December 2017October/November 2019

East Point Selected to Pilot New City Agriculture Plan

*Read more of the VERGE Newsletter online at www.eastpointcity.org*@cityofeastpoint

(L to R) Will Sellers, Food Well Alliance Deputy Director; Allison Duncan, Atlanta Regional Commission Principal Planner; Mayor Deana Holiday

Ingraham; Kim Karris, Food Well Alliance Executive Director; Sarah Benedict, Operations Coordinator. Photo Courtesy of Food Welll Alliance

The City of East Point will be a game changer for urban

agriculture thanks to a new City Agriculture Plan through the

Food Well Alliance. East Point beat out six other cities to be

selected for the plan. The plan began with a community

engagement and asset mapping phase led by the Food Well

Alliance during the community kick-off session held on August

22 at the ArtsXchange. 

The asset mapping phase will be followed by a six-month

planning process undertaken with support from the Atlanta

Regional Commission. Once the plan is developed, Food Well

Alliance will guide the implementation of the plan and provide a

minimum of $75,000 in funding to help the community bring it to

life. 

Iconic Hip Hop Group Honored with Day in East Point

Funding for the City Agriculture Plan pilot has been made

possible by the Zeist Foundation and Food Well Alliance

founding benefactor, the James M. Cox Foundation. To

follow East Point's City Agriculture Plan journey

visit http://www.foodwellalliance.org/east-point

Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham speaks to the crowd at the Food Well Alliance's community kick-off session on August 22.

Photo to the left: Will Sellers, Food Well Alliance's Deputy Director, conducts the asset mapping phase at the community kick-off session on

August 22.

July 24, 2019 will forever be known as “Goodie Mob Day” in the City of East Point. In front of nearly 20,000 people, Mayor

Deana Holiday Ingraham and Council presented the iconic hip hop group with a proclamation and keys to the City for their

contributions to the music industry and the community at “Wednesday Wind Down In The Point.” Special guests included Sleepy

Brown and Rico Wade, founder of the Dungeon Family. Performances were also give by Dana Dane, Kilo Ali, Cherrelle and

Jukebox. 

City Council Meeting: Monday, Oct 7 @ New City Hall, 6:30 p.m. P&Z Commission Meeting: Thursday, Oct 17 @ New City Hall, 7:00 p.m. City Council Meeting: Monday, Oct 21 @ New City Hall, 6:30 p.m. City Council Meeting: Monday, Nov 4 @ New City Hall, 6:30 p.m. City Council  Meeting: Monday, Nov 18 @ New City Hall, 6:30 p.m.  P&Z Commission Meeting: Thursday, Nov 21 @ New City Hall, 7:00 p.m. City Offices Closed: Nov 28-29, 2019

City Council Meeting: Monday, Dec 2 @New City Hall, 6:30 p.m. City Council Meeting: Monday, Dec 16 @ New City Hall, 6:30 p.m. P&Z Commission Meeting: Thursday, Dec 19 @ New City Hall, 7:00 p.m. City Offices Closed: Dec 24-25, 2019 and Dec 31, 2019 (Closed Half Day) 

Tulsa Real Estate Fund Breaks Ground on The Legacy Center

On Aug 17, The Tulsa Real Estate Fund broke ground on The

Legacy Center. This is a 30,000 square foot class A office space

and warehouse development that sits on a 2.6 acre campus off R N

Martin Street. The Legacy Center will serve as an economic

empowerment center, office space and media house that will

transform and boost the economy in the city by providing

hundreds of jobs, educational classes and community resources.

This development will offer multiple leasing opportunities through

their shared work space memberships, executive suites for

production companies and small businesses, training rooms and

Meet the East Point Complete Count Committee for the 2020 Census

Important Dates

Comcast Channel 22

On August 20, POP Displays USA, a leader in the display industry, cut the ribbon to their new manufacturing

and distribution facility in East Point on North Commerce Drive in the Camp Creek Business Center. The

ceremony was led by Maceo Rogers, East Point’s Director of Economic Development, followed by remarks

from Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham, Councilwoman Stephanie Gordon, Councilman Joshua B. Butler, IV,

and Mike Bell, President & CEO of POP Displays USA. POP Displays officials gave a tour of the facility to

their guests following the ceremony.

The company relocated from Yonkers, New York to invest $7.9 Million in East Point. They are also creating

280 full-time positions and will hire 165 temporary positions at their new East Point facility. POP Displays

takes an innovative approach to the design and development of custom, permanent merchandising solutions in

mixed materials to help brands and retailers grow. They have a large array of clients including L’Oreal,

Maybelline, CVS, Walmart, Sally Beauty, Revlon, Physician’s Formula and more. 

Tulsa Real Estate Fund Founders Ernestine and Jay Morrison pictured at the groundbreaking of The Legacy Center with their

project managers Reclaimed Karama.

POP Displays USA Opens New Facility in East Point with 280 New Jobs

multiple sound stages. The Tulsa Real Estate Fund is a revolutionary

first of its kind SEC Regulation A Tier 2 crowd fund. It serves as afunding source for the urban community owned by the people. This is the first asset acquired by the Tulsa Real Estate Fund with the participation of over 9,400 partners. Photos

are courtesy of Ernestine Morrison. 

Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham cuts the ribbon to POP Displays USA with POP Displays officials, Councilwoman Stephanie Gordon, Councilman Joshua Butler, Maceo Rogers, Economic Development Director; and

Deron King, East Point's Deputy City Manager.

Councilman Joshua B. Butler, IV, speaking at The Legacy Center groundbreaking ceremony.

The City of East Point continues to form its Complete Count Committee (CCC) comprised of East Point residents,

business owners and faith-based leaders committed to serving as "trusted voices" for the 2020 Census. The CCC plans

and implements locally-based outreach campaigns that raise awareness of the census and ultimately increase self-

response and participation rates. The East Point CCC meets the 4th Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall

Council Chambers. April 1, 2020 is Census Day! The Census is every 10 years

and it determines funding in your community and fair

representation. It’s also confidential. You can complete the

census by phone, mail or online. For more information about

the census and jobs visit census.gov, 2020census.gov or

www.eastpointcity.org  #CountThePoint

YouTube: EPTV-22

The East Point Complete Count Committee led by Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham.

Stay Connected!

On Aug 15, East Point employees participated in the

Georgia Municipal Association's (GMA) City Hall

Selfie Day in front of our new City Hall! 

City Hall Selfie Day 2019

Far Top Left Photo: Rainy Frazer of Planning & Community Development Department

Top Middle Photo: East Point Employees in front of new City

Hall.

Far Top Right Photot: Melissa Echevarria, Richard Randolph, Reza Aral, Vanessa Georges and Eric Sluder of East Point's

Water & Sewer Department

Left Photo: City Manager's Office, P&Z Department, City Clerk's Office and Power

Department

Right Photo: Albert Trevino, Whitney Williams and Brenda White with East Point Planning &

Community Development Department

Construction of East Point PATH Model Mile Begins

Construction has finally begun on the East Point PATH Model Mile! The City of East

Point broke ground on this development in December of 2017. The East Point PATH

Model Mile will connect Sumner Park to Tri-Cities High School starting at Norman Berry

Drive at the intersection of Kimmeridge and Headland Drive and ending at Harris Park

and Tri-Cities High School at Jefferson Avenue. It will consist of bicycle and pedestrian

trails that could eventually span 25 miles and link into the Atlanta BeltLine’s southern

crescent. The goal is to have 10 miles of the multi-use trails completed within the next

five years. This project is funded by Fulton County T-SPLOST.

Crews begin construction on the East Point PATH Model Mile on Norman Berry Drive near Sumner Park.

On July 26, 31-City Managers from across the region and five Georgia Municipal Association (GMA)

Representatives attended GMA's Regional City Manager's Meeting held in East Point's City Hall Council

Chambers. The meeting was hosted by East Point's City Manager, Frederick Gardiner. The meeting also

included a tour of East Point's new City Hall. 

East Point Hosts GMA Regional City Manager's Meeting

Frederick Gardiner, East Point's City Manager, speaking to city managers and GMA representatives at GMA's Regional City Manager's Meeting.

Leadership Training Conducted for East Point

Police Department 

On July 30, Dr. Cedric Alexander led a training for the

East Point Police Department titled "Leadership

Training for the Public Sector in the 21st Century."

The training focused on recognizing implicit and

explicit biases.  

(L to R): Deron King, East Point's Deputy City Manager and Frederick Gardiner, East Point's City Manager.

Far Left Photo: Dr. Cedric Alexander

Top Right Photo: Dr. Alexander speaking to East Point Police Officers

Bottom Right Photo: Dr. Alexander speaking to Police Chief Tommy Gardner.

Local Fraternity Shows Support

for East Point First Responders

On July 30, The Phi Kappa Kappa Chapter of

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. hosted a First

Responders BBQ to show their appreciation

for the East Point Police Department and Fire

Department. The chapter wants to continue

building a relationship with the City of East

Point. The fraternity currently has a

partnership with Conley Hills Elementary

School in East Point to mentor young men. 

The Phi Kappa Kappa chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

The East Point Police Department enjoying their BBQ.

Judge Oliver Graces Cover of Gospel Talk Magazine

East Point's Municipal Court Chief Judge Rashida Oliver graces the cover

of Gospel Talk Magazine for its September issue. In the article, Judge

Oliver talks about how she found triumph through tragedy. To read more of

Judge Oliver's story visit https://view.publitas.com/gospel-talk-

magazine/september_2019/

Planning & Community Development Hosts Downtown Overlay Rewrite

Community Meeting

East Point residents made sure that their voices were heard during the Planning & Community

Development's Downtown Overlay Rewrite Community Meeting held on August 29. The

meeting was held in conjunction with Sidney Douse, Principal Planner with the Atlanta

Regional Commission. Residents gave their input on the needs, strengths and opportunities for

downtown development in East Point. They reviewed overlay/architectural guidelines, the

commercial redevelopment district and existing land use policies/recommendations. 

Judge Rashida Oliver gracing the cover of Gospel Talk Magazine.

