Rudolf Bradford has received yet another postponement of his sentencing on six guilty charges. He was found guilty of running an illegal slaughterhouse on Dec. 14, 2022. His sentencing has been delayed three times. Assistant Solicitor-General Karen Scott sent the following note:
Over the State’s objection, the court has reset the State v. Rudolph Bradford to Monday, April 3rd, 2023, at 8:50 am at the DeKalb County Courthouse located at 556 N. McDonough Street, Decatur, Georgia 30030, Courtroom B on the 3rd floor.
On Friday, March 17, 2023 the defense attorney reached out to the Court via e-mail to request a continuance based on a personal emergency. The Court did not set a hearing on the matter, but Judge Purdom addressed that he had received the request during an unrelated court session this morning.
The State expressed its objection, including mentioning the planned attendance of members of the public, information that the Defendant continues to operate his business, and that this matter has already been reset twice. Over the State’s objection, the Judge indicated that given the circumstances of the Defendant’s request, he was still going to reset it. As always, I will continue to keep you updated on this matter.
The sentencing hearing for Rudolph Bradford will be held March 21, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. This will be an in-person hearing held in Courtroom 8 at the Courthouse Complex located at 3630 Camp Circle. You are welcome to attend.
On Dec. 14, 2022, in state court, a jury of six found Rudolph Bradford guilty of illegally slaughtering animals in his backyard. His sentencing has been delayed twice.
Rudolph Bradford continues to slaughter animals at 1676 Rice Road, Lithonia, Ga. – more than 200 since he was found guilty in December. Bradford slaughtered 53 animals in his backyard in February 2023, consisting of 7 cattle, 1 pig, 32 goats, and 13 sheep. The Georgia Department of Agriculture records show that he has slaughtered 5,287 cows, pigs, goats, and sheep since the cease-and-desist order was issued March 19, 2019.
April 1, 9 a.m., Garden Care at Hairston Park
Calling all volunteers. The Friends of Hairston Park are meeting at 9 a.m. April 1 to spruce up the Serenity Garden area. The address is 889 S. Hairston Road, Stone Mountain.
We’ll also plant more native plants if the weather looks good. Come see the progress we’ve made! Most of the plants we put in the ground last fall are putting out spring leaves and buds.
New Zoning Signs
Beginning this month, we have much more readable public hearing signs in the County. They are no longer printed by hand, and they are larger. Thank you, Planning Department.
New Trees on N. Hairston
You may have seen some more tree planting on the median, this time on N. Hairston Road near Memorial. This effort is part of a partnership with TreesAtlanta and DeKalb County. We are grateful for the effort to beautify this important corridor.
This fall, look for planting opportunities on S. Hairston near Covington Road. We plan to plant 50 trees to beautify a strip near Kings Ridge sometime this fall.
Get a Tree for Your Front Yard! Deadline March 31
Help increase the urban tree canopy! You can have a hardy overstory tree planted in your front yard for a very low cost through TreesAtlanta. Go to this link to put in an order: https://www.treesatlanta.org/yardtree/
The deadline is March 31, 2023, so act now!
Commissioner Cochran-Johnson’s battle against dollar stores
is part of a feature in The New York Times. If you missed it, click this link:
A developer is considering putting an automatic tunnel car wash near S. Hairston and Redan Road, but the Greater Hidden Hills Overlay Code prohibits such a business. He asked the Greater Hidden Hills Community Development Corp. (GHHCDC) to support a special land use exception so that the car wash can be built.
You are invited to give your opinions on the matter at the next GHHCDC meeting: Feb. 18, 2023, 10 a.m., on Zoom. If you cannot make the meeting but want to express an opinion, please write to GHHCDC@gmail.com
The reason our community put in business restrictions was to prevent being inundated with the same type of businesses. The idea was to generate a diverse array of businesses that offer services and goods this neighborhood needs and wants.
Danny Glusman, the car wash representative, says that the construction would cost about $3.5 million, and the site would by managed by an experienced car wash chain. Here is a prototype image that Foamworks sent:
We hope you can attend the meeting. Due to previous commitment, this email must go out early. If you misplace the link, go to www.GreaterHiddenHillsCDC.org to see it on the website.
Sentencing for Illegal Slaughterhouse Set for Feb 17, 9 a.m.
On Dec. 14 in state court, a jury of six found Rudolph Bradford guilty of illegally slaughtering animals in his backyard. He was to be sentenced Jan. 13, 2023, but the judicial tower of the DeKalb County Courthouse is closed for repairs, according to Assistant Solicitor-General Karen Scott. The new sentencing date is Feb. 17, 2023, 9 a.m.
