**Updates From Forest Park City Hall / The Leaf Report Monthly Newsletter {May 2023}**

From left to right: Councilwoman Kimberly James, Ward 1; Councilman Dabouze Antoine, Ward 2;

City of Forest Park Mayor Angelyne Butler, MPA; Councilman Hector Gutierrez, Ward 3;

Councilwoman Latresa Akins-Wells, Ward 4; and Councilman Allan Mears, Ward 5.

City Set To Unveil New Gillem Public Safety Building

The City of Forest Park will host a grand opening / ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Gillem Public Safety Building, located at 2090 Anvil Block Road (within the Gillem Logistics Center). At more than 15,000 square feet, the mixed-use building includes a fire station with three apparatus bays, a mini police precinct and a state-of-the-art conference room for public safety personnel.

Who: City of Forest Park, Forest Park Fire and Emergency Services, Forest Park Police Department and community stakeholders

What: Gillem Public Safety Building Grand Opening / Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

When: Friday, May 12, at 9:30 a.m.

Where: 2090 Anvil Block Road (within the Gillem Logistics Center)

Group tours of the facility will be available to guests and members of the press immediately following the ceremony. To RSVP for the event, call (470) 817-6381 or email jlloyd@forestparkga.gov.

City Welcomes New Police Chief Brandon Criss

The City of Forest Park is proud to welcome Police Chief Brandon Criss. With more than 20 years of law enforcement experience, Criss previously served as assistant deputy chief with the Clayton County Sheriff's Office and lieutenant with the Riverdale Police Department. He recently sat down with FOX5 News to discuss his plans for tackling crime, improving community outreach and recruiting top-tier talent. Click here to watch the media full interview.

American Red Cross, Volunteers Install Free Smoke Alarms For Residents

Representatives from the American Red Cross of Georgia, Forest Park Fire and Emergency Services Department and dozens of local volunteers recently teamed up to install dozens of free smoke alarms for city residents living along or near Hendrix Drive. Prior to the installations, a training was held at First Baptist Church Forest Park for all event volunteers. Topics highlighted during the training included fire safety resources, creating an escape plan and emergency preparedness. Thank you to all those who came in support of a great cause!

Reminder: Temporary Road Closure In Effect For Park Avenue

A temporary road closure remains in effect for Park Avenue (between Forest Parkway and Georgia Avenue) until July 28, weather permitting. The temporary closure, which is implemented Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., is for both the north and southbound lanes on Park Avenue.

During this time, officials will be conducting work inside the Forest Park Recreation Center and moving heavy equipment near the east side of the building where Forest Parkway and Park Avenue intersect. Detour signs will be installed around the immediate area prior to the duration of the roadway closure to assist with traffic flow. For questions or additional information, contact Marquessa Moore at (404) 201-1126.

Georgia's Open Burning Ban In Effect May 1 Through Sept. 30

Forest Park Fire and Emergency Services and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division are encouraging residents to adhere to the state's Open Burning Ban, which runs from May 1 through Sept. 30. The ban goes into effect for 54 Georgia counties, including Clayton County.

During the summer months, the ozone in the air individuals breathe can reach unhealthy levels. The Open Burning Ban prohibits citizens and businesses from burning yard and land-clearing debris through the summer ozone season. More information is available at www.epd.georgia.gov.

Councilwoman James Next Ward 1 Meeting Scheduled For May 18

New Recruits Join Forest Park Police Department

Teamwork makes the dream work! Join the City of Forest Park as we give a big welcome to our newest police recruits: M. Elhadi, V. Julceus, C. Kimbell-Green, J. Peterson and A. Reed.

Join Our Team: Featured Job Openings

Looking for your next career move? The City of Forest Park has several job openings available. Below are a few of our featured employment opportunities (click the job titles to learn more).

View All Current City Job Postings

Mark Your Calendars: Upcoming Community Events

CLICK THE FLYER ABOVE TO RSVP

About the City of Forest Park

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 Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, with easy access to I-75, I-285 and I-675. For more information, visit www.forestparkga.gov.

Media Contact:

Javon Anthony Lloyd

Public Information Officer

(470) 817-6381

jlloyd@forestparkga.gov

JOIN THE CONVERSATION & FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!