SEPTEMBER 2018 EDITION
Your inside look at news in the City of South Fulton ...
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Message from the City Manager
Mayor & City Council
Election 2018
Planning & Zoning Moratorium
City News
Your City at Work
Council Meetings & Upcoming Events
Closure Notice
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Message from the City Manager
Greetings South Fulton,
September has seen quite a few happenings in the City including the swearing in of new police officers and finalizing the FY19 budget. The City of South Fulton continues to remain focused on key issues that affect our quality of life leveraging Mayor and Council’s five key priorities (1. Improve Parks and Recreation 2. Improve Public Safety 3. Economic Development 4. Updating Comprehensive & Land Use Plans 5. Create Branding & Messaging).
I remain encouraged by accelerated efforts to ensure our residents receive world class customer service and access to resources that support a safe, inclusive, innovative, and economically vibrant city. Please accept this offering as a monthly look into our progress towards supporting these five priority areas.
#OnwardSouthFulton
Please
Click Here
to view the City Manager's Report.
In Service,
Odie Donald II
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Mayor William "Bill" Edwards
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Councilwoman
Catherine Rowell
District 1
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Councilwoman
Carmalitha Gumbs
District
2
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Councilwoman
Helen
Willis
District 3
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Councilwoman
Naeema
Gilyard
District
4
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Councilwoman
Rosie
Jackson
District 5
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Councilman
Khalid
Kamau
District 6
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Mayor Pro Tem
Mark
Baker
District 7
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Click the map below to access a larger version of the city-wide map!
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Early Voting Begins on October 15, 2018
Election Day is November 6, 2018
Voter Registration deadline for Election Day is October 9, 2018
Click Here
to find your Polling Place or Voting Location.
Click Here
to register to vote online before October 9, 2018.
Your Vote Matters!
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PLANNING & ZONING MORATORIUM
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The City of South Fulton wishes to be inclusive and innovative while furthering it’s commitment to its constituents, residents and business owners. As part of that commitment, our City Mayor and Council wishes to take the necessary time to review and update Fulton County’s Zoning Ordinance that was adopted at our incorporation last year. That document was written in 1955, with limited updates and amendments.
On Tuesday September 18, 2018, our Mayor and Council instituted a 90-day moratorium for Districts 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This moratorium includes Rezoning Applications, Use Permits, Modifications and Variances within said districts. The City has hired a firm to assist the Planning Department in updating the Zoning Ordinance and adopting it as our own. This moratorium is one example of our efforts to provide exceptionally thorough services to all City stakeholders.
The Planning Department is available to accept zoning applications in Districts 1 and 7. The Zoning Application process is scheduled to convene for Districts 2-6 on December 18, 2018.
Please feel free to call the Planning and Zoning Division as they can still assist you with your developmental needs.
We appreciate your business and look forward to continuing to serve you.
City of South Fulton Planning and Zoning Division
Phone: 470-809-7200
Email: planning@cityofsouthfultonga.gov
5440 Fulton Industrial Blvd SW
Atlanta, GA 30336
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Mayor William "Bill" Edwards Attends STEM Banner Presentation to Evoline C. West Elementary School
On Tuesday, September 25, 2018, Mayor William “Bill” Edwards attended the STEM banner presentation to one of South Fulton’s amazing elementary schools.
State School Superintendent Richard Woods presented Evoline C. West Elementary School with its STEM Banner on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 and officially welcomed the school into the state’s cluster of certified STEM schools.
“I am so very proud to have witnessed such a momentous occasion as Evoline C. West Elementary School became the first school in the City South Fulton to achieve the State STEM School certification,” stated Mayor William “Bill” Edwards. “The school has worked hard for this prestigious designation and this is a wonderful achievement for not only the students, faculty and staff, but the parents and community as well.”
Evoline C. West Elementary is the first school in South Fulton and the fourth in the district to become state-certified in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
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Mayor William “Bill” Edwards Chosen for
Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) Board Election Caucus
City of South Fulton Mayor William “Bill” Edwards was elected with a unanimous vote to serve as the District 8 representative to The ATL - Atlanta-region Transit Link Authority.
Mayor Edwards was nominated and ran uncontested during the District 8 Mayoral Caucus meeting held at Miller Zell located in the City of South Fulton. District 8 includes parts of Cobb, Fulton and Douglas Counties. These districts intentionally cross county boundaries.
