally announced today that Peter Aman, Chief Operating Officer for the City of Atlanta, will serve in that position for an additional year. Scheduled to leave at the end of this calendar year, Aman has decided to continue until December 31, 2011.
“Peter is a transformational leader who has helped me to significantly improve the quality of City services while also streamlining inefficiencies in municipal government,” said Mayor Kasim Reed.
“His knowledge and expertise in addressing the City’s most difficult challenges have been invaluable. I consider myself and the City of Atlanta extremely fortunate to have Peter Aman serve the City for an additional year.”
Aman was confirmed as COO by the Atlanta City Council in January. Since then, he has led the executive management of the municipal operating departments: Corrections, Procurement, Information Technology, Office of Enterprise Assets Management, Aviation, Fire, Police, Human Resources, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, Planning and Community Development, Public Works, Watershed Management, Office of Contract Compliance, Emergency Management Services and the external operating agencies.
“I enjoy working with Mayor Reed and the entire Cabinet; it’s been a great experience,” Aman said. “We have a unique opportunity to remake city government, and Mayor Reed’s trust and confidence in me allow me to implement changes that will benefit the City and its residents for years to come. I believe this Administration is in the middle of making positive changes and I am delighted to continue contributing.”
In collaboration with Mayor Reed and key City leaders, Aman’s accomplishments include:
· Dramatically improving fire response times in meeting the nationally recognized standard from 42 percent in January to 70 percent in May 2010;
· Increasing the number of garbage pickups completed on the scheduled day from 85.8% in January to 98.8% in July 2010;
· Implementing $7.4 million of projected savings in the first phase of reforms to the City’s pension plan. The City’s pension liability had risen 13 percent every year over the past ten years;
· Eliminating brown-outs at fire stations within first 100 days of the Reed administration;
· Working closely with Interim CFO Roosevelt Council to control hiring and spending, thereby reducing FY10 expenses by a total of $16M at year end;
· Leading Mayor’s staff that successfully worked with City Council to pass a budget which is both fiscally conservative (about $12 million in operating reductions, pension cost reductions, efficiency gains) and moved the city forward (included $3.7 million to re-open closed recreation centers and funding for 100 new police officer positions);
· Opening seven additional outdoor pools for the summer season and refurbishing all of the 15 City recreation centers that had been closed. The first six opened in August and the remainder will open before year end;
· Improving Code Compliance through a turnaround that included restructuring of code enforcement teams, additional staffing, compliance process redesign as well as city code changes to make response times and processes more efficient;
· Driving immediate management changes in multiple departments and at multiple levels and assisting the Mayor in the recruitment and selection of Commissioners and senior management talent; and
· Reaching out and directly engaging employees at multiple levels of the City, with a special focus on the critical work performed by the front-line employees (e.g., visits to crime scenes, fires, SWAT standoffs, rope rescue, fire stations, police zone offices, pothole repairs, HR, among others).
As a partner at Bain & Company, a global business consulting firm, Aman has helped to transform and turnaround dozens of large and complex multinational media and industrial companies. He also has held several leadership roles in Bain’s Atlanta office, including those in the areas of recruiting, staff allocation and professional development, facilities and information technology operation, risk management and professional standards.
Aman’s deep involvement in the City of Atlanta began in 2002 when he led a pro bono transformation effort by Bain & Company that lasted three years, providing $7 million of donated consulting services. The work by Aman and the Bain team revealed what was then a substantial gap in the city’s operating budget and designed a series of corrective actions, including the development of a comprehensive turnaround plan, a benchmarking of city costs and employment levels versus other comparable cities, the creation of an economic development plan, and a deeper understanding of tax and fee affordability of the city.
Aman has served on the boards of The Atlanta Committee for Progress, The Atlanta Police Foundation, The Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, and The Galloway School, among others.
Aman is a graduate of Duke University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy, with honors. He earned an MBA, with distinction, from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed Elected Chair of the Metro Atlanta Urban Area Security Initiative
Program develops and provides regional strategies to improve homeland security efforts in metro Atlanta
Mayor Kasim Reed recently was unanimously elected chair of the Metro Atlanta Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Senior Policy Group.
UASI was developed in 2003 as a result of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2002. The program was established to provide grants to assist high-risk urban areas in preventing, protecting, responding and recovering from acts of terrorism.