East Point Police Officers Bridge Gap with

Community Through National Night Out

The East Point Police Department hosted their annual National Night

Out event which aims to encourage the community to get acquainted

with their local law enforcement officers. 300 youth received book

bags. There were games, food, a live DJ, child fingerprinting, face

painting and more! 

East Point Hosts First Indie Green Vegan Festival 

The East Point Main Street Association hosted the first Indie Green Vegan Festival

in Downtown East Point on September 14. Nearly 3,000 people were in attendance!

The festival included a Kids Zone, food demonstrations, speakers, performances,

local artisans and vendors. 

Photos Courtesy of Erin Rodgers.

East Point to Display City's First Mural in Downtown East Point

The City of East Point will soon have its first mural displayed in Downtown East Point. John W.

Christian is the artist who was selected to paint the mural to be displayed at The Flower Cottage

on Main. The funding for this mural was awarded to the City through the Go Georgia Arts Mural

Grant in November of 2017. East Point City Council accepted the award on January 2, 2018. A

rendering of the mural displays historical aspects of the City such as Old City Hall and the train

combined with our New City Hall, MARTA, the Dick Lane Velodrome and Downtown East

Point. The train will stand as a 3D fixture for people to take pictures with. East Point Power will

also install light fixtures around the mural. This mural is one of several types of art to be

showcased in the City through East Point’s Public Art Masterplan which was approved and

adopted by East Point’s City Council on June 17, 2019.

A second mural will be displayed in Downtown East Point at StationSoccer-East Point. 

Top Photo: A rendering of the mural to be displayed at The Flower Cottage on

Main.

Bottom Photo: Artist John W. Christian begins to paint the mural.

Parks & Rec's Little Kickbacks Kid Day Party Our East Point youth had a blast at the East Point Parks & Rec

Little Kickbacks Kid Day Party on September 21st at the

Jefferson Park Rec Center. 

On August 10, the City of East Point celebrated its 132nd birthday!

The City hosted a historic celebration with residents in front of City

Hall. The City joined the National League of Cities "Love My City

Summer of Love" initiative to encourage residents to display their

love for East Point through art and photos. Attendees brought their

picnic baskets, blankets and enjoyed musical performances from

East Point residents. The City of East Point was chartered in 1887. 

Top Photo: 132nd Birthday Cupcakes

Bottom Photo (L to R): Councilwoman Sharon Shropshire, Councilman Myron Cook,

Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham, Councilman Thomas Calloway, Councilwoman

Stephanie Gordon and Councilwoman Karen Rene.

Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham speaking to residents at her community conversations forum.

Community Conversations with Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham

On July 29, Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham

hosted her community conversations forum

with residents to discuss safety, infrastructure

and utilities. Her goal is to hear from

residents and to share information that

empowers residents to be informed and

engaged. The next Community

Conversations with Mayor Ingraham is

October 23, 2019 at 5:30 p.m.

East Point Celebrates 132nd Birthday

East Point Supports Hurricane Dorian Relief Efforts

Community Gathers for Joint Learning Committee Meeting

The Joint Learning Committee Meeting was led by Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham on September 19. School leaders and business leaders in East Point along with City staff were

invited to discuss how they can work together to extend learning, implement workforce development, increase youth engagement and parent engagement in our community. 

On September 21, the City of East Point hosted a Day of Giving event to support Hurricane Dorian

Relief Efforts for residents in the Bahamas. Residents donated cleaning supplies, non-perishable

groceries, home essentials, safety and hygiene supplies. All donations were sent to the Bahamas

Consulate General based in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Top Left Photo: Geno with Parks & Rec helps City Manager Frederick Gardiner with loading donations into the UHAUL.

Top Right Photo: Councilwoman Nanette Saucier helps residents unload donations out of their car.

Bottom Left Photo: City Manager Frederick Gardiner assisting a resident with her donations.

Bottom Right Photo: Councilman Myron Cook dropping off his donations.

The Cultural Enrichment Commission hosted the City's first Culture

Fest In The Point Community Fair at the ArtsXchange on Sept 21 to

celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. The event included live

performances by students from Parklane Elementary School and KIPP

South Fulton Academy. There were also vendors and food.

A display representing National Hispanic Heritage Month at the

Culture Fest In The Point Community Fair.

Geo-Point Launches new URL Culture Fest In The Point Community Fair 

East Point employees got a chance to meet members of East Point's Safety Committee

during their Meet and Greet event on September 25. The committee is made up of

representatives from each department including Solid Waste, Parks & Rec, Public Works,

Power and Water & Sewer. The goal of this committee is to cut down on the number of

injury related claims that the City receives. They will focus on making sure that employees

are wearing the proper safety gear and following the appropriate safety procedures set by

their departments. 

Employees Form East Point Safety Committee

A meal prepped by students from Atlanta Technical College.

Proud parents and community members watching students perform at the Culture Fest.

Students from Parklane Elementary School performing a

song.

Students from Parklane Elementary School performing a

dance.

Students from KIPP South Fulton Academy performing a dance.

The East Point Safety Committee