by Robin Kemp

Good morning! We’d like to extend an official welcome to Linda Crissey, who has retired as director of Arts Clayton after more than three decades of service there, and who has joined The Clayton Crescent’s board. Linda brings heavy-hitting fundraising expertise, which we hope will help us expand operations. People like you keep The Clayton Crescent going–please consider a monthly or one-time gift at https://donorbox.org/clayton-crescent at the level of support that works for you budget. While many for-profit publications have started asking for donations during COVID-19, we are a nonprofit news service and your gift is both tax-deductible and (in many cases) eligible for a matching donation from your employer. Thank you!

Here’s what to look out for this week in your local governmental bodies:

Monday, June 28

  • 2 p.m.: A Community Development meeting is reportedly scheduled with or at the Housing Authority of Clayton County. HACC told The Clayton Crescent it was not aware of any meeting. We left a message with Clayton County Community Development to clarify the meeting information.
  • 5:30 p.m.: The City of Jonesboro’s Beautification Committee meets, according to Mayor Joy Day’s city newsletter. No location was given for the meeting but City Manager Ricky Clark told The Clayton Crescent the committee, whose members are appointed by the mayor and city council, will meet at Lee Street Park. Members include James Raymond, Cameron Dixon, Sheila Brooks, Cindy Haire, and Daniel Millwee.
  • 6 p.m.: The City of Riverdale has cancelled its scheduled meeting due to a lack of a quorum, according to a notice posted on the city’s website. There had been public notice of a special land use petition, SLUP2021-0005, to allow a used car dealership at 640 Valley Hill Road, which county tax records show is owned by Kimco Properties, Inc., a Fayetteville-based company owned by Keith P. Kimbell of Jonesboro. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 12 at 6 p.m. at Riverdale City Hall, 7200 Church Street, Riverdale, in the first floor council chambers.

Tuesday, June 29

  • 4:30 p.m.: The Jonesboro Promotions Committee meets, according to Mayor Joy Day’s city newsletter. No location was given for the meeting. City Manager Ricky Clark told The Clayton Crescent, “The Promotions Committee generally meet at City Hall and is comprised of volunteers from in and around the City.” Those volunteers include Jule Segner, Allen Roark, Dana Holmes, Mitch Johnson, and Charlton Bivins.
  • 7 p.m.: The East Conley Zoning Committee is holding a meeting at Cedar Grove United Methodist Church, 3430 Bouldercrest Road, Conley. Organizers urge residents to bring signs. There will be updates on zoning court cases, bridge reconstruction, “and a possible solution to trucks and railroad issues.” Call (770) 298-4017 for more information. Reginald Banks is calling for a strong turnout and says the meeting is an important one: “Please bring everyone you can we have to show our lawmakers our numbers. The bridge, the trucks, and the railroad are cutting us off.” Because Conley is unincorporated and crosses county lines, its residents have had to organize and stage protests to push back against illegal businesses, heavy truck traffic, and other negative impacts to their quality of life.

Wednesday, June 30

Thursday, July 1

Friday, July 2

  • Clayton County tag offices will close at 3 p.m. and Property Tax Offices will close at 3:30 p.m. going into the July 4 weekend. Government offices will be closed Monday, July 5 in observance of the holiday.

As always, if we missed something–or if you hear of a sudden special-called meeting–please let us know! You can call or text (404) 547-1171 or e-mail KempWrites@gmail.com directly. Feel free to send us tips.