Bradford was found guilty on the first three charges dealing with illegal slaughtering of animals on residential property. The other two guilty verdicts dealt with inappropriate parking and storage of machinery.
Bradford was found not guilty of the four counts dealing with his license and four other nuisance charges.
Ms. Scott asked that Judge Purdom consider fining him $1,000 on each count and requiring a 600-day sentence (300 days would be suspended if he closed the abattoir within 90 days of sentencing.)
Thank you for reading.
We always appreciate your support. Membership is $25 for individuals and $125 for neighborhood associations and businesses.
You are invited to join the Friends of Hairston Park as we celebrate the completion of our Mindfulness Project!
Jan. 18, 10 a.m. 889 S. Hairston Rd., Stone Mountain
In 2021, Park Pride awarded the Friends of Hairston Park a $50,000 Community Building Grant through the generous donation of The Home Depot. This grant allowed our Friends group to create a Serenity Garden with meandering trails leading to 3 native garden bed areas with benches, 5 meditative signs, trash receptacles along the path, and 3 picnic tables that will serve as an overflow from our beautiful pavilion (provided through park bond funds allotted by Commissioners Bradshaw). Park Pride’s grant also allowed us to provide 3 pergola swings for park visitors to enjoy the serene view of the lake or watch the turtles sunbathing on a log, 2 directional signs, and 2 educational interpretive signs so visitors can learn about trees and wildlife in our community park.
In addition to the grant, many volunteers made this project possible. We thank the Friends of Hairston Park for clearing the native garden area and planting the native plants.
Sentencing for Illegal Slaughterhouse Moved to Feb 17, 9 a.m.
On Dec. 14 in state court, a jury of six found Rudolph Bradford guilty of illegally slaughtering animals in his backyard. He was to be sentenced Jan. 13, 2023, but the judicial tower of the DeKalb County Courthouse is closed for repairs, according to Assistant Solicitor-General Karen Scott. The new sentencing date is Feb. 17, 2023, 9 a.m.
Bradford was found guilty on the first three charges dealing with illegal slaughtering of animals on residential property. The other two guilty verdicts dealt with inappropriate parking and storage of machinery.
Bradford was found not guilty of the four counts dealing with his license and four other nuisance charges.
Ms. Scott asked that Judge Purdom consider fining him $1,000 on each count and requiring a 600-day sentence (300 days would be suspended if he closed the abattoir within 90 days of sentencing.)
Welcome to GHHCDC Meetings
The next meeting is Saturday, Feb. 18, 10 a.m., on Zoom. We’ll provide the link in an upcoming newsletter and on our website.
Thank you for reading. We always appreciate your support.
Membership is $25 for individuals and $125 for neighborhood associations and businesses.
To mark the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., let us all be inspired anew by his service.
“Everybody can be great because everybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.”
On Dec. 14 in state court, a jury of six found Rudolph Bradford guilty of illegally slaughtering animals in his backyard. He will be sentenced Jan. 13, 2023. We will let you know details when we receive them.
Assistant Solicitor-General Karen Scott and assistant attorney Daniel Sanmiguel presented a solid case and persuasive closing arguments. Ms. Scott is pleased that guilty verdicts were returned on the first three charges dealing with illegal slaughtering of animals on residential property. The other two guilty verdicts dealt with inappropriate parking and storage of machinery.
Bradford was found not guilty of the four counts dealing with his license and four other nuisance charges.
Ms. Scott asked that Judge Purdom consider fining him $1,000 on each count and requiring a 600-day sentence (300 days would be suspended if he closed the abattoir within 90 days of sentencing.)
Clearly, a guilty verdict is not enough to get him to shut down the illegal slaughtering operation. The Georgia Department of Agriculture records show that he has slaughtered 7,209 cows, pigs, goats, and sheep since the state began keeping records in 2016.
In addition to the dedication of attorneys Scott and Sanmiguel, thanks also goes to DeKalb County Senior Code Compliance Officer Shaun Shaifer and to Solicitor-General Investigator Barbara Floyd. We also appreciate the efforts of Investigator Tessa Bowers who worked hard on this case until her untimely death in July 2022.
Senior Housing Text Amendment Passed
On Dec. 13, the BOC unanimously passed the text amendment to allow senior housing in the center area of the closed Hidden Hills golf course. Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson made the motion and mentioned Hidden Hill’s support. Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson commended the community for thinking of the needs of seniors who might want to downsize and age in place.