“I am proud to be the representative for District 8. I believe in regional collaboration. Having served on the Fulton County Board of Commissioners for 14 years, I understand and have had to deal with transit opportunities, and I look forward to working with other Mayors in District 8 to discuss not only resources but equity for the region.”
Mayor Edwards will serve on the election caucus board for the new ATL which is comprised of multiple elected officials throughout 10 different transit districts.
This group is responsible for selecting a representative to serve on the ATL’s Board of Directors.
The ATL was birthed after the passing of HB930 in the General Assembly on March 29, 2018 and after the Governor signed the legislation into law on May 3, 2018. This move created the new regional governance and funding structure called ATL.
The ATL is a unifying entity that ensures coordinated planning and funding of transit across Metro Atlanta and oversees all transit activity to increase transparency around regional transit planning funding and operations.
For additional information about the ATL, please
Click Here
.
To view the Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC) article, please
Click Here
.
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City of South Fulton to Celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day
On Tuesday, July 24
th
, 2018 the City of South Fulton’s Mayor and City Council passed a resolution to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day as an alternative to Columbus Day on the second Monday in October.
The Indigenous Peoples’ Day resolution, drafted by Mayor Pro-Tem Mark Baker, recognizes Native Americans, who were the first inhabitants of the land that later became the United States of America.
“The City desires to safeguard and promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of all citizens through the adoption of this Resolution,” stated Mayor Pro-Tem Mark Baker. “The City is one of over 55 cities in the United States to take this action and among the first in the State of Georgia.”
The City encourages all community members to celebrate the thriving cultures and values of the Indigenous Peoples of our region and to continue efforts to promote the well-being and growth of the City of South Fulton’s indigenous community.
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City of South Fulton District 6 Councilman khalid Nominated for 8
th
Annual RICE Award
On Saturday, September 29, 2018, District 6 Councilman khalid was recognized as a nominee for the 8
th
Rising in Community Excellence (RICE) Awards as Civil Servant of the Year.
The RICE Awards celebrates individuals who work to improve lives throughout greater Atlanta, the State of
Georgia and beyond. Awardees are individuals who demonstrate awareness of community needs, work to meet those needs and have created organizations that serve the metro Atlanta area.
"I am honored to be included in this August array of elected activists & community leaders," stated Councilman khalid.
Each category, including Civil Servant of the Year, is focused on community leaders who have used their leadership positions to develop or implement programs that have positively impacted Atlanta and Georgia-based communities. Nominees are selected by a panel of industry professionals, other community leaders and citizens.
Councilman khalid is a lifelong community activist with a career in nonprofit management and experience in blue-collar jobs. He uses his unique blend of professionalism, compassion & working-class struggle to ensure the new City of South Fulton, Georgia builds a table big enough for everyone to have a seat at i
t.
As an activist with the vision to pursue progressive policies, Councilman khalid enrolled and graduated from Fulton County Citizens University, while being an active member of Atlanta Neighborhood Planning Units (NPUs) V (Mechanichsville), P (Camp Creek), and L (Vine City). As a member of these NPUs, he organized a neighborhood watch program and participated in Economic Development negotiations around the new Mercedes-Benz arena. He also helped organize the Atlanta Chapter of Black Lives Matter and served as a Field Organizer for the Georgia House Democratic Caucus. In 2016, he was elected as an At-Large Delegate to the Democratic National Convention.
The RICE Awards Presentation was held at the Atlanta City Hall in Downtown Atlanta.
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City of South Fulton Leaders Recognized in Who’s Who in Black Atlanta
18
th
Edition
On Friday, September 21, 2018 District 1 Councilwoman Dr. Catherine Foster Rowell, District 2 Councilwoman Carmalitha Gumbs and City Manager Odie Donald II were awarded during the Who’s Who in Black Atlanta 18th Edition Unveiling Ceremony.
District 1 Councilwoman Dr. Catherine Foster Rowell is currently employed with Fulton County Schools, has worked in the nonprofit sector and served as Executive Director of Operation PEACE; Senior Government Grants Manager for Families First; and Senior Program Director with Enterprise Community Partners. Additionally, she has held leadership roles in a number of public-sector consulting firms to include Beacon Analytics, the Bronner Group and MAXIMUS consulting firm.
