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To: Councilman Byron D. Amos District 3, Atlanta City Council

From Vacant to Vibrant: Restore John Carey Elementary for Our Community

John Carey Elementary School Atlanta, Ga.
I’m a concerned community member who wants to express my strong support for restoring the vacant building at Carey Park through a partnership with John Carey School.

This building has remained unused for years, yet it represents an opportunity to bring meaningful educational resources, youth programming, and workforce development services into our neighborhood. Rather than allowing it to remain vacant or pursuing demolition as the only option, I respectfully ask that restoration and adaptive reuse be fully explored.

I understand asbestos concerns have been cited as a barrier and that demolition and rebuilding would be costly. However, many communities have successfully addressed similar challenges through remediation and phased redevelopment, especially when the end use serves education, workforce readiness, and community development.

Our community is ready to support a solution that reinvests in existing infrastructure and meets real neighborhood needs. I urge you to:

  • Support an updated assessment of the building

  • Explore funding options for remediation and restoration

  • Engage the community in transparent decision-making

  • Allow time for this partnership proposal to be properly reviewed

This project has the potential to turn a long-vacant space into a hub of opportunity and growth. I hope you will stand with the community and help move this vision forward.

Rashod Stanley
Founder 
The Trenches Global Impact Center 
www.impactthetrenches.org

Why is this important?

Why others should join this campaign for change

Change doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens when people speak together.

By joining this campaign, community members help:

  • Show decision-makers there is real public support

  • Ensure resources are spent wisely and responsibly

  • Advocate for solutions instead of abandonment

  • Protect the future of local youth and families

  • Be part of a positive, lasting transformation

Every voice adds weight. Every signature adds visibility. When people come together, officials listen—and action follows.

Our community deserves investment.
Our youth deserve opportunity.
Our neighborhood deserves better.

How it will be delivered

We plan to deliver the petition both electronically and in person. A PDF copy will be emailed to Councilman Amos, the Mayor’s Office, APS Facilities, City Planning, and NPU‑J, and physical copies will be hand-delivered to their offices. This ensures officials receive an official record and see the strong community support behind the initiative.

Category

Links

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Updates

2026-02-03 17:51:59 -0500

Petition FAQ
❓ Is this petition asking to turn the school into an impact center?
No. This petition is not about converting the former John Carey Elementary School into an impact center.

❓ What is this petition asking for?
We are asking decision-makers to fully explore restoration and adaptive reuse options instead of leaving the building vacant or moving directly toward demolition.

❓ What kinds of uses are being supported?
Uses that benefit the community, including:
Educational resources
Youth programming
Workforce development services
Community-serving initiatives

❓ What is The Trenches Global Impact Center’s role?
The Trenches Global Impact Center already operates as a free youth community center in the area. This petition supports expanding opportunity in the neighborhood not relocating or duplicating our center.

❓ Why does this matter?
Vacant buildings can become liabilities. With thoughtful planning, this site can become a community asset that reflects local needs and voices.

2026-02-03 11:41:43 -0500

Thank You for Signing! 🙏🏾🌟
We are so grateful for your support in bringing John Carey Elementary back to life for our community. Every signature counts and shows our leaders how much we care about creating educational resources, youth programs, and workforce development opportunities right here in District 3.

Now, we need your help to keep the momentum going! Share this petition with your friends, neighbors, and community groups. The more voices we have, the stronger our impact. 💪🏾

Together, we can turn this vacant building into a vibrant space for everyone. Thank you for being part of this movement!
📢 Spread the word!

Rashod Stanley
Founder & Executive Director
The Trenches Global Impact Center
1230 Hightower Road NW
Atlanta, Ga. 30318
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.impactthetrenches.org
“Empowering Youth To Rise, Create, and Lead Change”

#FromVacantToVibrant #CareyElementary #CommunityPower #YouthPrograms #District3

2026-02-01 15:38:50 -0500

50 signatures reached

2026-02-01 11:28:39 -0500

🔥GRAND OPENING!🔥✨ BLACK HISTORY CELEBRATION ✨THE TRENCHES GLOBAL IMPACT CENTER

🎨 ART SHOW • 👗 FASHION SHOW • 🛍️ POP-UP SHOP
📅 Saturday, February 21st🕑 Grand Opening / Pop-Up Shop: 2 PM – 4 PM👠 Fashion Show: 5 PM – 7 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $30 Pre-Order • $40 At The Door
🛒 Vendors Wanted! $150 Vendor Slots — Very Limited Space!
📍 1230 Hightower Rd, Atlanta, GA 30318

Come celebrate culture, fashion, art, and community with us! Don’t miss this historic moment! 🙌🏾🔥

🎟️ Get your tickets now!
👉🏽 https://impactthetrenches.org/fashion-show

Every purchase helps fund resources, programs, and opportunities for
The Trenches Global Impact Center.
The Impact Center

💫Let’s continue pouring into our youth and building the future together! ❤️✨

💫Learn more:
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZThyK4Q9L/

#BlackHistoryMonth #AtlantaEvents #CommunityImpact #SupportBlackBusinesses #TheTrenchesGlobal

2026-02-01 10:24:47 -0500

25 signatures reached

2026-02-01 08:51:17 -0500

💥 This is what we do at The Trenches Global Impact Center! From youth programs 🏫✨ to mentorship 🤝, educational workshops 📚, and community events 🌍, we’re empowering the next generation and uplifting our neighborhood every day. 💪🏽

✨Learn more here:
https://youtube.com/shorts/3Z3tkU06vlc?si=QlzumAvH8yR1Nb-3

#TheTrenchesGlobal #YouthEmpowerment #CommunityFirst #EducationMatters #MakingADifference

2026-02-01 08:43:53 -0500

🌟 The youth at The Trenches Global Impact Center have the chance to learn, grow, and explore new skills—mostly free of charge! 🏫💡 From educational programs to mentorship, we’re building brighter futures for our kids and our community. ✨🤝

See what we accomplished thus far!
https://youtube.com/shorts/0eXgUS7Zsj4?si=i4ThzhodMhElqdPP

#YouthEmpowerment #CommunityFirst #EducationMatters #TheTrenchesGlobal

2026-02-01 08:37:29 -0500

🌟 The Trenches Global Impact Center is making real change in our community! From youth programs to educational resources, we’re committed to uplifting families and creating opportunities. 💪🏽✨ But we want to do even more—and we need your support to expand our impact! 🏫🌍
Learn more:
https://youtube.com/shorts/SyIFH35zM24?si=ZKRgakYu7GHjkVyi

#CommunityFirst #YouthEmpowerment #EducationMatters #GiveBack #ImpactTheTrenches

2026-02-01 08:02:14 -0500

10 signatures reached