UPDATE 11:45 a.m. May 4: ADDS Tuesday sked due to weather delays Monday

UPDATE 2:05 p.m. May 4: ADDS Thursday sked due to weather delays Monday

UPDATE 2:12 p.m May 4: ADDS Saturday sked due to weather delays Monday

by Robin Kemp

Jonesboro could get an Air BnB in the Historic District and Forest Park will consider police policy for body and in-car cameras this week. Here’s your Monday roundup of what your local government entities are up to. Note calendar will update with partial entries in between thunder and lightning that may impact our Internet connection (meaning we need to unplug when it’s lightning nearby!):

Monday, May 3

5 p.m.: The Jonesboro City Council holds its work session at 5 p.m. Several zoning matters are on the agenda, including a request by Kenneth Gipson to use a house in the downtown Historic District at 111 Stockbridge Road as an Air BnB; a request by Antonio Miller to put in a cigar lounge at 171 N. Main Street; a request by Cyrel D. Foote, Jr. to use 127 Jonesboro Road as an outdoor event center featuring bounce house rentals as well as childrens’ parties on site; and other zoning matters. The city also will look at rezoning several properties related to the new City Center site and five street resurfacing projects funded by Local Maintenance Improvement Grants:

  • Cloud Street between Church Street and South Avenue
  • Mercer Court between Mercer Drive and Cul-de-sac
  • Mercer Drive between Lake Jodeco Road and Dead End
  • North Lake Drive between N. McDonough Street and Dead End
  • West Avenue between North Avenue and Spring Street

The council also will discuss potential sources of police training and duty ammunition.

6 p.m.: The Forest Park City Council work session will discuss a proposed policy for police use of both body-worn cameras (BWCs) and in-car cameras (ICCs). The regular meeting (vote) will follow at 7 p.m. Other items on tonight’s agenda include approval of a cleaning services contract for the police station, a presentation on potential welcome sign locations around the city, and $5,500 in budget amendments for Justifacts, Laserfiche and Civic Plus software. If you attend in person, you must wear a mask and maintain social distance. Watch online via Zoom at https://bit.ly/3vAZwUgor listen by phone at (301) 715 8592 with meeting ID 890 2864 1266 and passcode 205119. You also can watch the city’s YouTube livestream at https://bit.ly/3c28p0A,

Tuesday, May 4

6 p.m.: Clayton County Public Schools holds its Virtual Educators Signing Day on its YouTube channel.

6:30 p.m.: The Clayton County Board of Commissioners holds its regular business meeting at 112 Smith St., Jonesboro. Agenda items of note include:

  • Veteran of the Month
  • Retired police K-9 given to officer
  • Several budget amendments
  • Various board appointments
  • Streetlight petitions
  • Approval of HUD PY2021 Annual Action Plan and CDBG amendments to PY 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 Annual Action Plans
  • Approval of a chapter on the firefighter program for a textbook
  • Several changes to Civil Service Appeal rules
  • Approval of $50 million in bonds to be issued by the Housing Authority of Clayton County. The money would be for Riverwood Housing Partners, L.P. to build 282 units of multifamily housing at 681 Flint River Road.

Wednesday, May 5

1 p.m.: Little Lions Produce Stand is open at Little Ones Learning Center, 993 Forest Ave., Forest Park. Local farmers offer healthy produce and the kids sell herbs they grow in their Jazmin Greene Memorial Garden. EBT users get double the food–two for one on everything. Cash and credit cards also accepted.

4:30 p.m.: Jonesboro’s Design Review Commission meets to consider several requests. On the agenda:

  • recommended approval of new sign panels for F.O.E. Property Management, 759 North Avenue, Parcel No. 13210D A005
  • recommended approval of a replacement sign panel in the Historic District for Susan Kirby Law Office, 185 North Main Street, Parcel 13240D C007
  • recommended approval of a new hanging sign in the Historic District for Tran Realty, 181 North Main Street, Parcel No. 13240D C005
  • recommended denial of a new LED ground sign for a proposed event center (Funflatablez) at 127 Jonesboro Road; Parcel No. 13240B E001
  • recommended approval of a new wall sign and ground panel sign for Pure Beauty Bar, 244 North Main Street, Parcel No. 13240B E006A
  • recommended approval of a rear deck and patio in the Historic District for a proposed event center for Willie Middleton II, 120 North McDonough Street, Parcel No. 13241B F004
  • recommended approval of a new metal roof in the Historic District for Roger and Kathy Swint, 186 North McDonough Street, Parcel No. 13240D A029

Thursday, May 6

6 p.m.: Clayton County Public Schools will hold a prerecorded online graduation ceremony via Facebook Live for new teachers certified through its Teacher Academy of Preparation and Pedagogy (TAPP) program. TAPP is a two-year program that recruits highly-qualified college graduates who hold degrees in high-need subject areas other than education. Candidates gain K-12 teaching experience while working toward alternate Georgia teacher certification. TAPP candidates complete at least 400 hours of instruction–100 of those under trained mentors and content specialists–and a portfolio, among other requirements. CCPS asks everyone to show their support for these special teachers. You can learn more about TAPP and the programs in greatest need at https://www.clayton.k12.ga.us/departments/professional_learning/ccps_tapp_program.

Friday, May 7

5 p.m.: Forest Park holds its Food Truck Friday at the fountain on the corner of Main and College Streets, with special Mother’s Day giveaways and featuring Jackie’s Tacos, Fit 4 U, Stans BBQ Food Truck, Cafecito, A Little Taste of Philly, and local Girl Scouts (buy those cookies!).

Saturday, May 8

8 a.m.: The City of Forest Park is holding its Historic Colored Cemetery Clean-Up Day. The cemetery, which combines Rock Springs, Macedonia, Brotherhood, and Odd Fellows Lodge Cemeteries, is at 730 Conley Road just off Jonesboro Road in Forest Park. For more information, e-mail Councilwoman Kimberly James or call (404) 217-6202. Here is The Clayton Crescent’s video of the National Association of Black Military Women Christmas wreath-laying ceremony in December 2020:

9 a.m.: The Jonesboro Farmers Market reopens for its second season Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. under the canopy at Lee Street Park. Local vendors sell pickles, produce, baked goods, and handmade items.