District 2 Councilwoman Carmalitha Gumbs, a marketing and communications executive, has career highlights that include working for organizations including Humana, Inc. The Collaborative Firm, DeKalb County Local Government, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and JenCare Senior Medical Centers. Over the course of her career, she has advocated for at-risk youth, families and seniors as a social worker and fought to stimulate economic development within her community.
“While I am honored to be recognized, I am more excited that the people at Who’s Who in Black Atlanta recognize the positive impact that the City of South Fulton has on the Atlanta Metropolitan region and the positive direction that we are going in as a new City,” stated City Manager Odie Donald II. Mr. Donald also received this award in 2016 as the State Director for the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
The ceremony and reception were held at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis in Downtown Atlanta.
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City of South Fulton Joins in the Fight Against Human Trafficking
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During the City Council meeting on Tuesday, September 11, 2018, the City of South Fulton accepted the challenge issued by Fulton County Chairman Rob Pitts and the Fulton County Board of Commissioners to join in the fight against Human Trafficking.
With a unanimous vote, Mayor and City Council adopted Ordinance 2018-034. The ordinance, sponsored by District 3 Councilwoman Helen Willis, requires businesses to “Hang the Sign,” which includes information about Human Trafficking.
Human sex trafficking, a crime considered to be a form of modern-day slavery, has become one of the leading crimes in the Metropolitan Atlanta Area and the State of Georgia. Additionally, the Federal Bureau of Investigation named Atlanta as one of 14 cities with the highest rate of children prostitution. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, 7,200 men purchase sex with girls each month in the State of Georgia.
“With the City of South Fulton being the largest of the 8 cities in the South Fulton region and having all major interstates in its proximity, I thought it was important to be in the forefront of this significant issue plaguing Metro Atlanta,” stated District 3 Councilwoman Helen Willis. “The City of South Fulton is less than 12 miles from the busiest airport in the nation and we have Old National Highway, Roosevelt Highway, parts of Fulton Industrial, and Oakley Industrial; all those areas are vulnerable to Human Trafficking. We are asking the community and businesses to work together with our Police Department to combat this issue and assist anyone they suspect of being a victim by encouraging them to seek help via the Georgia Hotline.”
The sign includes contact information from the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline (1-888-373-7888). Additionally, it lists the phone number for the Georgia Hotline for Domestic Minor Trafficking (1-844-842-3678).
Click Here
or click the image below
to view the Hang the Sign campaign video.
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The City of South Fulton’s Judicial Leaders Recognized as the Year’s Most Powerful and Influential Women in Law
Municipal Court Judge Tiffany Carter Sellers, Solicitor LaDawn Blackett Jones and Public Defender Viveca Powell were presented the 2018 “Most Powerful and Influential Women in Law Award” from Women Works Media Group.
The ladies were nominated by Mayor William “Bill” Edwards and recognized on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Atlanta. Sellers, Jones and Powell were recognized for establishing the City’s Municipal Court and for their contributions to the field of law and to the community they serve. The awards ceremony is held annually and is the Women Works Media Group’s signature event.
“There is a small percentage of African-American women in the field of law and these women, often go unrecognized for their contributions. The women honored this year are powerhouses in their respective areas of law and possess the highest caliber of integrity and courage. It was our honor to recognize them for their outstanding accomplishments,” said Rebecca Franklin President and CEO Women Works Media Group.
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Economic Development Growth Continues in the City of South Fulton
During the City Council meeting on Monday, September 24, 2018, Mayor and City Council unanimously approved the request to rezone a property from a Mixed-Use District (MIX) with conditions to a Community Based District that will allow for the development of two major hotels in the City of South Fulton. This approval comes with conditions recommended by staff.
ADC Development Group, the developer, plans to sub-divide a 59,040 sq. ft by 56,000 sq. ft parcel on Senoia Road along Ella Lane and build a Home2 Suites by Hilton and a Townplace Suite by Marriott. The hotels will bring jobs, and quality lodging options to residents and visitors in the area. Also approved, was a change in the area’s Future Land Use designation from Suburban II Neighborhood to a Community Live-Work District.
