(ATLANTA, GA) --- When it comes to public safety, Atlanta is starting off the year with some resident complaints.
The Public Safety & Legal Administration Committee meeting on Jan. 12 presented a mixed picture of civic action, according to the OpGov.ai platform, reporting "while procedural items like agenda and minutes adoption, and the election of Council Member Wayne Martin as Vice-Chair, were handled swiftly and unanimously," the rest of the meeting was not.
"The subsequent discussions highlighted significant underlying frustrations and unresolved community issues," OpGov.ai reports.
Monday’s meeting began with various appointments and objectives for the year spearheaded by District 10 Councilmember Andrea Boone.
(Photo Credit: Atlanta City Council YouTube)
Boone opened the floor for public comments.
Brother Anthony Muhammad came to the podium with passion and didn’t mince words. Muhammad was upset because of his neighbor’s dogs.
(Photo Credit: Atlanta City Council YouTube)
“If you look at the picture I gave you, Miss Boone, you’ll see there’s no fence on his house,” Muhammad said. “These dogs aggressively come in the front of my house and they attacked me. I was attacked by the dogs.”
Muhammad was critical of the Atlanta City Council and spoke with conviction.
Boone offered assistance.
“Mr. Wayne Martin, if you would please be in touch with Fulton County,” Boone said. “This is a very serious issue pertaining to wild animals.”
Boone also added that she returned Muhammad’s phone calls and emails about the situation. She requested a site visit from Fulton County.
Muhammad detailed an unpleasant experience with the Fulton County Animal Control.
“They told me you’re the same one we were dealing with last year,” Muhammad said. “We’re not going to continue coming out. He asked me has the dog bit you yet today?”
After Muhammad, the founder of the Atlanta Beautification Committee, Craig Galanos spoke. Galanos requested a change in graffiti laws.
(Photo Credit: Atlanta City Council YouTube)
“I’m asking for you to rewrite the laws regarding graffiti in the city of Atlanta,” Galanos said. “Punish the perpetrators with a minimum of 1,000 hours of community service remediation graffiti themselves, and not punish the property owners.”
Galanos explained that the only tool code enforcement has is to fine victims for failing to remediate the vandalism.
“If the graffiti is located on private residential or commercial property, you may file a complaint with Code Enforcement, and a case will be created,” According to the ATL 311 website. “Once the case is created, a Code Enforcement officer will inspect the property for a graffiti violation.”
Galanos mentioned three graffiti gangs in the city. The list includes Well-Known-Thugs (WKT), Yelps Crew, and United Through Loyalty (UTL).
“There are only about 30 members causing the majority of the $1 million in felony vandalism,” Galanos said.
The OpGov.ai platform provided an update on the number of deaths in the city.
The Atlanta Police Department reported a 7% overall crime reduction in 2025, marking the third consecutive year with fewer than 100 homicides, fewer shootings, and a 38% decrease in motor vehicle theft, according to the platform.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact jorden.h@lead4earth.org.
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