VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1

DOWNTOWN

EAST POINT
JANUARY 2014

Economic Development
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
BUSINESS OF THE MONTH COMMUNITY WELCOME NEW BUSINESSES, MONTHLY SPECIALS, CAUGHT DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY CONT. . . AVAILABLE PROPERTY

www.DowntownEastPoint.com

East Point Celebrates the HolidaysA Great Time Had By All!

cluded performances by Megan Davis, the Mount Olive Elementary School Cardinal Crooners group, Cornelia NITA Dolphus and EDELIEGBA from the H.J.C. Bowden Senior Center. Face painting was provided by Julie Broadus. As always, Santa made his grand appearance at the annual tree lighting event and, after shaking hands and being merry with the crowds, made his way to his special Santa chair by the Christmas tree to listen to little boys and little girls wishes. A professional photographer was on hand to snap a photo while the children were sharing their gift requests. The photos were placed in a nice holiday card for the children to have as a keepsake to remember this special occasion with Santa. Councilwoman SlaughterGibbons and City Manager, Ellis E. Mitchell, addressed the attendees just before the lighting of the tree at City Hall took place, which concluded this wonderful holiday tradition in East Point!

2 3 4

5 6-7

CALENDAR OF EVENTS, FOOD & NIGHTLIFE, HELP WANTED& WEEKLY ACTIVITIES/

DOWNTOWN EAST POINT IS A FOCUS AREA FOR THE CITY OF EAST POINTS DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND THE EAST POINT MAIN STREET ASSOCIATION (EPMSA). EPMSAS MISSION IS:

The weather was perfect for the annual East Point Celebrates the Holidays tree lighting ceremony which was held on December 13th. The event was produced by the City of East Point and took place next to City Hall, on West Cleveland Avenue. The attendees enjoyed hot cocoa and fresh popped popcorn while they listened to musical performances by local individuals and school groups. This years holiday line up in-

To preserve and enhance the downtown area as the heart of East Point, communicating a sense of place, community pride and heritage, while providing for a successful business and residential environment.

Tri-Cities Business Buzz

Merchant Mingle Thursday, January 23rd 5:00-7:00pm
Big Burger, 3333 Main Street, College Park, GA 30337

Networking Opportunity for

Tri-Cities Businesses!
Free Admission with

Business Card
Free Parking and Light Re-

freshments Provided
PLEASE RSVP TO 404-270-7059!

Series Presented by the Cities of College Park, East Point and Hapeville.

Downtown East Point

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

Page 2

Traci McCrory State Farm Agency

seasoned drivers), homeowners insurance, renters insurance, business insurance, and life insurance. Traci McCrory chose to locate her State Farm Agency in Downtown East Point in 2013 primarily because of its small town feel, its historic buildings with urban conveniences and its growing population. Traci McCrory State Farm Agency is located in East Points historic industrial district, an area renowned for its beautifully restored industrial buildings that have been converted into nice office suites. They chose Jefferson Station @ the Buggy Works which boasts offices with historic charm. The building also provides customers with a peek into East Points industrial beginnings. In addition to 24 hour access, the agency offers its customers online access as well. The agency is proud to offer its customers great rates on auto insurance (for young or The agency focuses on providing personable customer service. They take the time to help customers understand their insurance policy, making sure they have the right coverage, while also helping them save money. They believe in supporting the community by partnering with schools to encourage reading in elementary school and support programs for young drivers in high school.

Above: Mrs. Traci McCrory Owner/Agent

The

agency

focuses

on

providing

personable

customer service. They take the time to help customers understand their insurance policy, making sure they have the right coverage, while also helping them save money.

Traci McCrory State Farm Agency

Jefferson Station @ the Buggyworks 1526 East Forrest Ave. Suite 250 East Point, GA 30344
www.TraciMcCrory.com

Phone: 678-539-8623 Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 9am-5pm Saturday: 10am-1pm

Community Offer: Let Traci McCrory State Farm give you a free Discount Double Check to make sure
you are not paying more than you should for coverage. Visit www.TraciMcCrory.com for more info.

VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1

Page 3

A LOOK BACK AT THE DECEMBER 2013 EAST POINT HOLIDAY MARKET!