“The City of South Fulton is advancing and moving things forward,” stated Mayor William Bill Edwards. “This is a prime area for hotels and future development. The site sits along Highway 85, allowing us to receive visitors from more southern states including Alabama and Mississippi.”
During a public meeting held on August 3, 2018, ADC Development Group informed participants of their belief that the construction of these two major hotels would increase property values in the area.
“The City is focused on ensuring that quality development remains a key component of our economic development activities,” stated City Manager Odie Donald II. “I am pleased that these new hotels will allow us to welcome visitors from more southern states and support our local economy.”
The hotels will be owned and managed locally by Fairburn Hospitality LLC. With this approval, the City will have three hotels including the Fairfield Inn, which opened in January 2018.
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City of South Fulton Economic Development Department and Mayor Pro Tem Mark Baker Hosts Facts & Snacks Open House and Luncheon
The City of South Fulton and Mayor Pro Tem Mark Baker hosted an Economic Development Facts & Snacks Open House on Friday, September 28, 2018 at the South Fulton Library.
The focus of the Open House was to introduce attendees to Destination South Fulton, the City’s new Economic Development arm, and highlight economic development initiatives and strategies.
“Today was a great opportunity for the City of South Fulton to introduce the narrative around Economic Development and the future of our City,” stated Economic Development Administrator Christopher Pike. “We were excited to have real estate professionals both residential and industrial and developers interested in investing in the City of South Fulton.”
During the luncheon, Mr. Pike introduced ideas including the Business Incubator and Resource Center, Small Business Sustainability Grants, as well as the Economic Development Strategic Plan.
To view the Facts & Snacks presentation, please
Click Here
.
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City of South Fulton Police Department Swear In New Officers
The City of South Fulton Police Department swore in 7 new police officers on Wednesday, September 18, 2018. The swearing-in ceremony was held at City Hall located at 5440 Fulton Industrial Boulevard SW, Atlanta, GA 30336.
“The City of South Fulton Police Department is proud to announce the continued growth of our agency, adding these seven officers helps us to fulfill our mission of providing high quality police services to our communities,” said Police Chief Keith Meadows.
Meadows said there is no goal above crime reduction and making the City of South Fulton a safer City for residents and visitors to live, work and play.
South Fulton Mayor William “Bill” Edwards said, “This is just another step in our journey to becoming the safest city in the region. Just a few weeks ago I swore in our new Police Chief Meadows and eleven officers; and I am proud to swear in 7 more of the City’s finest.”
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City of South Fulton Police Department Headquarters
5539 Old National Highway
College Park, GA 30349
Hours of Operation:
24 Hours
All Services Provided include:
-Copy of Police Reports
-Open Records Requests
-File Police Reports
-Apply for Law Enforcement -Related Permits
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City of South Fulton Police Department
Cedar Grove Mini-Precinct
6015 Lynmark Way Fairburn, GA
Hours of Operation:
9:00 A.M. -5:00 P.M.
Services Provided:
-File Police Reports
-Retrieve General
-Police Department Services -Information
-Make Complaints
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City of South Fulton Police Department
Cascade Mini-Precinct
4121 Cascade Road SW
Atlanta, GA 30331
Hours of Operation:
9:00 A.M. -5:00 P.M.
Services Provided:
-File Police Reports
-Retrieve General
-Police Department Services -Information
-Make Complaints
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City of South Fulton Fire Rescue Department Recognizes October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point in their lives.
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a chance to raise awareness about the importance of detecting breast cancer early.
During the month of October, South Fulton Fire Rescue members will be wearing special t-shirts in support of family, friends and co-workers that have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
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City of South Fulton Parks and Recreation and Councilman khalid will Provide Health Screenings
The City of South Fulton in partnership with Aniz Incorporated is proud to provide free HIV and Hepatitus C screenings at Creel Park every Monday from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.
“I am excited to see South Fulton lead with this innovative approach to community health," stated Councilman khalid. "Chronic diseases like HIV disproportionately impact African American communities. We don’t have very many senior or community health centers in our city limits – but we do have plenty of parks. Parks Director Tony Phillips & I share a vision of transforming our Parks facilities into holistic health centers. We are working with the Fulton County Health Department and other partners to provide an array of free health screenings.”
Aniz Inc., a community-based health organization,Incorporated promotes emotional and physical wellness by providing mental health, substance use counseling, support services, and sexual health education.
