Earlier this month, the Forest Park City Council approved a 90-day moratorium to halt all applications for data center construction projects within city limits. The temporary pause gives city officials and staff the opportunity to review and update existing zoning ordinances, while also learning about potential impacts from future development.

The city recognizes the importance of ensuring that large-scale development is reviewed in coordination with the appropriate regional planning authority, including the Atlanta Regional Commission. Updates to the city's zoning ordinances would include definitions regarding regulations, where data centers can be located, buffers to prevent any close proximity to residential areas, clear definitions on the types of data centers and provisions to hold companies accountable if they decide to move on later.

Dozens of residents and guests from throughout Clayton County joined city officials and representatives from NASA Lifelines for a special ceremony to unveil an exciting new community art mural project located in the heart of downtown. Spearheaded by Councilmember Delores Gunn (Ward 2) and commissioned through NASA Lifelines, the beautiful public art piece can be found at 833 Forest Pkwy. and is publicly displayed outdoors on the former Eckerd/Rite Aid building, which is slated to become The Grapevine, a state-of-the-art food incubator featuring restaurant space, a coffee shop, event stage and flexible offices.

Painted by former Forest Park resident and artist Richard Martin, the project aims to help bring awareness about the importance of Earth sciences, while also creating a public space that encourages innovation and community spirit. To learn more about NASA Lifelines, visit www.nasalifelines.org. For additional information about the City of Forest Park, including available commercial and redevelopment opportunities, visit www.forestparkga.gov/building or call (404) 366-4720.

The Forest Park Fire and Emergency Services Department, in collaboration with the Forest Park Police Department, hosted its annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the Gillem Public Safety Building. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks, a day that forever changed our nation and touched countless lives. May we never forget the victims, heroes, first responders and families who were impacted by the tragic events of that unforgettable day.

Forest Park City Manager Carl Geffken was invited to the 11Alive (WXIA-TV) station headquarters in downtown Atlanta, where he discussed a wide range of topics impacting the City of Forest Park, including the importance of economic development, housing and city hall operations. During the one-on-one media interview, Geffken also shared his vision for the future of Forest Park, highlighting the city’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its economy and positive momentum taking place throughout the community.

Located roughly 10 miles south of downtown Atlanta, the City of Forest Park is home to a population of nearly 20,000 residents in Clayton County, Georgia, as well as many flourishing small, medium and large businesses. The city was incorporated in 1908 and is approximately five miles from the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, with easy access to I-75, I-285 and I-675. For more information, visit www.forestparkga.gov.