This amendment makes it possible to put a several-story residential tower for seniors in the southeast quadrant of Tier Five rather than an office building.
Status on Closed Golf Course Development
McKinley Homes is the residential developer that has won approval to put 228 townhomes and a 240-apartment community in Tier Five, the former clubhouse area of the closed Hidden Hills golf course. McKinley Homes continues to work through the land development permitting process. Vice President Bill Schmidt said that an agreement to provide sewer service has been reached with the County. The company is still addressing comments on the permit application and expects to be completed with that phase by early spring 2023. He says that if the sewer repairs are on schedule, the company hopes to start development in summer 2023.
Video Surveillance Now Required at Convenience Stores
Thanks to Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, DeKalb County now requires all convenience stores and high-risk businesses to own and operate a video surveillance system. The commissioner has been working hard for this legislation for years. It goes into effect June 30, 2023. You may read the ordinance at this link:
On Dec. 13, 2022, 9:00 a.m., Rudolph Bradford’s trial in state court begins. It will be in Judge Wayne Purdom’s courtroom in the Decatur courthouse at 556 N. McDonough St. Seating is limited, but the trial will be streamed. Here is the link to the trial:
It will be in Judge Wayne Purdom’s courtroom in the Decatur courthouse at 556 N. McDonough St. Seating is limited, but the trial will be streamed.
Bradford faces charges for defying a cease-and-desist order that told him to close down the slaughtering operation in his backyard at 1676 Rice Road, Lithonia. This site is near Redan Elementary School.
Rudolph Bradford slaughtered 112 animals in his backyard in November 2022, consisting of 8 cattle, 59 goats, and 45 sheep. The Georgia Department of Agriculture records show that he has slaughtered 5,079 cows, pigs, goats, and sheep since the cease-and-desist order was issued March 19, 2019.
He has slaughtered 7,209 animals since the state began keeping records in 2016.
On Dec. 13, 2022, 9:00 a.m., Rudolph Bradford’s trial in state court begins. It will be in Judge Wayne Purdom’s courtroom in the Decatur courthouse at 556 N. McDonough St. Seating is limited, but the trial will be streamed. We will post the link on this website once we get it.
Bradford faces charges for defying a cease-and-desist order that told him to close down the slaughtering operation in his backyard at 1676 Rice Road, Lithonia. This site is near Redan Elementary School.
Rudolph Bradford slaughtered 120 animals in his backyard in October 2022, consisting of 20 cattle, 61 goats, and 39 sheep. The Georgia Department of Agriculture records show that he has slaughtered 4,967 cows, pigs, goats, and sheep since the cease-and-desist order was issued March 19, 2019.
He has slaughtered 7,097 animals since the state began keeping records in 2016.
Text Amendment to Allow Senior Housing in Hidden Hills Overlay
The Board of Commission votes Dec. 13 on the text amendment that will allow senior housing in Hidden Hills. It’s decision-only, so no public comments will be allowed. We received unanimous support from the District 5 Community Council and the Planning Commission. The change allows the senior housing to qualify as part of the mixed-use requirement of the zone that affects the central part of the closed golf course. McKinley Homes has already received approval to build 228 townhomes and a managed apartment community (240 apartments).
Housing for seniors is a critical need in metro Atlanta. The number of people ages 65 and older will increase by 200% between 2015 and 2050, according to the U.S. Census and Atlanta Regional Commission. One in five people will be 65 or older by year 2030, up from the current ratio of 1 in 8. These people need homes near reliable transportation, health services, and basic retail options.
Successful Tree Planting Project
The community turned out to help plant 56 trees on S. Hairston Nov. 12. It was a great morning!
We planted a mix of Nuttall Oak, Shumard Oak and Bald Cypress on a stretch of S. Hairston on either side of Woodway. This is part of our effort to plant trees from Wesley Chapel to Mountain Industrial along Hairston. Planting trees is an investment in the future. Trees add beauty, economic value, and environmental benefits. So many trees have been lost in our community – here is an opportunity to help restore the tree canopy.
If you missed this project, stay tuned. We hope to have another one next year. Service projects restore the soul.
In the meantime, don’t forget that Trees Atlanta will GIVE you a lovely tree to plant in your front yard. Contact https://www.treesatlanta.org/yardtree/
Kimp Walton and sons Preston, Vincent and David.What a team! Connor, Nate, Kalik and JadenKim and Camden Rod and Phyllis Frierson, Jan Costello, and Herbert Love
Welcome to GHHCDC Meetings
The next meeting is Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m., on ZOOM. Please join us because we will be setting goals for 2023, and we would like your opinions.