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City of South Fulton Launches New Website
On August 3, 2018, the City launched a new and improved website to provide information and City news to residents, business owners and other community stakeholders.
The website allows visitors to locate information with ease and with a more modern look and feel.
The website has been redesigned and redeveloped to be more user-friendly, intuitive and accessible. The site experienced major improvements to its design and back-end technology infrastructure, and aims for users to easily navigate through its data-informed interface.
"The mission of the City of South Fulton Communications Department is to gather and share information to support and encourage an open, participatory government and an informed community," stated Communications Director Jolene Butts Freeman. "The new and improved website is another step in that direction and it serves a s a tool to ensure that our residents have access to information and services provided by the City."
As we work to provide information, improvements and updates to the new website will be ongoing.
To view the new City website, visit
www.CityofSouthFultonGa.Gov
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October: National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Click Here
for National Cyber Security Awareness Month Weekly Themes.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & UPCOMING EVENTS
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CITY OF SOUTH FULTON CITY COUNCIL
October City Council Meetings
Tuesday, October 9, 2018 @ 7:00 P.M.
Tuesday, October 23, 2018 @ 7:00 P.M.
Location:
Fulton County South Service Center
5600 Stonewall Tell Road
College Park, GA 30349
FULTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETINGS
October Fulton County Board of Commissioners Meetings
Regular Meeting: Wednesday, October 3, 2018 @ 10:00 A.M.
Recess Meeting: Wednesday, October 17, 2018 @ 10: 00 A.M.
Location:
Fulton County Government Center Assembly Hall
141 Pryor Street SW
Atlanta, Georgia
CITY EVENTS
- Wednesday, October 3, 2018: National Coffee with Cop Day from 8:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M. at Chick -fil-A on Camp Creek Marketplace (3410 Camp Creek Pkwy East Point, GA 30344). Click Here to view the flyer.
- Saturday, October 6, 2018: Sandtown Youth Sports Association (SYSA) Youth Football Homecoming at 9:00 A.M. (Games all day) at Sandtown Park (5320 Campbellton Rd SW, Atlanta, GA 30331).
- Friday, October 12, 2018: Meet Me on the Beat from 7:00 A.M. - 9:00 A.M. at The Shops at Camp Creek Village (3200 Butner Road, South Fulton, GA 30331). Click Here to view the flyer.
- Thursday, October 18, 2018: District 3 Town Hall Meeting at 6:30 P.M. at Cliftondale United Methodist Church (4095 Stonewall Tell Road, College Park, GA 30349). Click Here to view the flyer.
- Saturday, October 20, 2018: Fall Festival from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Burdett Park & Recreation Center (2945 Burdett Road, College Park, GA 30349)
- Saturday, October 20, 2018: Bulky Trash & Secure Shredding Recycling Day from 8:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. at the Merk Road Transfer Station (3225 Merk Road Atlanta GA 30349). Click Here to view the flyer.
- Friday, October 26, 2018: Evening with Councilwoman Rosie Jackson from 6:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. at Burdett Park & Recreation Center (2945 Burdett Road, College Park, GA 30349).
- Saturday, October 27, 2018: Anonymous Gun Buyback event from 9:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. at City Hall (5440 Fulton Industrial Blvd SW. Atlanta, GA 30336). Click Here to view the flyer.
- Saturday, October 27, 2018: Family Fun Fall Festival at 5:00 P.M. at Welcome All Park (4255 Will Lee Road, College Park, GA 30349). Click Here to view the flyer.
- Saturday, October 27, 2018: Welcome All Park Athletic Association (WAPAA) Youth Football Homecoming at 9:00 A.M. (Games all day) at Welcome All Park (4255 Will Lee Road, College Park, GA 30349).
- Saturday, October 27, 2018: Old National Park Athletic Association (ONAA) Youth Football Homecoming at 9:00 A.M. (Games all day) at Old National Park (2400 Pleasant Hill Road SW, College Park, GA 30349).
- Monday, October 29. 2018: Community Meeting: Update on the Atlanta Job Corps Center from 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. at Solid Rock Pentecostal Church (4707 Washington Road, College Park, GA 30349). Click Here to view the flyer.
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CLOSURE NOTICE:
MONDAY, OCTOBER 8,2018
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