Police foundation takes over ‘ Red Store’ hang out

The Atlanta Police Foundation and the Atlanta Police Department recently opened a new neighborhood offiffice in the Edgewood community. The building formerly known as the “Red Store” on the corner of Mayson Avenue and Hardee street will serve as a beacon of community revitalization and a curtailment of the recent uptick of crime inthe area.

“This location will enable our officers to increase their presence and actively pursue those responsible for committing violent assaults and homicides in that neighborhood in recent months ,” said Atlanta Police Chief Rodney Bryant. “We’re also seeking to create personal relationships among our offifficers and the citizens they serve, rather than merely responding to calls.”

While the so- called“Red Store” has long been hangout in the Edge wood community — a place for locals to exchange news, gossip, andpurchase basic necessities— it became a hot spot for illegal drug sales and violent crime. In 2019 alone, the location was home to more than 60 emergency 911 calls aswell as numerous accounts of discharged firearms.

“Transforming the store to a police facility gave us the option of preserving the historic building and repurposing it for more productive use, including community meetings,” said Dave Wilkinson, APF president and CEO.

In addition to the renovation, APF is also funding the addition of special lighting for the Edgewood Community Learning Garden, a small park across the street from the store, as well as the installation of nine surveillance cameras.