Archive for March, 2010

Although C-Tran service will end Wednesday, March 31,  as scheduled, thanks to the passage of House Bill 1393 riders have hope that it will eventually be restored. However, Clayton county voters now get to decide whether or not to approve an extra penny sales tax in order to fund C-Tran service in the future. Commissioner Sonna Singleton commented on 11 Alive News that 5,000 C-Tran riders will be affected, although 270,000 Clayton residents help pay for the service.

Despite the FTA’s refusal to fund new Xpress routes aimed at C-Tran riders, there are still commuter options available as several areas of Atlanta such as downtown, midtown and Buckhead have transporation management associations eager to help riders find clean commuting options to work and school.

I have read on this blog and elsewhere that some rode C-Tran in order to save gas and avoid vehicle wear and tear. For those who have access to a car and can partner with other riders, carpooling is an option. Sign up …

Continue reading More options for C-Tran Riders »

This evening, Superintendent Edmond Heatley will present his proposed budget cuts to our Board of Education (agenda) amidst statewide education cuts so far totalling $1 billion.

According to the AJC, some suggested cuts include but are not limited to: 386 lost jobs including 187 kindergarten paraprofessionals, shortening the school year by five days, and part-time employees losing benefits. Although it was reportedly unknown how this will affect class size, odds are already overcrowded classrooms will see an increase. Very few administrative positions are expected to be eliminated and/or affected. While these cuts were initially predicted to save $85 million by the end of the 2011-2012 school year, Heatley now expects to end the fiscal year $62.6 million over budget. (At last night’s meeting, Heatley’s predicted the loss would be over $119 million)

Some good news is that unlike other counties, no schools are expected to close, and the remaining staff will not have to endure …

Continue reading BOE to discuss proposed budget cuts tonight »

Southern Regional Medical Center is looking to complement its cardiac rehabilitation program and accredited chest pain center (the only one with angioplasty in the south metro area) by creating an open-heart surgery program.  But community support is crucial in order for SRMC to gain approval.

An application was recently filed with the Department of Community Health (DCH) for an open-heart certificate of need, which would allow surgeons to perform open-heart procedures at SRMC.

“There are no open heart surgery programs located south of I-20. The closest providers are Emory Midtown, Grady, and Atlanta Medical Center, which are located approximately 15 miles away,” says SRMC Public Relations Liaison Kari Hilyer. “The segments along I-75 and the downtown connector to reach these facilities are some of the most heavily congested in the entire metro Atlanta region. As a result, transports to these facilities may take an hour or longer. We anticipate that having an open heart …

Continue reading Help bring open-heart surgery to Southern Regional »

Morrow residents have a difficult decision to make come March 16, as all three candidates vying to fill the unexpired term of former City Councilman Charles Sorrow have served the city well.

“My decision to run is born from my commitment to the City of Morrow, and from my desire to bring fresh ideas to the table, facilitate a strong quality of life for my neighbors and make an impact on the city’s continued development,” says 15-year resident Jeanell Bridges. Along with working at the Tourist Center, she’s worked for the Morrow Downtown Development Authority as a Property Manager and Annexation Clerk, serves on the Urban Redevelopment Board, attends council meetings and volunteers regularly citywide in various capacities. “I trust that my commitment to Morrow is evident through my citizenship, my constant support of the city and ways through which I serve,” adds Bridges. “I’m totally committed to the city and to her citizens.” Contact:

Continue reading Who will be Morrow’s next City Council person? »

Here is an easy opportunity to help clean up Clayton county.  Our Graffiti Task Force ran out of paint, and they hope residents can assist by donating supplies.

“We have been addressing graffiti for years on a catch-as-catch-can basis,” says Clayton Prison Warden Frank Smith. “When we find it, we consult with Code Enforcement (who is also on the task force) and repaint as soon as we legally can, [giving property owners] the mandated time by statute to repaint themselves.”

Inspectors look for graffiti daily, and there are currently two, 10-man (state prisoner) details painting. Repainted properties are located on Tara Boulevard, Valley Hill Road, Grant Road, Mt. Zion Road and a Park ‘n’ Ride, among others. Certain sites are repainted constantly.

With the exception of five gallons donated by Lovejoy’s Home Depot, all paint used came from county sources. “We’d like to see paint stores and businesses like Home Depot and Lowe’s be more generous, especially with their …

Continue reading One gallon of paint can help! »