CBS Atlanta 46City leaders in East Point take action to fix drainage problem

Approximately two years after CBS Atlanta News first exposed a serious drainage problem in East Point, the issue was on the agenda at Monday night's City Council meeting.

"I'm in favor of moving this forward. It's $21,000 today, that's what we're asking for to finish the design that's already 90 percent complete," said Councilwoman Sharonda Hubbard.

Council members unanimously approved to pay the roughly $21,000 to complete the design phase required to fix the drainage problem.

The drainage pond, which looks like a swamp, is located next to a children's playground at Center Park on West Taylor Avenue. 

"It's got to be deep, and it's just not safe at all," said resident Keith Elbert.

After CBS Atlanta News reported on the safety concern, the city installed a fence around the park to prevent children from falling in the murky water. 

Now CBS Atlanta News has learned that the city of East Point has access to a federal grant it can use to fix the problem.

"If they're going to receive some money for that, then I think they need to correct it," said resident Julia Johnson.

Mayor Earnestine Pittman told CBS Atlanta News the grant is worth $450,000 but that the city needs more than $1 million to actually fix the problem. Hubbard said the city still has enough money right now to complete the project

"Can the city afford to do this?" asked CBS Atlanta News reporter Adam Murphy.

"Yes, the city can afford to do this. We have capital improvement money via a bond so we can complete this project. The funding is there," said Hubbard.

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