Upcoming Events in Our Community

May 11: Transforming Indian Creek MARTA District

The Transit Oriented Development (TOD) plan for Indian Creek is being fine-tuned, and your opinions are needed. The master plans “will create a community-driven vision to catalyze the transformation of MARTA’s Indian Creek Station into a walkable, vibrant, mixed-use, transit-centric community.”  

TOD often includes a mix of uses including a variety of housing types, office, and retail within a five-to-10-minute walk of a transit station. It is generally denser than the development surrounding it and is supported by high quality neighborhood amenities, such as parks, plazas, and other public spaces.

Community meeting: May 11, 2023, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Indian Creek MARTA Station, 3901 Durham Park Road.

You can also take a survey and learn more by clicking this link.

May 20, 2023, 10 a.m. Next GHHCDC Meeting

Catch up on developments in our overlay zone. This meeting is virtual.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9743140681?pwd=bXd0MEJWRGw0OEs2ZVAvMjB2TXpGQT09

Meeting ID: 974 314 0681

Passcode: 8SsoK0

Phone: 929 436 2866

May 23, 2023, 1 p.m., Fixing the Food Gap

Zoom Event with Federal Trade Commission and People Fighting for Fairness in Our Food System.

Register

The Institute for Self-Reliance is offering a virtual event on the important topic: How Communities are Fighting Back Against Predatory Retail Chains. From the news release:

“The rise of predatory retail chains—including Walmart, Kroger, and Dollar General—has wreaked havoc on our communities. These giants leverage their power to bully farmers and muscle out independent grocers, which has undermined our food system, left many communities without access to fresh, healthy food, and harmed our local economies. Please join the call Tuesday, May 23rd at 1:00–2:15 pm featuring Federal Trade Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya alongside community leaders, independent grocers, and advocates—to examine the ways these dominant retailers exert their power, how community leaders are fighting back, and what federal leaders must do to cultivate fairness in our food system.”

Keynote Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya Federal Trade Commission Q&A Moderated by Stacy Mitchell Co-Executive Director, Institute for Local Self-Reliance  Panel Discussion Angela Huffman Co-Founder and Vice President, Farm Action Aaron Johnson Founder and Owner, Oasis Fresh Market in North Tulsa, Oklahoma Rev. Dr. Donald Perryman Senior Pastor, The Center of Hope Community Baptist Church in Toledo, Ohio Moderated by Rana Foroohar Global Business Columnist and an Associate Editor at the Financial Times

June 3, 1-6 p.m., Pop-Up Market on Memorial Drive

Rock of Ages Lutheran Church in Stone Mountain will host the East Memorial Drive Pop of Market on Saturday, June 3, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

DeKalb County business owner Deanna Cauthen is coordinating the event to support the East Memorial Corridor, which has experienced slow economic growth since the early 1990s.

Vendors can register for The East Memorial Drive Pop-Up Market at www.emdpopup.com, or by emailing Deanna Cauthen at dzstories@yahoo.com.

June 10, 8:00-11 a.m. It’s time for the Fun Run!

Or you can walk or bike. Meet at Biffle Park, 5221 Biffle Road, Stone Mountain,  June 10, 8 a.m. and enjoy the 5K event. Official times will be recorded for those who are interested.  Please register at this link.   
Sponsors and donations are welcome. Write to HHCAMail@yahoo.com

Decide DeKalb Working to Attract New Jobs and Bridge Gaps

Decide DeKalb is the economic development arm of DeKalb County. The staff works to increase investment and jobs. It now has an Equitable Economic Development Program which focuses particularly on bringing investment and increasing opportunities in underserved parts of the county. Jan Costello and about 15 other residents of the County are on the Advocate DeKalb advisory group which hopes to bring more attention to central and south DeKalb.

The agency is doing good work in one of the most diverse counties in Georgia. View its latest report by clicking this link.

On April 3, Rudolf Bradford was ordered by State Court to shut down his slaughterhouse business at 1676 Rice Road within 30 days.  If he does not comply, he will serve time in jail.   He must also pay a $5,000 fine.   

The Solicitor-General’s office has been conscientious in keeping us updated every step of the way.   Prosecutors Karen Scott and Daniel Sanmiguel sent this summary:

After hearing the State’s recommendation, as well as considering evidence that the State presented that the Defendant has continued to operate his business in the same capacity as before, the Judge imposed the following sentence, aggregated from the five counts for which the Mr. Bradford was convicted.