We’re Planting Trees on Nov 12, 9 a.m. – noon, on a stretch of S. Hairston on either side of Woodway. This is a wonderful project that not lonely makes a main thoroughfare lovely, it makes a commitment to the future of this community.
Planting trees is an investment in the future. Trees add beauty, economic value, and environmental benefits. So many trees have been lost in our community – here is an opportunity to help restore the tree canopy.
You will ENJOY yourself. Service projects restore the soul. Come invest in your own well-being and help us plant trees.
We received 58 trees from Trees Atlanta, and we are planting them Nov. 12, from 9 a.m. to noon. The trees will be spaced from Big Valley Road south along the S. Hairston median to Snapfinger Creek bridge (just before Covington Hwy). We will plant a mix of Nuttall Oak, Shumard Oak and Bald Cypress.
We are meeting on Woodway near the S. Hairston exit. You can park on Canberra or Quailwood. Bring gloves and water. Trees Atlanta will provide tools.
We had a similar project last November, from Hairston Park to Elam Road, so you can see what an impact the trees make. Of course, the impact will grow every year as the trees mature.
Grab a friend or two and have some fun. It’s not hard. The tree root balls are small. We dig a hole about the size of a 5-gallon paint bucket, place the tree in it, fill with dirt, spread the mulch, and water.
Please spread the word. We had a tremendous time last year. It is an energizing uplifting service project. High school groups, neighborhood associations, and church groups – this is a great service project for you!
Greater Hidden Hills CDC successfully mulched the 50 trees we planted last year on S. Hairston and the median plantings near Redan and Hairston. Thanks to all of you who contributed money for the project. A special thanks goes to Herbert Love, our president, who shepherded this project through the entire process.
You may still donate and help to defray costs. Please click on this link and donate:
Or, or send a check to Greater Hidden Hills CDC P.O. Box 1811 Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Donations are tax deductible.
Beautiful streetscapes enhance our environment and increase property values!
We’re Sorry to See You Go
Vance Harper, owner of Nick’s Barbershop, is retiring after 35 years in business. He has been a dedicated member of this community, providing outstanding service and employment. His shop was THE bright spot in Redan Village. We will miss you. We wish you peace and health in your retirement.
Nick’s Barbershop won the GHHCDC Curb Appeal contest in 2016. Shown here, Mr. Harper is presented a planter by GHHCDC Board of Directors Nadine Rivers-Johnson (left) and Phyllis Frierson (right).
Learn about MARTA Options in South DeKalb
MARTA has been holding meetings to discuss three areas of interest: the I-20 corridor, Candler road, and the bus network. The dialog is important because DeKalb County leaders are determining what is the locally preferred alternative for mass transit in South DeKalb.
You can learn more about rapid transit in S. DeKalb along the I-20 corridor at the link below. Scroll down to presentations and documents to find information.
MARTA is also looking at more service to connect the Candler Road corridor to GSU Panthersville Campus in the south and either Decatur or Avondale Rail Station on the north. You may take the survey below to share your option:
How to expand the MARTA bus network is also a hot topic. There is also a survey and information specifically about the bus network options. You may review the information and share your opinion at
Text Amendment to Allow Senior Housing in Hidden Hills Overlay
We received unanimous support from the District 5 Community Council and the Planning Commission of the text amendment to allow senior housing in the Hidden Hills Overlay District as part of the mixed-use criteria. The changes also allow a residential housing mix (single-family, attached; multi-family; and/or single-family, detached).
Housing for seniors is a critical need in metro Atlanta. The number of people ages 65 and older will increase by 200% between 2015 and 2050, according to the U.S. Census and Atlanta Regional Commission. One in five people will be 65 or older by year 2030, up from the current ratio of 1 in 8.
These people need homes near reliable transportation, health services, and basic retail options. The Board of Commissioners will vote on Nov. 17.
Slaughterhouse – A Trial Date is set!
On Dec. 13, 2022, 9:00 a.m., Rudolph Bradford’s trial in state court begins. He faces charges for defying a cease-and-desist order that told him to close down the slaughtering operation in his backyard at 1676 Rice Road, Lithonia. This site is near Redan Elementary School.
Rudolph Bradford slaughtered 145 animals in his backyard in September 2022, consisting of 12 cattle, 46 goats, and 87 sheep. The Georgia Department of Agriculture records show that he has slaughtered 4,847 cows, pigs, goats, and sheep since the cease-and-desist order was issued March 19, 2019.