Since 2003, the Metro Atlanta UASI has been actively engaged in strategic planning efforts with local, state and federal partners to ensure effective communications within the region in the event of an incident. In 2006, the program also began to concentrate on more regional collaborative efforts in the areas of fire, police, medical and citizen preparedness.
“I am honored to have been appointed chair of the Metro Atlanta UASI Senior Policy Group,” Mayor Reed said. “I believe elected leaders have no greater responsibility than to ensure the safety of their constituents. I look forward to working with the Metro Atlanta UASI to make the City of Atlanta and the region as safe and secure as possible.”
As chair of the Senior Policy Group, Mayor Reed will work in collaboration with the Board of Commission Chairs of Cobb, Clayton, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties to develop regional strategies designed to improve homeland security efforts in and around the metro Atlanta area.
“The Program Administration Office would like to congratulate and welcome Mayor Kasim Reed as the Chair of the Metro Atlanta UASI Senior Policy Group/Urban Area Working Group (UAWG),” said Julia Janka, Program Director for the Metro Atlanta UASI. “The Program Administration Office looks forward to assisting Mayor Reed in growing the program through his leadership and guidance. We stand ready to provide program and operational support for the Metro Atlanta UASI region.”
The Metro Atlanta UASI is required to focus regionally on the following programs and objectives:
Regional Collaboration
National Incident Management System (NIMS) Compliance
National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP)
Interoperable Communications
Information Sharing and response among law enforcement agencies
Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear and High Explosives (CBRNE) capabilities
Evacuation Planning
Citizen Corps/Citizen Participation/Volunteerism
Regional Transportation and Transit Security
UASI is administered through the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP). The grant provides funding to high-risk areas based on risk and effectiveness to address planning, operations, equipment, training and exercise on a multi-disciplinary level.
Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin served as the first chair of the group and is succeeded by Mayor Kasim Reed. Chairman Charles Bannister of Gwinnett County served as Interim Chair for six months until elections were held in July.
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Mayor Kasim Reed recently was unanimously elected chair of the Metro Atlanta Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Senior Policy Group.
UASI was developed in 2003 as a result of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2002. The program was established to provide grants to assist high-risk urban areas in preventing, protecting, responding and recovering from acts of terrorism.
Since 2003, the Metro Atlanta UASI has been actively engaged in strategic planning efforts with local, state and federal partners to ensure effective communications within the region in the event of an incident. In 2006, the program also began to concentrate on more regional collaborative efforts in the areas of fire, police, medical and citizen preparedness.
“I am honored to have been appointed chair of the Metro Atlanta UASI Senior Policy Group,” Mayor Reed said. “I believe elected leaders have no greater responsibility than to ensure the safety of their constituents. I look forward to working with the Metro Atlanta UASI to make the City of Atlanta and the region as safe and secure as possible.”
As chair of the Senior Policy Group, Mayor Reed will work in collaboration with the Board of Commission Chairs of Cobb, Clayton, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties to develop regional strategies designed to improve homeland security efforts in and around the metro Atlanta area.
“The Program Administration Office would like to congratulate and welcome Mayor Kasim Reed as the Chair of the Metro Atlanta UASI Senior Policy Group/Urban Area Working Group (UAWG),” said Julia Janka, Program Director for the Metro Atlanta UASI. “The Program Administration Office looks forward to assisting Mayor Reed in growing the program through his leadership and guidance. We stand ready to provide program and operational support for the Metro Atlanta UASI region.”
The Metro Atlanta UASI is required to focus regionally on the following programs and objectives:
Regional Collaboration
National Incident Management System (NIMS) Compliance
National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP)
Interoperable Communications
Information Sharing and response among law enforcement agencies
Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear and High Explosives (CBRNE) capabilities
Evacuation Planning
Citizen Corps/Citizen Participation/Volunteerism
Regional Transportation and Transit Security
UASI is administered through the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP). The grant provides funding to high-risk areas based on risk and effectiveness to address planning, operations, equipment, training and exercise on a multi-disciplinary level.
Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin served as the first chair of the group and is succeeded by Mayor Kasim Reed. Chairman Charles Bannister of Gwinnett County served as Interim Chair for six months until elections were held in July.
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Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga
---
Also check out :
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
www.HorizonsLTD.com
www.SoftCoolers.com
www.ClothesLessTraveled.org
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