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CITY OF EAST POINT

2014 SEASON INFORMATION COMING SOON!

WWW.EASTPOINTFARMERSMARKET.COM

Downtown East Point

WELCOME OUR NEW BUSINESSES!
Computers Plus, Inc., 1707 Washington Road, 404-768-1338, Sales & Repair State Farm Agency-Traci McCrory, 1526 East Forrest Ave., Suite 250, 678-539-8623 Joshuas Closet, 1676 Thompson Ave., 404-600-6523, Community Outreach Organization Atlanta Paintball, 2485 Main St., www.atlanta-paintball.com, 404-855-1311 Jasmine NiKol Beauty Boutique, 2781 Main Street., 404-801-HAIR

Page 4

SPECIAL OFFERINGS THIS MONTH!

Silvers Delight All Natural Juice & Caribbean Restaurant, 2879 East Point St., 404-567-6700. 10%
off purchase as follows: Mon: Banks, Tue.:Utility/Const.Workers, Wed.:Hospitals, Thur.:Teachers, Fri.:City Employees. University Vision Center, 1513 East Cleveland Ave., Suite 106B, 404-762-2231. Free Vision Benefits Employee Cards for Businesses. We now offer CRT, Corneal Refractive Therapy. www.doctoracker.com

2805 Main St., East Point, GA 404.761.7006. Outdoor Patio!

Caribbean Restaurant
2879 East Point Street

All Natural Juice &

Silvers Delight

COMMUNITY: EAST POINT CITY HALL TREE LIGHTING EVENT

www.silversdelight.com

404-567-6700

2783 Main St., East Point, GA 404.768.0007. Pool Tables/Deck!

Grand Opening at Joshuas Closet International!

Shack on Main
-Ribs -Pulled Pork -Smoked Chicken -Smoked Sausage -Southern Sides

1676 Thompson Ave., East Point www.JoshuasClosetInternational.org

2714 East Point St.

(404) 832-0685

VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1

Page 5

FLASHBACK FEATURE

History of Connally Nature Park

Before the Creek Indians sold their land in 1821, the area now in the City of East Point was wild forests. By the end of that year, Georgia had five new counties, and most of those were parceled out via the land lottery in 202.5-acre homesteads. The 27 acres of Connally Nature Park (Park) were in Henry County until 1822 when DeKalb County was formed from parts of Henry, Gwinnett and Fayette counties. David Connally and his two brothers Abner and Christopher Columbus Connally bought land in the western part of that county. Soon, much of the forests were stripped and plowed to make Davids plantation. Because this was a much different era, slaves were among those who constructed buildings and a grist mill on another branch of Utoy Creek, harvested wheat and other crops. Fulton County was established in 1853 out of DeKalb. East Point became a city in 1887. From fields, the land became developments for houses and some to forest again. The Mulberry Court entrance area to the Park saw houses built and removed. In 1974, core samples of trees taken by Emory professors indicate white oaks to be over 250 years of age Chronology of the Thomas W. Connally Nature Park. Hence the age is now approaching 300. The heirs were fed up with the city water works encroaching on the property by 1991, and eventually sold it to the City. The very next year, the City was prepared to clear cut and put in ball fields, but didnt. In 1998, Fulton County Board of Education (FCBE) was blocked in a search for school site. They turned to East Point, which sold the Park to them. Residents were upsetsome disliked the idea of yelling kids across the street, while others wanted to keep the property as a park. The next year, the battle heated up. The Sierra Club, Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeepers, and other groups came in to support keeping it as a park. FCBE asked the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) for a permit to put the Utoy Creek branch underground. There are demonstrations and court dates, and with complaints ringing in their ears, the FCBE agreed to move the school footprint westward across Mulberry Street so stream buffer would not be affected (this was a separate buy and afterwards, the new purchaser took down five houses to build the Sheltering Arms Early Education complex). In January 2000, new members joined city council with some supportive of the Park. But it was a long year of citizen and court actions. Sierra Club filing suit against the EPD and FCBE definitely helped save the trees and the plant communities. The school plan would have saved up to seven of the 25+ old oaks. Even if they saved those trees, can you image keeping 500 kids from trampling around the trees and compressing the soil? Also, would the area around the trees have been large enough to support the needs of the trees or would it have just been a slow death? In the 13 years since the major battles, we have seen the death of the huge white oak near the entrance to the forest due to tractor work done at the very beginning clipping the roots. Invasive plants are running wild, with English ivy running up trees, and covering wide areas of the forest floor killing native plants. Someone has a trash camp not far from Connally Drive. However, there are groups willing to help. Because the winter had periods of cold, warm, then cold again plants were later this year than last. Pink ladyslippers werent in bloom during the first week in April. However, there were many surprises for the groups that hiked later in April. Several ladyslippers were in more areas than before. There were more East Point Historical Society than a half dozen fern 1685 Norman Berry Drive, East Point, GA species and both SoloMuseum & Archives mon seal and Solomon Free Admission plume in good display. Free Parking Schedule: Thursdays 1 - 4pm First published in Georgia Saturdays 11am - 3pm Phone: 404-767-4656
SIERRAN, Jul-Sep 2013

D. Gordon Draves, EPHS Vice President

www.EastPointHS.com

Right: Pink Ladyslipper

Learn more about East Point history and see first hand the collection of artifacts, photographs, maps and records that further illustrate East Points history. Visit the East Point Historical Society or click on www.eastpoinths.com.

