DR. EMMANUEL ADEDIRAN CITY MANAGER
DR. EMMANUEL ADEDIRAN
To the Mayor, Council and citizens of College Park:
As we prepare to close out 2024, I acknowledge the challenges which remain or lie ahead of us, but I am proud of the many accomplishments of our city and community during this year. I am also grateful to call College Park my home, and in addition to relocating here with my wife, to becoming your full-time City Manager, a position which requires long hours and parts of all seven days each week. You have a wonderful team of professionals, department head and agency directors and interim directors as well as contractors and consultants, all working to help our Global Airport City fly higher.
We have managed our budget and finances well, entering 2025 with a surplus in the bank, and a modest cut in property taxes ahead. The vision of Six West redeveloping a portion of our community which experienced the loss of thousands of residences and more than 1100 households decades ago is starting to become reality. By early in 2025, a new gateway to our city along Camp Creek Parkway should be completed, with that pedestrian bridge and trailway reconnecting the downtown and College Park Historic District with the southside of our city, as well as our GICC District and Gateway Arena.
Construction of the new Phillips Park Chess Commons is underway, and weather permitting should be completed by the end of the first quarter.
We officially kick off the holiday season with our "Light Up the City" celebration downtown on Monday, December 2 @ 6 p.m. on the lawn of our City Auditorium. In addition to the lights show, there will be hot chocolate, warm cookies and holiday treats available in addition to a visit from Saint Nick.
We officially kick off the holiday season with our "Light Up the City" celebration downtown on Monday, December 2 @ 6 p.m. on the lawn of our City Auditorium. In addition to the lights show, there will be hot chocolate, warm cookies and holiday treats available in addition to a visit from Saint Nick.
Our first responders continue to not only serve and protect us, but to take on additional community development missions of their own choosing, with Shop with a Cop just ahead for children and families feeling financial struggles this holiday season. And for the 30th year, our College Park Christmas Parade will come rolling down Main Street on Saturday, December 7th at 11 a.m., to help Santa really bring the holiday spirit and season to our community.
I would like to wish all of our city employees and their families a Blessed and Joyous holiday season, and in the celebration of Hanukkah, Kwanza, Christmas and other celebrations of faith, love and family hope that 2025 continues to help us strengthen the ties which bind us together and move further away from those issues and personality conflicts which at times can drive us apart. Wishing you and yours all the best, now and in the coming year!
Sincerely,
Dr. Emmanuel Adediran
City Manager
City of College Park
BUILDING AND PROPERTY SUSTAINABILITY
TECHNOLOGY UPDATE
SeeClick Fix program is being used by Code Enforcement which enables our residents to report non-emergency issues, share feedback, and request information about our community.
OCCUPATIONAL TAX DIVISION BY THE NUMBERS
The 2024 Alcohol License renewal season is underway. All approved businesses in the state of Georgia that have alcohol licenses must have a City of College Park alcohol license before selling alcohol within the city. Our team will work with Code Enforcement to issue any citations for those who are not in compliance with the ordinance. We start November 1, 2024
Mr. Christopher Whatley has been hired as the City’s GIS Coordinator
CRS RECERTIFICATION
The City’s CRS Annual Construction Certificate report submittal has been reviewed by CRS Resource Specialist and approved. Recertification is a yearly check in to confirm that the community meets the annual requirements under the current CRS Coordinator’s Manual.
PLAN REVIEWS
INSPECTIONS: SITE INSPECTION SUMMARY
November 14 through November 26
FROM THE OFFICE OF FIRE CHIEF
PROPER SEND OFF!
The City of College Park hosted a retirement ceremony for Fire Chief Wade Elmore. Chief Elmore was a dedicated and faithful employee for almost 18 years. Chief Elmore led the department with grace, dignity and humility. His leadership will be missed. We wish him well in the next phase of his life. JOB WELL DONE SIR!!
POLICE
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The College Park Police Department and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Omicron Kappa Zeta Chapter Zeta Amicae of College Park GA partnered up during the month of November and conducted a food drive. We collected 2 barrels of non-perishable food. The food collected was then distributed to families in need during the College Park Cares for The Holidays Turkey Giveaway.
“GAS ON GOD” GIVEAWAY
The College Park Police Department planned and managed a tremendous free gas event held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 5110 Old National Hwy, sponsored by Councilwoman Tracie Arnold and MegaFaith Center. $10k of free gas was given away.
SHOP WITH A COP IS BACK!
This holiday season, we’re here to make a difference for families in need with the College Park Police Shop with a Cop! Our goal is to help brighten the holidays for children and families in our community by providing a special shopping experience with our dedicated officers. Together, we’ll ensure every child feels the magic of the season!
How can you help?
Please donate. Email Sergeant Paniagua at apaniagna@collegeparkga.com for more information. Every donation helps a child in need.
PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL ARTS
PHILLIPS PARK CHESS PATIO
UNDERWAY SENIOR THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON
Construction for the Phillips Park Chess project began the week of November 18, 2024. College Park Mayor and Council approved the project on the October 21, 2024, agenda. The Request for Proposal (RFP) was awarded to the Foundation Concrete Masonry, LLC for $ 61,600 with a total budget allocation of $92,650. The project is expected to take three months to complete pending weather conditions for pouring the concrete.
CHEER SQUAD CELEBRATES ACCOMPLISHMENTS
One of the many highlights of this year’s cheer season was being recognized for their accomplishments during the annual 6U and 9U awards banquet. The 8U and 11U squad held their awards banquet on Thursday, November 7th.
Another stellar accomplishment was the cheer squad’s first place competition finish on November 3rd. We are extremely proud of their dedication and commitment and look forward to all they will accomplish in the coming season.
College Park seniors convened on the Tracey Wya8 Recrea:on Center for the 51st Annual Senior Luncheon on Thursday, November 21st at 11:30 am. Themed Masquerade, seniors showed up with their mysteriously designed masks and enjoyed an aPernoon of dining, dancing, and fellowship. The feast was provided by Gourmet Innova:ons.
In partnership with Fulton County Arts & Culture, this year’s event featured live music, dancing, and a parade of masks. The Mario Fogg Band provided the live music.
PUBLIC WORKS
BUILDING AND GROUNDS
Ever wondered why this season is called “Fall”? The name originates from the phrase, “fall of the leaf,” highlighting the most noticeable aspect of the season. With its beautiful, colorful displays of red, orange, yellow and brown foliage, it truly paints a picture of its arrival.
The calls have already started coming in. The Building and Grounds team has begun their work in Ward IV for leaf removal. We ask for your patience during this “fall of the leaf” season, as leaves will continue to fall throughout this time, in some cases immediately after a clean-up. With the collaborative efforts of both Sanitation and Building and Grounds, the goal is to remain vigilant in managing control of this process.
Beautification remains an essential part of this team’s responsibilities. Their work in maintaining and enhancing our city’s surroundings is continuous and never ceases.