He has slaughtered 6,977 animals since the state began keeping records in 2016.
Welcome to GHHCDC Meetings
The next meeting is Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m., on ZOOM.
Join us Nov. 12, 9 a.m. to noon to plant trees on S. Hairston right in front of Hidden Hills. Meet us at Woodway and S. Hairston.
We have received 58 trees from Trees Atlanta, and we are planting them from Big Valley Road south along the S. Hairston median to Snapfinger Creek bridge (just before Covington Hwy). We will plant a mix of Nuttall Oak, Shumard Oak and Bald Cypress.
We had a similar project last November, from Hairston Park to Elam Road, so you can see what an impact the trees make. Of course, the impact will grow every year as the trees mature.
It’s a lot of fun. All you need to bring is water and gloves. You may register and get more information at
If you can’t make it, you can still help.Share the flyerwith your friends and civic, church and school groups. We appreciate your help in making our community better.
We had a blast last November when our community joined other volunteers from across Atlanta to plant 50 trees on S. Hairston. We did such a great job that Trees Atlanta is giving us 58 more trees!
This is stunning news and so welcome. Trees add beauty, economic value, and environmental benefits. So many trees have been lost in our community – here is an opportunity to help restore the tree canopy.
We’ll be planting from Snapfinger Creek to Big Valley Road on S. Hairston. We’re meeting at Woodway and S. Hairston Nov. 12, shortly before 9.
Grab a friend or two and have some fun. It’s not hard. The tree root balls are small. We dig a hole about the size of a 5-gallon paint bucket, place the tree in it, fill with dirt, spread the mulch, and water.
Please spread the word. We had a tremendous time last year. It is an energizing uplifting service project! High school groups, neighborhood associations, and church groups – this is a great service project for you!
Soon, there will be a link to sign up. But for now, round up your friends and save 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 12.
Mulch Project Nears Completion
We continue to raise money for mulching the 50 trees the community and Trees Atlanta planted last November on Hairston Road. We thank those who have supported the cause. Please click on this link and donate:
Or, or send a check to Greater Hidden Hills CDC P.O. Box 1811 Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Donations are tax deductible. The funds will also allow the community to mulch the trees and shrubbery on the median at Redan and Hairston that were planted in 2017.
Beautiful streetscapes enhance our environment and increase property values!
Children Can Borrow Books at Hairston Park
Thanks to the efforts of Friends of Hairston Park (FoHP) president Gwendolyn Stegall, we have a book box at Hairston Park. This eye-catching “library” was painted by Friends of Hairston Park volunteer Briana Simpson. Delta Life Development Center helped install the box and stock it with books. You can also donate books; write to FriendsofHairstonPark@gmail.com
Many children are borrowing books from the park library. It’s a great way to encourage reading. Thank you to all involved for this gift of imagination.
Native Plant Garden Taking Shape
The Hairston Park Serenity Garden features native plants. If you can help plant the week of Oct. 16, please write to FriendsofHairstonPark@gmail.com
Text Amendment to Allow Senior Housing in Hidden Hills Overlay
We received unanimous support from the District 5 Community Council of the text amendment to allow senior housing in the Hidden Hills Overlay District as part of the mixed-use criteria. The changes also allow a residential housing mix (single-family, attached; multi-family; and/or single-family, detached). Thanks to Larry Coles and Barbara McClendon for speaking in favor at the meeting.
Housing for seniors is a critical need in metro Atlanta. The number of people ages 65 and older will increase by 200% between 2015 and 2050, according to the U.S. Census and Atlanta Regional Commission. One in five people will be 65 or older by year 2030, up from the current ratio of 1 in 8.
These people need homes near reliable transportation, health services, and basic retail options. The Planning Commission will hear the case Nov. 1, and the Board of Commissioners will vote on Nov. 17.
Slaughterhouse – A Trial Date is set!
On Dec. 13, 2022, 9:00 a.m., Rudolph Bradford’s trial in state court begins. He faces charges for defying a cease-and-desist order that told him to close down the slaughtering operation in his backyard at 1676 Rice Road, Lithonia. This site is near Redan Elementary School.
Rudolph Bradford slaughtered 145 animals in his backyard in September 2022, consisting of 12 cattle, 46 goats, and 87 sheep. The Georgia Department of Agriculture records show that he has slaughtered 4,847 cows, pigs, goats, and sheep since the cease-and-desist order was issued March 19, 2019.
He has slaughtered 6,977 animals since the state began keeping records in 2016.
Greater Hidden Hills 