Downtown East Point

AVAILABLE PROPERTY DOWNTOWN*
FOR LEASE: 2818 East Point St.
Office Space. Three spaces available: 1582 sf(3 offices + conf., lobby, mail room)-$1582/mth, 900sf (2 offices + lobby)-$900/mth, 1200sf (600 sf conf, office, storage, lobby) -$1200/mth. Prices above are all inclusive. Call Ernest Kiser

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FOR SALE: 2148 Newnan Ave. Former School, Approx. 20,000 SF, 18 classrooms, auditorium, kitchen and offices. Close to all traffic routes and Downtown East Point. Asking $985,000. All Offers welcome. Call 770-929-1136

FOR SALE: 2882 Church St. Zoned CR.

Tenant in place. Approx. 1373 sf., hardwood floors, tall ceilings, original trim work, paved parking in back, large front porch. $150,000 Call (678) 344-1600.

FOR SALE: 1768 Washington Rd Two

parcels, .79 acres total. Former Dental Office (some equip. avail.), approx. 2900 sf. 12 exam areas, 2 labs, X-ray rm., 2BA $225,000 for both parcels, or $95,000 for bldg. only. Gus Jordan, 404.729.9569.

FOR SALE: 1599 & 1603 Ware Ave.

Current Medical Clinic. Great Downtown location. Clinic has approx. 2842sf, blue building next door has approx. 2032sf. Includes Parking lot across the street. Call 404-585-5975 ext. 20.

FOR LEASE: 2879 East Point St, Suite 3 -Carriage StationFormer restaurant.
Existing restaurant fixtures included, approx. 1000 sf, $1000/mth ; Office/ Retail space also available. Call Andy Edlin, 404-255-4696, x222.

FOR SALE/LEASE: 2881 Main Street 2,0007,000 sq. ft. of retail or commercial & creative office space. Across from East Point MARTA Station in heart of downtown East Point. Call Michael Dinerman 404-635-0027.

FOR LEASE: 2879 East Point St, Suite 7 & 14 -Carriage StationFormer Retail
Store Fronts: Suite 14, approx. 2000 SF, $2000/mth or Suite 7, approx. 1000 SF $900/mth. Restaurant Space also available. Call Andy Edlin, 404-255-4696, x222.

FOR SALE:2846 Church Street Completely updated and new roof. Seats 200250, choir area, classrooms, admin. wing with 4 offices, pastor's suite with library, several large meeting areas. On .62 Acres. $495,000. Call 404-235-8900.

FOR LEASE: 1526 East Forrest Ave. Jefferson Station800 to 1733 sq ft

available. Please call 404-209-5141,

www.buggy-works.com
FOR LEASE: 1513 East Cleveland Ave. Buggy Works1000 to 4000 sq ft
available. Please call 404-209-5141 and visit www.buggy-works.com.

FOR SALE: 1720 Washington Rd- Former car dealership. Vacant. 1.97 acres on two corners of Washington Rd. 30,000sf, 300'x300' street front. Call John Azar, (404) 763-0002.

FOR LEASE: 2675 Martin Street South Central Station10,000 sq ft

available. Has access to loading dock. Will sub-divide. Please call 404-2095141, www.buggy-works.com

FOR LEASE: 1514 East Cleveland Ave. Wagon Works515 to 13,050 sq ft

commercial suites available. Please call Tumesha Tarrant for lease information at 404-767-8080 and visit www.bradenfellman.com.

FOR LEASE: 2465 Main Street The

Hilliards on Main, 1st Floor Commercial Suites, HUB Zone, Offices (furnished), ideal for Atty, Ins/Accts, Counselors; Also, Multi-office space, former training office w/basic equip., great for medical/health training. Call Jerome Hines, 678-492-9953. FOR LEASE: : 2705 Church StreetGreat Downtown East Point location , just a few blocks from the East Point MARTA Station and across from the Law Enforcement Center. Call 404-564-4600 or 404-2108084 for more information.