Mr. Bradford was ordered to serve a sentence of 600 days, with 300 days on probation and 300 days in jail. However, the jail time may be suspended (e.g., served outside of custody) if the Defendant complies with the following special conditions:

1) He must stop slaughtering animals/operating the abbatoir portion of his business within 30 days of today’s date.

2) He must cease ALL agricultural business operations at 1676 Rice Road within 90 days of today’s date.

3) He must remove or dispose of all agricultural equipment at 1676 Rice Road within 90 days.

4) He must have no animals other than those allowed by the DeKalb County code for a residential property, zoned as his is, and must be in compliance with this condition within 90 days.

Additionally, the defendant was ordered to pay a fine of $5000, plus any applicable surcharges, and for the duration of the 600-day sentence he must allow code enforcement or probation to enter his property to ensure that he is in compliance.

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.

You are welcome at the March 18, 10 a.m., meeting.
Please join by Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83264154598?pwd=SVUzQVg0SkRkSG9rMGd3TFN1T1E1dz09

Meeting ID: 832 6415 4598

Passcode: 231950

One tap mobile: +1 309-205-3325

Sentencing for Slaughterhouse Owner

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:

As Dollar Stores Proliferate, Some Communities Say No

DeKalb County E.M.B.A.R.C. Community Youth Farm has exciting programming for youth and the young at heart.

On March 17, 9:45 a.m., there is a Nature Play for Kids.

On April 1, 9:00 a.m., there’s a guided nature hike. 

Check out the activities at: 

https://www.eventbrite.com/o/embarc-community-youth-farm-52946347093

Thank you for reading.
We always appreciate your support. Membership is $25 for individuals and $125 for neighborhood associations and businesses. 

https://greaterhiddenhillscdc.org/you-can-make-a-difference/

or go directly to PayPal:

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=RC6HZUCJTGPVY

Hope to see you March 18!

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

Zoom info: 
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86356827280?pwd=MTFuS2h6M29US3lEMkVvZzhadnNLdz09

Meeting ID: 863 5682 7280

Passcode: 760027

One tap mobile

309-205-3325 or 309-205-3325  

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. 

https://greaterhiddenhillscdc.org/you-can-make-a-difference/

or go directly to PayPal:

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=RC6HZUCJTGPVY

We hope to see you Feb. 18!

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. 

https://greaterhiddenhillscdc.org/you-can-make-a-difference/

or go directly to PayPal:

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=RC6HZUCJTGPVY

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.) 

Bradford is still advertising his slaughtering business on Craig’s list.  https://atlanta.craigslist.org/eat/grd/d/lithonia-goats-sheep-lamb-cows-chickens/7570607801.html

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:

Click to access DeKalb-County-Video-Surveillance-Ordinance-11.17.22-Clean.pdf

The next meeting of GHHCDC will be Feb. 18, 10 a.m., via Zoom.

Details will be provided in a few weeks.

We always appreciate your support.

Membership is $25 for individuals and $125 for neighborhood associations and businesses. 

https://greaterhiddenhillscdc.org/you-can-make-a-difference/

or go directly to PayPal:

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=RC6HZUCJTGPVY

May you have a happy, healthy and prosperous new year!

Thank you for reading. Let’s keep working together to leave our community better than we found it!

Jan Costello

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:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOYFcIJ-UTPPL0tHczknwdw?view_as=subscriber

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/

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.

Please join by clicking this link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89386736688?pwd=V2lqMFVLY2ZXc0Q1VmFJdHBhSnpvQT09

Meeting ID: 893 8673 6688
Passcode: 894106
Mobile: 1 312-626-6799

Thank you for reading. You can make a difference. Join us at one of the upcoming events.

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!

We encourage you to REGISTER at this link:

https://rb.gy/upbo5s

Mulch Project Completed!

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:

https://gofund.me/65a04efc

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. 

https://itsmarta.com/south-dekalb-transit-initiative.aspx

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:  

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CandlerART

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

https://www.marta2040nextgenbus.com/home

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.

Please join by clicking this link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89386736688?pwd=V2lqMFVLY2ZXc0Q1VmFJdHBhSnpvQT09

Meeting ID: 893 8673 6688
Passcode: 894106
Mobile: 1 312-626-6799

Thank you for reading. You can make a difference. Join us at one of the upcoming events.