WEST END ATLANTA

I was reading post done in Westview's chat room.

Apparently, the city has plans (if funds are available) to build station #11. Why is this needed when they are closing 7. This just adds to my believe that the closing of 7 was done so that someone can get the land.

I know it cost more to build a station that to keep the old station open.

groups.google.com/group/save_7_coalition . This is a google group that was started. I have not check it out yet.

I would like everyone to know the westview is arm in arm with us on this fight.

If you weren't able to make the council meeting yesterday, you can see video of it here:

apps.atlantaga.gov/citycouncil/video.htm

#3 is the speeches from citizens.

Bravo, everyone - great points made by many. I regret that I couldn't make it to the meeting yesterday, but it's so hard to wrestle a 2-year-old at naptime and I'm not sure it would've helped any to have him screaming in the background.
I'm so proud of our community.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Council Communications
City Hall
55 Trinity Ave. SW
Atlanta, Ga 30303

Contact: Dexter Chambers, City Council Communications Director: 404-330-6309/404-392-0159
Thermice J. Bevelle, City Council Communications Specialist: 404-330-6823
Bruce Morton, City Council Communications Specialist: 404-330-6357

Date: September 17, 2008

The West End Merchant’s Association, Capitol City Bank and 4th District Councilmember Cleta Winslow sponsor concert to benefit the renovations at
Fire Station #7 on Saturday, October 4

ATLANTA – The West End Merchant’s Association, Capitol City Bank and 4th District Councilmember Cleta Winslow are sponsoring a concert to benefit the renovations at Fire Station #7 on Saturday, October 4, 2008 at 7:00 pm. at the Wren’s Nest Outdoor Concert Pavilion at 1050 Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard, S.W.

The featured entertainer will be trumpet player “Milkshake”, a popular local jazz musician. The rain date is Sunday, October 5, 2008, also at 7:00 pm.

The station, located at 535 Whitehall Street in the West End, was closed earlier this summer by Mayor Shirley Franklin, who cited the City’s budget deficit as the reason. However, the merchant’s association made a commitment to the Mayor in 2007 to raise funds for Fire Station #7’s restoration.

“In spite of its current status, the business and community organizations have decided to honor their pledge because of the tremendous growth in the West End area,” said Councilmember Cleta Winslow. “There are 200 condos at Skyloft next to the West End Mall, 954 new housing units Mechanicsville, three new senior citizen complexes with an additional 100 units for seniors planned in the Adair Park neighborhood, and 1,076 housing units at Collegetown on Lowery Boulevard, SW in the West End. In all, more than 2,000 new housing units within three to six blocks of Fire Station #7 are currently under construction. The business and residential groups in and around Fire Station #7 believe that we should honor our pledge by partnering with the City and help raise funds to renovate the station”, said Councilmember Winslow.

Frank Simmons, President of the West End Business Association, and Commercial Loan Officer of Capitol City Bank, pointed out that, “Morehouse College is planning to build a $23 million Performing Arts Center and The Atlanta University Center has purchased about 10 acres of land. AUC’s boundaries have now expanded to Lee Street. Capitol City Bank which is headquarted in West End has future expansion plans for its property. Other developers who already own land in the West End are looking to expand their footprint with more housing units and improved retail.

The benefit concert will be the first of several events sponsored by various community and business groups in the upcoming year to provide funding for the renovation. Money raised during these events will go to the Atlanta Fire Foundation, which is a tax deductible 501(c) 3 non-profit charitable organization under the City of Atlanta’s Fire Rescue Unit.

Concert tickets are $25 each and tables of 10 are available for $250. For more information, call Councilmember Winslow’s office at (404) 330-6047.

Save 7 Coalition Honors and Thanks Our Elected Representatives

Thursday, October 9
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
BBQ & Celebration
Fire Station 7, 535 Whitehall Street
Atlanta, Georgia 30310

On July 11, 2008 Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin announced she was closing historic Fire Station #7 in the West End, highlighting the inequitable distribution of services in the historic communities of Atlanta's South and West sides. Because closing the station would have a tremendous impact on public safety in both the Historic West End and Atlanta University Center communities, the Save #7 Coalition was created to organize efforts to reopen the fire station. Our resident City Council Representatives, Cleta Winslow (District 4) and Ceasar Mitchell (Post 1 At-Large), immediately joined the Save #7 Coalition and have worked tirelessly to undo the mayor's closing of Fire Station #7. At-Large Council Representative Mary Norwood also joined our Coalition, along with State Senator Vincent Fort, State Representative-Elect Rashad Taylor, and our Atlanta Public Schools Representative Khaatim El.

We appreciate the support and community engagement of these elected officials. And we are grateful to other members of City Council who steadfastly voted in favor of the legislative strategy to protect our families and our property by providing funding for adequate fire safety services - - equivalent to services offered in every other part of the City.

Please join us in celebrating the legislative accomplishments of our City Council on behalf of our Fire Station and our community. Even though these efforts have been thwarted by Mayor Franklin's refusal to obey the ordinance funding the fire station, it is clear that our City Council, and especially those elected representatives who have joined our Coalition, understand that public safety must be their first priority in responding to the many needs of the City.

The work is unfinished. But on October 9 we will recognize what already has been done.

Great job guys!

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/myfox/MyFox/pages/sidebar_video.jsp?contentId=7579951&version=1&locale=EN-US

Thursday, October 9

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Fire Station 7

535 Whitehall Street

Atlanta, Georgia 30310



On July 11, 2008 Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin announced she was closing historic Fire Station #7 in the West End, highlighting the inequitable distribution of services in Atlanta's Southwest communities. The Save #7 Coalition was created to organize efforts to reopen the fire station.

City Council Representatives Cleta Winslow (District 4) and Ceasar Mitchell (Post 1 At-Large) joined the Save #7 Coalition and have worked tirelessly to undo the mayor's closing of Fire Station #7. At-Large Council Representative Mary Norwood also joined the Coalition, along with State Senator Vincent Fort, State Representative-Elect Rashad Taylor, and Atlanta Public Schools Representative Khaatim El.

These elected officials, and other members of City Council, understand that public safety must be a high priority. City Council has steadfastly voted in favor of a legislative strategy to protect our families and our property by providing funding for adequate fire safety services - - equivalent to services offered in every other part of the City.

Please join us in celebrating the legislative accomplishments of our City Council on Thursday, October 9 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. We will enjoy music provided by The Elliot Holden Group, and food and beverages provided by Lotus Catering & Bakery and The Grounds Coffeehouse.

Support also provided by Georgia Stand-Up. See georgiastandup.org/

See www.elliotholden.com

See www.lotuscaters.com

See www.thegrounds-coffeehouse.com/