FOR SALE OR LEASE:1613 White Way

Commercial District, former bakery, opportunity zone (job tax credit) parcel, one block from MARTA train station. Approx. 1420sf. New heat pump installed 2010. $95,000. Call 770-938-3877.

FOR SALE: 1737/1751 Washington Rd. Former Church location along busy
Washington road. Bldg.1: 4700sf, $265,000. Bldg.2: Approx. 3,000SF, $169,000 Zoned Commercial. Call 404242-9070.

*Please read the disclaimer for the information on this page found here: http://www.eastpointcity.org/index.aspx?NID=1316

VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1

Page 7

AVAILABLE PROPERTY DOWNTOWN*

FOR SALE OR LEASE: 1711 Washington Rd. Fully occupied. Very Visible,
corner location in Commercial Downtown District, just a couple of blocks from the East Point MARTA Train Station, $335,000 or lease avail. 770-653-2193

FOR LEASE: 2865 Main Street Former

restaurant. High traffic area. Approx. 2400sf. Space with separate dining area and bar. Directly across the street from the East Point MARTA Station. $2700/ mth. Call Tom, 404-202-6598.

FOR SALE OR LEASE: 2823 Church St.

Commercial Two Story approx. 7,000 sf, .26 acres. High visibility, corner lot Potential Office, Retail, Restaurant, Live/ Work, Gallery. Two blocks from EP MARTA Train Station, Lease for $2500/mth or purchase for $275,000. 404-270-7059.

FOR SALE OR LEASE: 2824 Church St.

Approx. 3200sf., Standard lease terms newer A/C & Roof. Sales price is $225,000. Possible owner financing. Contact Jim, 404-668-8885.

FOR LEASE: 1677 Dorsey Avenue Approx. 1100 sf of commercial office

space with bathroom. Recently renovated w/ plenty of parking. Great for real estate, mortgage brokers, law firm, medical, etc. $799/mth w/$500 Dep. 404-437-6297

FOR SALE : 1657 Dorsey Avenue

Commercial District, opportunity zone (job tax credit) parcel, two blocks from MARTA. Beautiful interior spaces, reception, conf. room, four offices, kitchenette & bathroom. Private driveway w/6 parking spaces. $130,000 404-507-2267.

FOR LEASE: 2737 Church Street Located in the Downtown Commercial

District. Currently Karate School. Call 404-241-7419.

Downtown District Benefits: - Downtown Incubator Program - Opportunity Zone - Job Tax Credit
Interested in moving your business to East Point? Give us a call, we would love to tell you about the benefit program we offer businesses within the Downtown District! In addition, you may be eligible to receive tax credits for job creation if you locate within our Opportunity Zone! Please call 404-270-7059 or send an email to erodgers@eastpointcity.org for more info.

FOR SALE: 1671 Williams Ave. / 3047 Main St. Bldg 1: 3800 SF building on
high traffic corner of Main St. Former cabinet shop. $136,000. Bldg.2: 3393 sf. + vacant lot on high traffic corner of Main St. Price for both Williams Ave. & 3047 Main St. is $375,000. Call 404-557-2767.

FOR LEASE: 2833 Main Street Office Space. Located in the Downtown Commercial District, across from the
East Point MARTA Station. Approx. 1462 SF Available. Off-Street Parking. Call 786200-4635 for more information. FOR SALE OR LEASE: 2981 Church St. Two story office building. Works well for single tenant and user or multi tenant. Double height lobby. Multiple offices and baths, Call 404-420-1313 for more info.

FOR LEASE: 2835 Church Street6

months free rent when you sign a 2yr. Lease. Retail storefront, 2000sf, $1500/ mth; Back Office, 1450sf, $1200/mth; Upper Office, 1000sf, $700/mth; Loft/ Office, 3000sf, $1500/mth. Will subdivide! Call 678-457-0402 for more info.

