Archibong Holding Town Hall Forum On School Redistricting, Alcohol Licensing Tonight

School redistricting and alcohol licensing have been two hot-button issues in East Atlanta Patch and other Atlanta neighborhoods.

Atlanta City Councilwoman Natalyn Archibong, who represents District 5, is hosting a town hall forum Jan. 25 at Drew Charter School, 301 East Lake Blvd. SE in East Lake to discuss both.

The alcohol meeting, scheduled for 5:30 p.m., is designed to explain the city's current liquor and alcohol-related enforcement codes. Atlanta Police Chief George N. Turner will help explain current codes.

Alcohol licensing for establishments have always been a sore issue between bars that want them and surrounding neighborhood residents who say some operators end up degrading the quality of life.

It's an issue that popped up in recent months with bars in Kirkwood, Old Fourth Ward, Downtown and Inman Park. Crime, noise, underage drinking and other violations have been some of the concerns raised by residents in those neighborhoods.

And it comes as the city, through its Alcohol Technical Advisory Group, is reviewing all liquor-related codes and ordinances. The group is expected to make recommendations to the City Council about licensing and enforcement.

Archibong, whose district includes East Atlanta Village, East Lake, Reynoldstown, Kirkwood, Edgewood and Lake Claire, also is hosting a town hall on the Atlanta Public Schools redistricting that follows the alcohol meeting at 7 p.m.

APS board members Cecily Harsh-Kinnane and Brenda Muhammad, whose districts cover the neighborhoods that comprise East Atlanta Patch, will participate, as will APS Board Chairman Reuben McDaniel.

Archibong said she's fielded many questions from constituents regarding the redistricting issue and wanted the town hall to facilitate dialogue between residents whose neighborhood schools could close or merge with others, and school board members.

"I do think that the opportunity to get input from constituents helps," Archibong told East Atlanta Patch. "As it relates to children and education, it's so vitally important to get it right."