FOR SALE: 2849 East Point St.Land/ Commercial Rental Assemblage. Two
Houses (One Residential Home and One Commercial Home) plus a vacant lot on corner of Thompson and East Point St. Asking $339,000. Call 770-988-3412 *Please read the disclaimer for the information on this page found here: http://www.eastpointcity.org/index.aspx?NID=1316

www.DowntownEastPoint.com
NEWSLETTER CONTACT INFO:

Calendar of Events

Visit the Downtown Facebook page by January 23 5-7pm, Tri-Cities Business Buzz Downtown Development Coordinator searching EPMSA East Point. Also, Networking Event. Great FREE opportunity to 1526 East Forrest Ave., Suite 400 check out the City on Facebook & Twitnetwork with other Tri-Cities Businesses. This East Point, GA 30344 ter for City wide info by following them months event will be held at Big Burger, Phone: 404-270-7059 at www.twitter. com/cityofeastpoint 3333 Main St., College Park, GA 30337. E-mail: erodgers@eastpointcity.org and searching for City of East Point Website: www.ThinkEastPoint.org on Facebook! RSVP at 404-270-7059. Free Admission with Newsletter Submission Deadlines: For advertisement submissions, free newsletter email subscription requests, Business Card. Free parking. Light refresheditorials, content suggestions, food reviews, etc., please send a request or your media/material by the 21st of ments provided. Series presented by the citthe month prior to the desired issue month to erodgers@eastpointcity.org or you can call 404-270-7059 . We reserve all rights, including, but not limited to, the right to select or deny content for the newsletter as appropriate. ies of College Park, East Point and Hapeville.

FOOD & NIGHTLIFE

American Deli American Wing & Deli Ardens Garden BGR Grille Big Nicks Place Black Tie Catering Chic-A-Loes Corner Tavern Dairy Queen Norman Berry East Point Fish & Wings El Rocio Mexican

(NEW: FREE

WI-FI

LOCATIONS IN R ED )

Evans Bake Shop Fergs 25/8 Bar & Grill Fresh N Fit Cuisine Krystals KVs Southern Cuisine Lovn It Live Mocha Delites @ Buggy Works Oz Pizza Qs Southern Restaurant Silvers Delight Caribbean Spiral Bar & Grill

Taco Bell Taco Pete

Three Southern Girls Tea Room

East Point Farmers Market 2014 Season . . . Info Coming Soon!

Thumbs Up Diner
TP Productions Dinner Theatre

Waffle House Wing Depot

Hope to see you soon in Downtown East Point!

*Complete downtown business directory at :

www.DowntownEastPoint.com

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Help us spread the word about all the great things going on in Downtown East Point by encouraging your friends to send a request to erodgers@eastpointcity.org to be added to the to monthly newsletter email subscription!

HELP WANTED DOWNTOWN:

Weekly Activities/Specials
Mondays:
Oz Pizza: Fundraiser NightPortion of Proceeds donated Silvers Delight Caribbean: 10% off Bank Employees Spexcell:Super Monday Interviews/Hiring for Businesses

Full Time Parents Needed: National Youth Advocate Program is looking for foster families to provide stable & caring homes for siblings & teens. Discover the benefits of foster parenting. Visit www.nyap.org or call 1-877-NYAP Corner Tavern:Taco Monday & $4 Margaritas

COMMUNITY: EAST POINT CITY HALL

Tuesdays:
Corner Tavern:Team Trivia & 8pm: 8 Ball Pool League Oz Pizza: Fundraiser NightPortion of Proceeds donated Selah Salon: Hair Cut Specials, 12noon-3pm Silvers Delight Caribbean: 10% off Utility/Construction

Wednesdays:
Corner Tavern:$4 Tapas & Taps & 9 Ball Pool League Selah Salon: Hair Cut Specials, 12noon-3pm Shack on Main: $4 Lunch Specials & 10% of City Employees Silvers Delight Caribbean: 10% off Hospital Employees
Three Southern Girls Tea Room: Wine Down Happy Hour 7pm

Velodrome: Bike Racing, Free Admission, 7:30pm

Thursdays:
Corner Tavern: Texas Holdem Poker, 8:30pm Oz Pizza: Trivia Night, Win Oz Bucks, 7:30pm Shack on Main: $4 Lunch Specials & 10% of City Employees Silvers Delight Caribbean: 10% off Teachers Three Southern Girls Tea Room: High Tea Fine Dining-7pm

Fridays:
Corner Tavern: All You Can Eat Crab Legs & 10pm: Pop Trivia Shack on Main: $4 Lunch Specials & 10% of City Employees Silvers Delight Caribbean:10% off City Employees

Saturdays:
Corner Tavern: Brunch, Bottomless Mimosas & Karaoke, 9pm
Three Southern Girls Tea Room: Live Music, no cover 7-11pm

Xtreemtraining: Free Boot Camp, 9am- EP Library

Sundays:
Corner Tavern:Brunch, Bottomless Mimosas & Live Music 9pm